CS2 Budapest Major Pickems: Our Predictions and Analysis before the teams Hit the Main Stage

As Stage 3 has finally closed its curtains, we've finally come up with our CS2 Budapest Major Pickems before the playoff phase. The top eight teams remaining on the battlefield will face off at the MVM Dome in Budapest in search of a shiny trophy and $1,250,000 Prize pool.

The playoff stage is scheduled to kick off on December 11, 2025, featuring top-tier teams, such as FURIA, The MongolZ, MOUZ, FaZe Clan, and more. CS2 enthusiasts across the world have around a day or two to complete their Pick'Em challenges. On that note, here's our analysis and predictions about the CS2 Budapest Major Pickems. Watch out, as it might help you with your pick'ems.

CS2 Budapest Major Pickems: Our Predictions and Analysis

As discussed, the playoff stage of the Budapest Major is right around the corner. While the main event started with 32 teams across the world, it has surely been riddled with several emotional moments and upsets. While the BO3 (Best of three) format has surely fired up the overall environment, considering all the teams' calibre, determining the winner is not an easy task at all.

Currently, here's a list of eight teams that will participate in the playoff stage:

• Team Spirit
• Team Falcons
• The MongolZ
• FURIA
• MOUZ Esports
• FaZe Clan
• Team Vitality
• Natus Vincere

Meanwhile, as a total of eight teams are getting fired up to face each other in front of a major crowd, here's our StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoff pickems:

Our Picks across every pivotal stage

Now that we've got a clear idea of which teams are playing in the playoff stage, here are our Budapest Major CS2 Pickems:

Quarterfinals Stage

• Team Spirit (W) vs Team Falcons
• Team Vitality (W) vs The MongolZ
• FURIA (W) vs Natus Vincere
• MOUZ vs FaZe Clan (W)

Semifinals Stage

• Team Spirit vs Team Vitality (W)
• FURIA (W) vs FaZe Clan

Grand Final

• Team Vitaity vs FURIA (W)

Here's our analysis of what could happen at every stage:

Quarterfinals Stage Analysis

Eight teams will battle for glory in the quarter-finals stage. Team Spirit vs Team Falcons will likely be one of the biggest bouts in this phase of the CS2 tournament.

Team Spirit vs Team Falcons

The first quarterfinal match will be between Team Spirit and Team Falcons. Clearly, Team Spirit has the upper hand compared to the Saudi giants. Considering Donk and company's 3-0 whitewash in Stage 3, it should be a cakewalk for the Russian organisation.

Team Vitality vs The MongolZ

Team Vitality vs The Mongolz will surely be an exciting matchup, considering both teams' recent history in the CS2 competitive scene. While ZywOo brings a lot to the table, along with ropz and mezii, the MongolZ rely on their raw aim. They'll definitely miss the spark of Senzu, but Controlez could be a key factor for them. Regardless, Team Vitality should win the BO3 series in a 2-1 victory.

FURIA vs Natus Vincere

FURIA are currently having their dream run, winning FISSURE Playground 2 and Blast Rivals Season 2 back-to-back. Moreover, they've stormed into the playoff stage with a 3-0 victory. The combination of an emerging Kazakhstani AWPer (molody) and an experienced IGL Fallen, along with other Brazilian talents, seems inevitable against a comparatively new team, NAVI.

MOUZ vs FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan is best known for its sudden comeback in the major, especially from Stage 2. Despite facing tons of bumps in the Swiss phase, the roster featuring star names seems to be ready to face one of the consistent teams in the tournament, MOUZ. The German organisation has become one of the reliable teams in terms of firepower and last-minute calls. However, that doesn't seem to be enough to beat the mighty Karrigan and company.

Semifinals Stage Analysis

We expect Team Spirit, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan and Furia to make the top four at the major.

Team Spirit vs Team Vitality

Team Spirit will enter the semifinal stage as one of the strongest teams, featuring extreme firepower for sure. The deadly combo of sh1ro and donk has once again become a hot topic for this major. However, we all know how Zyw0o can turn the tide of any matchup with his magic as a complete player. Based on what we've seen throughout the tournament, Team Vitality should secure its spot in the Grand Final without any issues.

FURIA vs FaZe Clan

Team FURIA will enter the Semifinals stage as the clear contenders of the Starladder Major 2025. However, FaZe might want to slow things down if they want to win this matchup by punishing FURIA's aggression. As FaZe's mid-round calls aren't that strong till now, the Brazilian force should capitalise on that and clear their path to the finals.

Grand Final Analysis

We will likely see a Zywoo-led Vitality compete against the trio of Molodoy, Kscerato and Fallen in the grand finals.

Team Vitality vs FURIA

Based on our analysis, we might see both the French and Brazilian organisations face each other once again in the major, similar to BLAST Major Rivals Season 2. So far, FURIA's form has proved a perfect combo between experience and emotion. CS2 fans are definitely used to witnessing the Brazilian flair. However, if Zyw0o and company can set FURIA on its back foot with their consistency, the outcome could be different. Regardless, FURIA should etch their name on the Major trophy.

That concludes our CS2 StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoff pickems. If you've reached this far and liked our content so far, make sure to check out our latest piece about the recent CS2 update on false VAC bans reversed.