In the 1–2 bracket match of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, fnatic and Passion UA will face off — experience versus youth, stability against explosive potential. The European roster will look to reinforce its reputation as a reliable tournament team, while the Ukrainian squad continues fighting for a place among the strongest, relying on an aggressive playstyle and the ability to defy expectations. This matchup is decisive: the winner moves forward, while the loser exits the Major.
How Bookmakers See It: fnatic as Favorites
Bookmakers consider fnatic the clear favorites, basing this on their stable form, strong performance in Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, and better reliability over long series. Despite Passion UA holding the head-to-head advantage, their inconsistency in recent matches and frequent struggles to close out series against top-tier opponents lower their perceived chances. As a result, fnatic enter the match with a noticeable betting edge.
Current Form of fnatic: What to Expect From fnatic
fnatic come into this match with mixed yet competitive form. Over the past three months, the team has played 72 maps and won 41 — a stable, though not dominant, result. In Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, they finished in the 3–5th range, confirming their ability to compete at a high level and advance through difficult stages.
- fnatic lineup: KRIMZ, blameF, fear, jambo, jackasmo
However, their recent results are concerning: fnatic have lost three of their last five matches — against 3DMAX, NRG, and Imperial. Losses to Imperial and B8 in particular point to issues adapting to aggressive opponents. Even so, fnatic remain a dangerous team thanks to consistent firepower and a well-balanced map pool.
Current Form of Passion UA: What to Expect From Passion UA
Passion UA show less stability compared to fnatic. Over the past three months, they have played 56 maps and won 29 — an almost even win–loss ratio. In the past month, the team competed at two events: BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 (5–6th place) and DraculaN Season 3 (3rd place). This demonstrates their ability to fight but also highlights their lack of consistency when facing strong, structured teams.
- Passion UA lineup: Kvem, JT, Grim, hallzerk, nicx
From their last five matches, Passion UA have won only one — against MIBR. Losses to 3DMAX, FaZe, FUT, and ECSTATIC underline their difficulty maintaining stable form, especially against disciplined and tactically mature teams. Still, Passion UA remain a dangerous opponent, particularly on their comfort picks.
fnatic Map Pool
fnatic consistently avoid Nuke, making it their likely first ban. The team typically picks maps where the opponent looks less confident, so Ancient is the most logical choice. It is their strongest map, with a 69% win rate and strong strategic depth.
For the second ban, fnatic will likely remove Overpass, as Passion UA have strong performances there and use it frequently.
Ultimately, fnatic aim to play Ancient, strengthen their chances, and weaken the opponent by removing Nuke and Overpass.
Passion UA Map Pool
Passion UA also avoid Nuke, meaning their first ban mirrors fnatic’s choice. For their pick, the team usually targets the opponent’s weaknesses, making Dust2 the most reasonable option. It is one of their top maps, boasting a 60% win rate and fitting their aggressive, aim-heavy playstyle.
In the second ban phase, Passion UA are likely to remove Train, as fnatic often pick it and feel comfortable there. After bans and picks, Mirage should remain as the decider — a map familiar to both teams with an even chance of success.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, the teams have played three matches, with the advantage leaning towards Passion UA.
- Their first meeting at Glitched Masters 2025 saw fnatic win 2–0 on Train and Mirage.
- In the rematch at the same event, Passion UA came out on top 2–0, taking Train and Dust2.
- The third encounter came in the ESL Pro League S22 Europe Closed Qualifier, where Passion UA again proved stronger, winning Ancient and Mirage.
Across the last three series, Passion UA lead with two victories to fnatic’s one.
Match Prediction: fnatic vs Passion UA at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2
This matchup brings together two teams with contrasting strengths. fnatic show more stability and hold strong positions on Ancient, Inferno, and Train. They also perform well on LAN, as reflected in their top-5 finish in Stage 1 of the Budapest Major.
Passion UA appear less stable but have the advantage in head-to-head matchups over the past six months. Their strong maps — Dust2 and Overpass — often allow them to impose their tempo, and their ability to adapt to fnatic was clearly visible during the ESL Pro League qualifier. The series is expected to be tense, and Ancient may be the pivotal battleground. It is the most likely key to victory for fnatic if they avoid the mistakes made in their previous meeting with Passion UA.
Prediction: fnatic to win 2:1.
