UPDATE: The battle for playoff spots heats up at the Counter-Strike 2 Budapest Major 2025, with NAVI, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports locked in fierce competition for the final three slots. As of now, six teams are fighting for advancement, making every match crucial.
In a dramatic twist, NAVI finds itself in an underdog role against B8. Currently leading their advancement match 1-0, NAVI dominated Map 1 on Ancient with a score of 13-4. Map 2, Train, is in progress, while Mirage could serve as the decisive battleground if needed. Earlier in Stage 2, NAVI swept B8 3-0, but despite recent setbacks—including a shocking 2-13 loss to FURIA—NAVI remains the favorite to secure their playoff position.
Meanwhile, FaZe Clan is set to face Passion UA at 16:30 CET today in another critical advancement series. Following a rough start in Stage 1, FaZe rebounded in Stage 2, finishing undefeated and claiming a victory over Vitality in Stage 3. However, losses to Spirit and The MongolZ forced them into this elimination round. Passion UA has been the surprise package of the tournament, knocking out M80, Liquid, and Imperial, but their recent losses to G2 and Falcons cast doubt on their ability to compete against elite teams like FaZe.
The most anticipated matchup of the day features G2 Esports squaring off against Team Falcons in a winner-takes-all best-of-three series, with the exact time still to be determined. G2 started Stage 3 strong, achieving 2-0 victories over Passion UA and paiN. However, they stumbled against FURIA and The MongolZ, putting pressure on them to deliver against the relentless Falcons. Team Falcons, despite an early exit from the Austin Major, recovered from an initial loss to B8 with wins over Passion UA and Imperial, only to falter against MOUZ yesterday. This showdown between two top-tier rosters is poised to be a nail-biter.
As the playoff bracket nears completion, teams including FURIA, Team Spirit, The MongolZ, Team Vitality, and MOUZ have already secured their spots. The winners of today’s three crucial matches will join them in the single-elimination playoff bracket, set to commence on December 11 and culminate with the Grand Final on December 14.
Stay tuned for live updates as these high-stakes matches unfold, with the future of these teams hanging in the balance!
