The stage is finally set for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoffs, and fans are in for a massive weekend of Counter Strike. All eight teams in the bracket are ranked inside the global top 10, which means every match on the schedule has the potential to be a blockbuster. With long running rivalries, storylines that span the entire season, and a hometown favourite making a deep run, this Major is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.
A Marquee Duel To Open The Playoffs
Spirit will open the playoffs against Falcons, setting up another chapter in the season long clash between Danil “donk” Kryshkovets and Nikola “NiKo” Kovač. It will be their fourth meeting of 2025, and so far NiKo has had the edge. Falcons also arrive with momentum, replacing paiN as the only new team returning to the playoffs after Austin, already marking their best ever finish at a Valve sponsored event.
With Spirit in top form and donk looking unstoppable throughout the Swiss stage, this matchup is the clear headline for day one.
A Grand Final Rematch With Serious Stakes
The second quarterfinal brings a rematch of the Austin Major grand final, as Vitality take on The MongolZ. Both sides have navigated a tough Swiss stage to reach this point, and the rivalry between them has only grown stronger across 2025. Expect a tight, high pressure best of three, where every round counts and neither team can afford early mistakes.
Hometown Energy As MOUZ Return To The Arena
Local fans will have plenty to cheer for as Ádám “torzsi” Torzsás and MOUZ step into the spotlight once again. Their matchup against Finn “karrigan” Andersen’s FaZe Clan is one of the most anticipated games of the weekend. FaZe bring a wealth of experience, while MOUZ look energised by the home crowd and their strong run through the Swiss bracket.
This quarterfinal will also open Friday’s schedule, setting the tone for the second day of playoff action.
FURIA vs NAVI: A Clash Of Titans
To close out the quarterfinals, world number one FURIA meet Natus Vincere in a heavyweight showdown. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo is chasing his first Major trophy since 2016, and with FURIA sitting atop the rankings, the Brazilian squad enters with enormous expectations. NAVI, however, have proven time and time again that they thrive under high pressure. The two teams have met several times this year, and every encounter has delivered.
With single elimination rules in place, there is absolutely no room for hesitation.
Full Playoff Schedule
All matches will be played in best of three series, except for the grand final. The playoffs begin on 11 December and run through 14 December.
| Date | Time (CET) | Match |
|---|---|---|
| 11 December | 17:00 | Spirit vs Falcons |
| 11 December | 20:00 | Vitality vs The MongolZ |
| 12 December | 17:00 | MOUZ vs FaZe |
| 12 December | 20:00 | FURIA vs Natus Vincere |
The #BudapestMajor Playoffs bracket reveal:@Team__Spirit vs. @FalconsEsport@TeamVitalityCS vs. @1mongolz @mousesports vs. @FaZeEsports @FURIA vs. @natusvincere pic.twitter.com/0cqmRhzCpT
— StarLadder CS2 (@StarLadder_CS) December 7, 2025