Underdogs galore in StarLadder Budapest Major semi-finals

Bruno Sobieraj Published December 13, 2025

Counter-Strike action at the StarLadder Budapest Major playoffs has only just started, and it has already delivered. Three of the four bookies’ underdogs came out on top in the quarter-finals.

The games will continue to be unpredictable in Saturday’s matchups, with Spirit taking on Vitality and Natus Vincere facing off against FaZe Clan.

Let’s see who makes it through to the Grand Final in the MVM Dome.

Spirit vs. Vitality

zweih stepped up for Spirit against Falcons. Credit: © StarLadder

Despite Danil “donk” Kryshkovets’ outstanding form in the Major group stage, Spirit were still the underdogs in their quarter-final matchup against Falcons. Nikola “NiKo” Kovac and his teammates had the measure of Spirit throughout the whole year, but this game was different.

While most of the Falcons’ players crumbled on the big stage, the newcomers of Spirits elevated their game under the lights. Ivan “zweih” Gogin has been under a lot of scrutiny since joining Spirit, but the 18-year-old stepped up when it mattered most and topped the charts in his team’s quarter-final victory.

Vitality had arguably one of the easiest matchups in the quarters, with their opponents being The MongolZ fresh after a massive roster change. No matter the opposition, Vitality showed up and took care of business, dominating the Mongolians in a quick 2-0 win.

The international squad is aiming for their second Major win this year, which would make Vitality’s 2025 one of the most successful years of all time for a Counter-Strike team. Additionally, Dan “apEX” Madesclaire has a chance to join the prestigious club of four Major titles.

It’s very tough to call this game. The two most recent Major champions facing off will surely bring fire and excitement to the Budapest arena. The sole factor that’s making us slightly lean towards Spirit is simply donk.

Score prediction:

• Spirit 2:1 Vitality

Odds:

• Spirit Win: 2.05
• Vitality Win: 1.85

Odds courtesy of Stake. Odds are subject to change.

NAVI vs. FaZe

FaZe continue to subvert expectations. Credit: © StarLadder

Very few people thought that NAVI had a fighting chance against FURIA in their quarter-final matchup. However, Major experience prevailed on the side of NAVI, with the Copenhagen Major winning core firing on all cylinders and rookie Drin “makazze” Shaqiri powering through the world’s best team.

Despite winning 2-1, NAVI were the better team throughout the whole series, both individually and as a unit. A few days of prep time surely helped them a lot, with their coach Andrey “B1aD3” Gorodenskiy known for being a tactical mastermind.

As for their opponents, FaZe continue to level up with each stage of the tournament. It’s remarkable to think that the international squad was just milliseconds away from elimination in Stage 1, and yesterday they destroyed MOUZ in the quarter-finals, with the heavily criticized Helvijs “broky” Saukants popping off.

The arena is behind FaZe, no matter the circumstances. They even had the crowd cheering against Adam “torzsi” Torzsas in his home country. Finn “karrigan” Andersen is proving time and time again that the FaZe playoff aura is simply unescapable.

Again, it’s extremely difficult to predict this matchup as well. There’s a world where NAVI shut down FaZe with their team play and tactical prowess. On the other hand, FaZe’s power of friendship could spell disaster for NAVI. Tuning into this game is a must.

Score prediction:

• NAVI 2:1 FaZe

Odds:

• NAVI Win: 1.65
• FaZe Win: 2.35

Odds courtesy of Stake. CS2 odds are subject to change.

• Don’t miss: Stage 3 Major Pick’ems

Feature image credit: © StarLadder