The second stage of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has ended

The second stage of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has ended: 16 teams are ready for the decisive phase of the tournament

The second stage of the major Counter-Strike 2 tournament — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has ended in Budapest. After intense competition, a list of 16 teams has been finalized, which will continue to compete in the third, decisive group stage.

The tournament bracket of the third stage is divided into two parts. The first eight teams — FURIA Esports, Vitality, Falcons, The MongolZ, MOUZ, Spirit, G2 and paiN Gaming — were directly invited by the organizers, bypassing the first two stages. The remaining eight spots were contested in fierce competition: Natus Vincere, FaZe, B8, Imperial, PARIVISION, Liquid, Passion UA and 3DMAX made it to the top 16 based on the results of the second stage.

We remind you that the tournament started with 32 teams. In the first stage, which took place from November 24 to 27, 16 participants of the second phase were determined, and now we know the 16 strongest who will continue their path to the playoffs. The third stage will take place from December 4 to 7 in a Swiss system format, where elimination and playoff qualification matches will be played in a best-of-three (Bo3) format, while the rest will be best-of-one (Bo1).

The finalists of this stage will advance to the playoffs, which will be held from December 11 to 14 at MVM Dome. The tournament is held in Budapest, and the total prize pool is $1,250,000.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is entering the decisive phase, where invited favorites and teams that have passed a tough selection will meet. Soon, the top eight will be determined, who will compete for the Major champion title.