NAVI vs FaZe at the Budapest CS2 Major semifinal

• NAVI vs FaZe at the Budapest Major: Underdogs in the spotlight
• How to watch NAVI vs FaZe: Stream, date, and format
• Budapest Major bracket and what’s at stake
• NAVI vs FaZe maps, score, and veto details
• FaZe’s 2025 rollercoaster: From roster doubts to Major contention
• NAVI’s 2025 story: Roster changes, adaptation, and resurgence
• Key duels and tactical preview
• CS2 skins, the Major, and how to upgrade your inventory
• Who reaches the grand final and what it means for 2026

NAVI vs FaZe at the Budapest Major: Underdogs in the spotlight

The CS2 StarLadder Major 2025 in Budapest has already broken a lot of pick’ems. Instead of a predictable clash of heavy favorites, we get a semifinal that feels like a plot twist: NAVI vs FaZe for a ticket to the grand final.

Both teams entered the event surrounded by doubt. FaZe barely made it out of the opening stage, with community discussions about whether it was time to rebuild the roster. NAVI, after a roster change and a shaky season, needed every last chance in Stage 3 to even reach the Playoffs. Yet here they are – one best-of-three away from playing for the biggest CS2 trophy of the year.

This matchup isn’t just about form at this Major. It’s about two legendary organizations trying to prove they still belong at the very top of CS2 esports, despite a season full of ups, downs, and tough questions.

How to watch NAVI vs FaZe: Stream, date, and format

The semifinal between NAVI and FaZe is the second semifinal of the CS2 Budapest Major 2025, played on December 13. It’s a best-of-three series, which means both teams will have room to adjust, adapt, and fight back after a lost map.

You can watch the match live on the official StarLadder streams, including the StarLadder CS2 YouTube channel, which usually provides multiple language options, live commentary, and high production value.

Make sure to check your local time zone, as Budapest uses Central European Time (CET). If you follow CS2 closely, you already know these playoff matches tend to run long with breaks, desk analysis, and possible overtime thrillers – so plan your snacks and schedule accordingly.

Budapest Major bracket and what’s at stake

By the time NAVI and FaZe enter the server for their semifinal, the first grand finalist will already be decided in the clash between Team Secret and Team Vitality. That series sets the tone; NAVI vs FaZe closes the night with what feels like an underdog brawl among tier-one names.

Being in the top four of a CS2 Major is a huge achievement on its own. It guarantees a deep run in history books, serious prize money, RMR points, and a big confidence boost going into 2026. But both lineups are built not just for top-four finishes – they exist to win titles. Losing in the semifinal will hurt for either side, especially after overcoming a tough route through the Swiss stages.

For FaZe, lifting the trophy would be the ultimate answer to calls for roster changes. For NAVI, a Major win after a retooling phase would prove that their long-term project is working and that this roster can carry the legacy created in the CS:GO era.

NAVI vs FaZe maps, score, and veto details

At the time this preview was written, the series had not yet started, so specific map picks and final scores were still to be decided. However, we can still look at how the veto might shape up and what kind of series to expect.

Here’s a simplified overview of the match status going into the semifinal:

Both teams have had enough time in CS2 to develop fairly recognizable map identities, but a Major playoff series often brings surprises, pocket strats, and last-minute prep based on what the opponent showed earlier in the event.

Expected map pool dynamics

We can’t predict the exact veto, but we can reasonably expect the following themes to play a role:

• Comfort picks vs. anti-strats: NAVI may lean into maps where their mid-round calling and explosive trading shine, while FaZe will try to force maps where their individuals can take over with spacing and confidence.
• Mental game on decider maps: Given how unstable both teams have been at times this year, a third map could come down to mental resilience, not pure tactics.
• Recent form at the Major: Teams often adapt their map preferences mid-event, dropping maps that looked shaky in the Swiss stages and promoting maps where they overperformed.

Once the series is played, the maps and scoreline will tell a deeper story – whether this was a stomp, a close back-and-forth brawl, or an overtime marathon that instantly becomes part of Major history.

FaZe’s 2025 rollercoaster: From roster doubts to Major contention

FaZe Clan’s 2025 season reads like a drama script: early struggles, roster experiments, brutal results at big events, and then a sudden resurgence when it mattered most.

Early 2025: Tough rounds and mental resets

In the first half of 2025, FaZe repeatedly showed the same weakness: once they lost a devastating round, they often struggled to mentally reset and return to their game plan. This led to strings of lost rounds and matches that slipped out of their hands despite solid openings.

To stabilize the squad and inject new ideas, FaZe even brought in Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev for a period. Having one of the greatest players of all time on board naturally raised expectations and gave the team extra firepower and experience in high-pressure moments.

Results improved, but not consistently. At the Austin Major, FaZe managed to reach the top eight, which was respectable but still below the standard fans expect from a lineup with this much pedigree.

ESL Pro League Season 22: A high point before a setback

The brightest moment of FaZe’s season before Budapest came at ESL Pro League Season 22, where they secured a top-four finish. It was a sign that the team could still go deep at elite events when the pieces lined up.

Importantly, that run happened before the departure of Håvard “rain” Nygaard, a legendary rifler and long-time pillar of the FaZe system. Losing such a veteran presence always forces a team to rethink roles, chemistry, and map choices. Even for a star-studded roster, that kind of change can be destabilizing.

Second half of 2025: Playoff drought and Chengdu disaster

After ESL Pro League, the second half of 2025 was rough. FaZe repeatedly ran into problems when trying to qualify for Playoffs at large events. They often hovered just below the line, eliminated in close matches or punishing groups.

The low point came at IEM Chengdu 2025, where FaZe failed to win a single match. They dropped their opener to MOUZ and were eliminated by Virtus.pro without ever really finding their rhythm. For a roster of their stature, that result was alarming and fueled even more pressure heading into the Major.

Revenge in Budapest: FaZe’s Major awakening

The Budapest Major looked like it might become another disappointment when FaZe barely escaped Stage 1. Yet surviving that chaos seems to have unlocked something in the team. Once they reached the Playoffs, FaZe looked sharper, more decisive, and more confident in their reads.

In the quarterfinals, they eliminated MOUZ, earning a satisfying revenge after the Chengdu loss. That victory wasn’t just about bracket progression; it was a mental breakthrough, proving they could overcome recent trauma and outplay the team that had previously sent them home.

Now, entering the semifinal against NAVI, FaZe look like a team rediscovering their identity – just in time.

NAVI’s 2025 story: Roster changes, adaptation, and resurgence

Natus Vincere came into CS2 with enormous expectations due to their legendary history in CS:GO. But 2025 has been a transitional year, with roster adjustments and growing pains that affected their results throughout the season.

Roster change: Enter makazze, adaptation required

One of the major storylines for NAVI this season was the addition of Drin “makazze” Shaqiri. Any roster change at the top level forces a team to rework roles, synergy, and calling structures. Even when the new player is individually strong, it takes time for everyone to feel fully comfortable in a new system.

NAVI definitely went through that adaptation period. Some events looked promising, while others showed gaps in coordination, especially in late-round scenarios and high-pressure clutches.

Key results in 2025: Peaks and proof points

Despite the inconsistency, NAVI still had meaningful highlights:

• Top 4 at IEM Cologne 2025 – a strong statement at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the CS calendar.
• Champions at StarSeries Fall 2025 – a smaller event, but still an important title that helped cement the idea that this roster can win tournaments.

Those performances showed NAVI’s ceiling: when things click, they can beat almost anyone. The problem was reaching that level consistently, especially at the biggest events.

Chengdu struggles and the Budapest comeback

Just like FaZe, IEM Chengdu 2025 was a painful chapter for NAVI. They failed to win a single match there, leaving with more questions than answers and very little time to fix everything before the Budapest Major.

In Budapest, however, NAVI slowly rebuilt their confidence. Their Stage 2 run was solid, but in Stage 3 they had to grind out every opportunity, using all five rounds to finally secure a Playoffs spot. That alone speaks to the mental strength of the squad: they didn’t crumble under pressure when elimination was close.

A key emotional win came in the quarterfinals, where NAVI faced FURIA. Not only had FURIA beaten them in the earlier Swiss phase of the Major, but NAVI were also still haunted by a reverse sweep loss to the Brazilians in the Thunderpick World Championship grand final. Taking down FURIA on the Budapest stage felt like both revenge and closure.

With that victory, NAVI head into the semifinal with renewed belief that this roster can handle tough situations against aggressive, momentum-based opponents.

Key duels and tactical preview

On paper, NAVI vs FaZe in 2025 is less about raw brand names and more about how these specific lineups match up. Both teams have reworked structures, different win conditions compared to earlier years, and players who need to show up when it matters most.

Individual duels to watch

Every Major classic is defined by unforgettable individual moments. In this semifinal, expect these themes:

• Star riflers vs. anchors: NAVI’s star rifles will test FaZe’s site anchors, especially in late-round executes where spacing and flashes are key.
• AWPer impact: If either team has a stable AWP presence, mid control and early picks will heavily shape the tempo of each half.
• Clutch factor: Both squads have players known for 1vX magic. In Major playoffs, one big clutch can outright flip an entire series.

Tactical approaches and mid-round calling

Strategically, NAVI often thrive when they can drag opponents into layered mid-rounds, where their reads and utility usage slowly squeeze opponents into bad positions. FaZe, historically, have been most dangerous when they mix structure with explosive hits and confidence-based peeks.

The key questions for this series:

• Can FaZe maintain discipline, or will they fall into some of the same mid-round mistakes that plagued them earlier in 2025?
• Can NAVI keep their communication clean, especially with a relatively new piece in makazze, when the crowd noise and pressure peak?
• Whose preparation shows more depth on the chosen maps – will we see fresh executes and off-meta setups, or a battle of fundamentals?

Expect both teams to test each other early with fast rounds and conditioning plays, then layer in fakes, delayed hits, and late-round walk-ups once they have enough info on how their opponent rotates.

CS2 skins, the Major, and how to upgrade your inventory

Every Major brings a fresh wave of players back into CS2, and that always affects the in-game economy and the skin market. While NAVI and FaZe are fighting for the trophy on stage, fans are often busy upgrading their loadouts and showing off their team spirit with stickers and skins.

Why Majors boost skin interest

When a Major reaches the Playoffs, viewership spikes. That means more people:

• Opening souvenir packages and team capsules
• Buying and selling skins themed around their favorite players and organizations
• Trading up to higher-tier rifles, knives, and gloves to flex in ranked or Faceit

NAVI and FaZe are classic brands with iconic stickers and weapon combos, so it’s common to see more of their signatures in matchmaking right around Major time.

Where to buy and sell CS2 skins safely

If you’re hyped by the Budapest Major and want to refresh your inventory, it’s important to use reliable platforms when you buy or sell cs2 skins. Third-party marketplaces often provide:

• More competitive prices compared to the Steam Community Market
• A broader selection of knives, gloves, and rare finishes
• Convenient cash-out options if you want real money instead of wallet balance

Similarly, long-time players who still hold items from the CS:GO era can take advantage of the ongoing demand for csgo skins. While the game has transitioned to CS2, many legacy items remain highly desirable thanks to their artwork, rarity, and nostalgia factor.

Smart tips for skin fans during the Budapest Major

If you’re new to skins or just looking to upgrade during the Major hype window, keep a few simple guidelines in mind:

• Set a budget: With so much action on screen, it’s easy to get carried away. Decide in advance how much you’re comfortable spending.
• Watch trends, not just hype: Some items spike in price temporarily when a team wins. Don’t panic-buy – look at longer-term trends before making bigger purchases.
• Check float and pattern: For many premium skins, the wear level and specific pattern position can dramatically affect value and looks.

Whether you’re rocking a budget AK with a NAVI or FaZe sticker, or flexing a high-end knife skin, the Major is one of the best times of the year to feel connected to the pro scene and your favorite team.

Who reaches the grand final and what it means for 2026

Semifinals like NAVI vs FaZe are hard to predict because both teams have shown extreme variance in form throughout the year. On a good day, either roster can beat anyone in the world; on a bad day, both can look lost and disjointed.

Factors that could decide the series

Expect the outcome to hinge on a few core factors:

• Early-round confidence: Whoever starts strong on the first map often controls the tone of the entire series.
• Adaptation between maps: The better-coached and better-prepared team will introduce adjustments between maps that can completely flip the script.
• Clutch composure: With so much pressure, 1v1s and 2v2s will be huge. The team that stays calm in chaos and communicates clearly will win the rounds that swing halves.

Legacy implications and the 2026 season

Regardless of who wins, this semifinal has big implications:

• If FaZe win: It validates their decision to keep faith in the roster despite mid-year calls for change and turns a chaotic season into a redemption arc.
• If NAVI win: It shows that their roster project is truly working and that the team has successfully bridged the gap between CS:GO legacy and CS2 reality.

After Budapest, the pro scene will get a short breather before the 2026 CS2 event circuit kicks off around the end of January. Whichever roster walks out of this semifinal and then potentially lifts the Major trophy will enter the new year with a massive psychological edge and a target on their back.

For now, though, the focus is clear: win two maps, reach the grand final, and get one step closer to CS2 immortality. Whether you’re cheering for NAVI, FaZe, or just insane CS2, this Budapest Major semifinal is a must-watch.