A Full Breakdown of One of the Most Tense Elimination Battles of the Major
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has already delivered unforgettable moments, but one of the most intense storylines so far revolves around FaZe Clan’s near elimination against RED Canids. Entering the match with a one to two record, FaZe had zero room for mistakes. Another loss meant packing their bags early. On the other side, RED walked in as clear underdogs, but with the confidence and chaos factor that Brazilian CS always brings to the server.
What followed was a three map scrap that tested nerves, reactions and mental strength. FaZe survived, but the match revealed far more than just a win on the scoreboard. It showed exactly where both teams stand and how volatile this Major truly is.
This is the complete analysis.

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Match Overview
Format and Setting
• Best of three
• Stage One elimination match
• Winner moves to the two to two group
• Loser is out of the Budapest Major
FaZe entered the server as heavy favorites in every sportsbook and prediction market. Yet when the match started, RED refused to play that role. They pushed FaZe to a full series, created momentum swings and made some rounds look outright terrifying for a team expected to breeze through.
Here is how the match unfolded map by map.
Map One: Mirage
FaZe Win the Opener
Mirage opened the series and FaZe took control early. Their structure on mid control, their late round executes and their ability to punish RED’s aggressive peeks made the difference. RED still fought through every round and created pressure in several clutch moments.
Final score: FaZe win Mirage
Round by Round Table for Map One
| Round | Winner | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FaZe | Pistol coordination on A |
| 2 | FaZe | Clean anti eco |
| 3 | RED | Connector pick opens round |
| 4 | FaZe | Rain anchors B perfectly |
| 5 | RED | Fast A split overwhelms defense |
| 6 | FaZe | Frozen one versus two clutch |
| 7 | FaZe | Mid control domination |
| 8 | RED | Fast B hit surprises FaZe |
| 9 | FaZe | Broky multi kill with the AWP |
| 10 | FaZe | Strong retake teamwork |
| 11 | RED | Hero AK round |
| 12 | FaZe | Late round execute success |
| 13 | FaZe | CT lockdown to close half |
| 14 | FaZe | Pistol conversion |
| 15 | RED | Force buy success |
| 16 | RED | Momentum round |
| 17 | FaZe | Frozen entry kills |
| 18 | FaZe | Full execute closer |
Map Two: Nuke
RED Strike Back
Nuke flipped the script. RED looked prepared, confident and fully aware of FaZe’s tendencies. Their ramp aggression, upper crunch timing and fast rotates across the map made FaZe uncomfortable.
The match tightened as both teams traded consecutive rounds, but RED maintained enough momentum to hand FaZe a painful loss.
Final score: RED win Nuke
Round by Round Table for Map Two
| Round | Winner | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RED | Pistol aggression ramp |
| 2 | RED | Clean anti eco |
| 3 | FaZe | Outside control success |
| 4 | FaZe | Broky AWP shutdown |
| 5 | RED | Upper site crunch |
| 6 | RED | One versus one clutch |
| 7 | RED | Secret cross denied |
| 8 | FaZe | Frozen multi kill |
| 9 | RED | Strong upper hold |
| 10 | RED | FaZe forced to eco |
| 11 | FaZe | Retake success |
| 12 | FaZe | Rain lower site hold |
| 13 | RED | Perfect execute timing |
| 14 | RED | Clutch win to reach map point |
| 15 | RED | Clean closer |
Map Three: Inferno
FaZe Survive the Fire
Inferno became a test of endurance and mental strength. Both teams traded momentum in waves. RED found early success with explosive banana control, while FaZe leaned heavily on patience, tactical executions and disciplined retakes.
In the later rounds, FaZe’s experience finally made the difference. Their mid to late round calling tightened, their trading became sharper and the AWP from Broky delivered at critical moments.
Final score: FaZe win Inferno and win the series two to one
Round by Round Table for Map Three
| Round | Winner | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FaZe | Frozen ace on pistol |
| 2 | FaZe | Anti force conversion |
| 3 | RED | Banana explosion with full buy |
| 4 | RED | Quick A hit |
| 5 | FaZe | Strong B site hold |
| 6 | FaZe | Broky impact pick |
| 7 | RED | Hero rifle entry |
| 8 | FaZe | Perfect A crossfire |
| 9 | FaZe | Eco farm |
| 10 | RED | One versus three clutch |
| 11 | RED | Momentum carry round |
| 12 | FaZe | Perfect late rotate |
| 13 | FaZe | Rain multi kill |
| 14 | FaZe | Match point |
| 15 | FaZe | Final closer |
What This Means for FaZe
FaZe survived elimination, but the warning signs are real. Their early Major performance has been inconsistent. There are moments of brilliance, but there are also rounds where coordination breaks down and timing looks off.
For FaZe to make a deep Budapest run, they will need to sharpen their map control, reduce mid round mistakes and lean into the strengths of their star power.
This win keeps their story alive, but the pressure remains.

What This Means for RED
RED Canids earned respect. Pushing FaZe to three maps is not a small achievement, especially in such high stakes conditions. Their Nuke win was a statement that they can absolutely compete with the world’s best.
The takeaway for RED is simple. They are no longer an underdog people can ignore. Their structure, aggression and confidence look real, and if they continue developing in this direction, they can become a constant threat in international events.
Final Thoughts
FaZe vs RED at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 delivered one of the most emotionally charged series of the stage. A heavyweight clinging to survival. An underdog swinging with everything they had.
FaZe won the battle.
RED won the respect.
This match is a perfect example of why the 2025 CS2 season is one of the most competitive ever. No match is guaranteed. No giant is safe. Every round matters.
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