Ahead of the FlyQuest vs Astralis matchup at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, the intrigue continues to build as the format shifts to a best-of-three — a battleground where depth, preparation, and endurance play a far greater role than in a single-map duel. In a bo3 series, teams must navigate a full veto process, showcase versatility across multiple maps, and maintain momentum through potentially long and momentum-swinging games. FlyQuest enter the match with strong analytical preparation and confidence gained from their successful Stage 1 performance, while Astralis lean on their extensive tournament experience and structured strategic playbook. With two contrasting identities — FlyQuest’s aggressive adaptability versus Astralis’ disciplined, methodical approach — this series promises a layered and highly competitive clash that tests both teams across every facet of modern CS2.
How the Bookmakers See It: Astralis as Favorites
Bookmakers give the edge to Astralis, viewing the Danish lineup as more stable and structurally sound in a bo3 environment. Despite their shaky form in recent matches, analysts value Astralis’ deeper map pool, extensive experience, and ability to control the tempo more than the local successes of FlyQuest. In most expert predictions, Astralis appear to have a higher chance of imposing their style and exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses, which makes them the favorites before the game begins.
FlyQuest’s Current Form: What to Expect From FlyQuest
FlyQuest approach the match in inconsistent yet potentially explosive form. Over the past three months, they have played 33 maps and won 16 — slightly below the desired level for a top-tier team, but far from alarming. They impressed during StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 with a 1st–2nd place finish, although their run at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 ended in 9th–11th place.
- FlyQuest roster: INS, Vexite, regali, nettik, jks
In their last five matches, FlyQuest suffered three losses — against Fluxo, Imperial, and Legacy — plus two additional defeats to 3DMAX and Natus Vincere. This streak highlights their struggle with stability and pressure management, though in bo3s the team often plays more freely and aggressively, which could become a decisive surprise factor.
Astralis’ Current Form: What to Expect From Astralis
Astralis are still searching for consistency after several difficult months. Over the last three months, they have played 57 maps and won 25 — also below expectations, but the volume of games suggests active rebuilding and adaptation.
- Astralis roster: dev1ce, Staehr, jabbi, HooXi, Magisk
Their recent LAN performances have been mixed: 9th–11th at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 and 5th–6th at IEM Chengdu 2025. In their five most recent matches, Astralis won only once — against The MongolZ — and lost to M80, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Vitality, and Falcons. The team is going through a downturn, and in a bo3 scenario, mistakes must be kept to a minimum.
FlyQuest Map Pool
FlyQuest will almost certainly open the veto with their standard first ban — Train, as this map is virtually absent from their active pool and consistently falls outside their preparation. After that, the team will aim to keep their strongest maps in play: Inferno (67% win rate) and Mirage (57%), which best complement their preferred style. One of these — most likely Inferno — is expected to become FlyQuest’s map pick, given that Astralis hold only a 36% win rate on it. Mirage is also a strong option, but because Astralis are relatively comfortable on it as well, FlyQuest may choose to push it to the later stages of the veto.
Once FlyQuest lock in their pick, they will shift focus to removing Astralis’ key strengths. The most logical second ban for FlyQuest is Nuke, where the Danes sit at a dominant 65% win rate and consistently look at their best. After that, they will likely remove Ancient, another map Astralis frequently pick and perform well on. This approach leaves a more balanced pool containing maps such as Mirage, Overpass, or even Dust2 if it survives earlier bans. Ultimately, FlyQuest will attempt to leave Mirage as the decider — a map where they are stable and Astralis do not hold a significant edge.
Astralis Map Pool
Astralis will respond to FlyQuest’s first ban with their signature opener — Dust2. This map has long been a weak point for the Danes, and they will not risk keeping it in the pool against a team that occasionally uses it as a situational pick. In the pick phase, Astralis are most likely to select between their two strongest maps: Nuke (65% win rate) and Ancient (57%). The most straightforward choice is Nuke, as FlyQuest consistently avoid this map and often ban it first when facing structured teams.
In the second wave of bans, Astralis will attempt to remove FlyQuest’s best-performing map — Inferno, where FlyQuest sit at an impressive 67% win rate. After that, the Danes may also choose to eliminate Overpass, depending on whether they see it as a threat, or leave it in the pool if they predict weaknesses from FlyQuest. Considering the expected bans and pick priorities from both sides, the most realistic decider map is Mirage — a neutral battleground suitable for both teams but one that grants Astralis enough space to impose their structured and disciplined approach.
Head-to-Head History
FlyQuest and Astralis have not faced each other in the past six months. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability, as neither team has fresh official data on the other. In such a scenario, the map pool and early momentum in a bo3 play an even more decisive role.
Prediction for FlyQuest vs Astralis: StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2
Despite both teams entering the match with their share of issues, Astralis hold a significant structural advantage, which can be crucial in a bo3. The Danes have played far more maps in recent months, suggesting better competitive rhythm and stronger adaptation to various playstyles. Even with inconsistent recent results, Astralis show strong decision-making on key maps and possess the discipline needed to dictate the pace. They are expected to win through superior preparation and experience.
Prediction: Astralis victory.
