StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick’em’s Guide
With just 8 days left until the StarLadder Budapest Major begins, fans are already rushing to lock in their Pick’em predictions. Whether you’re chasing that shimmering Diamond Coin or collecting Souvenir Tokens to relive the best moments of the tournament, every correct pick counts.
If you need a refresher on how the Pick’em Challenge works, check out our detailed guide, and if you’re curious about Souvenirs and in-game drops, we’ve got you covered in another piece.
Before diving into predictions, remember that these picks are educated guesses based on team form, past performances, and Major momentum – but anything can happen once the server goes live.
Format Overview
Stage 1, running from November 24-27, 2025, will use a 16-team Swiss system. The format works simply:
- Teams that win move closer to qualification, while losses bring them closer to elimination.
- All elimination and advancement matches will be Bo3, and every other game will be Bo1.
- The top eight squads proceed to Stage 2, and the bottom eight are sent home early.
Round 1:
The opening round sets the tone for the tournament. Based on current form and matchups, our projected Round 1 winners are Legacy, FaZe Clan, M80, GamerLegion, Fnatic, PARIVISION, NRG, and Rare Atom.
This leaves FlyQuest, Lynn Vision, B8, Fluxo, Red Canids, The Huns Esports, NIP, and Imperial battling through the lower bracket.
Round 2:
Things start heating up in Round 2. In high matches, Legacy, FaZe, GamerLegion, and Fnatic should secure wins against Rare Atom, NRG, M80, and PARIVISION respectively.
In the lower bracket, expect redemption for several squads: B8 should overcome The Huns Esports, NIP will likely beat Red Canids, Imperial will edge out Fluxo, and FlyQuest should outclass Lynn Vision.
Round 3:
In Round 3, Legacy and FaZe are predicted to go flawless, taking their Bo3 victories against Fnatic and GamerLegion to qualify at 3-0.
Meanwhile, M80, NRG, Rare Atom, and FlyQuest are expected to win in the middle round matches.
On the elimination side, Lynn Vision and Red Canids should survive, eliminating The Huns Esports and Imperial at 0-3.
Round 4:
GamerLegion, M80, and FlyQuest are predicted to secure 3-1 records, earning their place in Stage 2.
For the lower bracket, NIP, Lynn Vision, and B8 are projected to upset their rivals Fluxo, Red Canids, and PARIVISION, sending the latter trio home.
Round 5:
The final round of Stage 1 always delivers high drama. NRG, Fnatic, and Lynn Vision should clutch their final games against Rare Atom, B8, and NIP, closing the stage with 3-2 records. These wins would round out the top eight teams advancing to Stage 2.
All images above are courtesy of the BLAST Major Pickem's simulator. You can try it out for yourself HERE.
Final Thoughts
Strafe StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick'Em Prediction:
Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major promises intense clashes, unpredictable upsets, and storylines that will carry deep into the event. Picking the perfect bracket is nearly impossible, but that’s part of the fun. Trust your instincts, follow the momentum, and may your Pick’em sheet bring you one step closer to the Diamond Coin.
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Featured Image Source: Valve
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