The eight-team playoff field for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 was set on December 10, with FURIA and Team Spirit advancing unbeaten through Stage III. The playoffs took place December 11–14 at Budapest’s MVM Dome; Team Vitality and FaZe Clan ultimately reached the grand final.
Which teams made the playoffs?
The final eight were FURIA, Team Spirit, MOUZ, The MongolZ, Team Vitality, Team Falcons, FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere. Their Stage III records were split across three qualification outcomes:
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| Stage III record | Teams |
|---|---|
| 3–0 | FURIA, Team Spirit |
| 3–1 | MOUZ, The MongolZ, Team Vitality |
| 3–2 | Team Falcons, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere |
Valve’s December 10 announcement described FURIA and Team Spirit as having “perfect 3-0 records.” Those records show how each team qualified; they do not, by themselves, establish how a team would perform in the knockout bracket. Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 announcement
How did the playoff bracket work?
StarLadder’s playoff guide set an eight-team, single-elimination bracket: a loss meant elimination. The quarterfinals and semifinals were best-of-three series, while the grand final was best-of-five. The guide listed a $1,250,000 prize pool for the playoff contest. StarLadder’s playoff guide
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Quarterfinal matchups
- Team Spirit vs Team Falcons
- The MongolZ vs Team Vitality
- MOUZ vs FaZe Clan
- Natus Vincere vs FURIA
The schedule placed the first two quarterfinals on December 11 and the other two on December 12, with matches listed for 17:00 and 20:00 CET on each day. The semifinals were scheduled for December 13, followed by the grand final on December 14 at 18:00 CET.
Where and when were the playoffs held?
The matches took place December 11–14, 2025, at Budapest’s MVM Dome. Valve described the arena as a 20,000-seat venue in its December 10 announcement. These dates are past; the event is complete. Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 announcement
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Who reached the grand final?
Team Vitality beat The MongolZ in the quarterfinals and Team Spirit 2–0 in the semifinals. FaZe Clan defeated MOUZ in the quarterfinals, then beat Natus Vincere 2–1 in the semifinals. Those results sent Vitality and FaZe to the December 14 final. Valve’s December 13 update reports the semifinal outcomes and finalists. Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 results update
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else did Valve announce?
Valve said that 50% of tournament sticker proceeds would go to participating players, teams and organizations. That figure refers to sticker proceeds, not the prize pool. The announcement also covered Budapest tournament stickers, a Viewer Pass, Souvenirs and souvenir charms as in-game items or features.
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