The Counter-Strike 2 Major in Budapest is becoming one of the most anticipated esports events of the year. Months of buildup, shifting team form, and new storylines across the scene have created strong interest from both analysts and fans. As discussions continue on expert panels and in community spaces, early predictions point to a few teams that seem clearly ahead of the rest. Many of these expectations match the insights shared in the Skin.Club Community, where fans and commentators are already debating which teams have the strongest path to the playoffs.
This Major stands out because it mixes stability with rapid growth. Some organizations enter Budapest with proven structure and reliable leadership. Others bring rising talent and unpredictable styles that could change the bracket. Recent tournaments have shown that several teams already demonstrate the tactical discipline, mechanical consistency, and mental strength needed for a deep Major run.
The list of possible champions looks very crowded. The gap between the frontrunners and the rest of the field is small. The next section breaks down the leading favorites and explains the strengths and patterns that make them top threats for the Budapest title.
FaZe, Vitality, and Natus Vincere: The Leading Favorites
FaZe Clan: Veteran Structure and LAN Stability
FaZe entered the Budapest Major as one of the most stable and experienced teams. Their strong results across recent LAN tournaments, including the Intel Extreme Masters circuit, confirm their position as a top contender.
HLTV statistics show FaZe staying inside the top five for many months, supported by consistent performances from Twistzz and broky, and strong leadership from karrigan.
FaZe’s biggest strength is their adaptability. Their high win rates on maps like Inferno and Mirage show strong decision-making under pressure. This trend matches their deep runs at IEM Sydney and later BLAST events, where they held one of the best late-round conversion rates. If FaZe keep this form, many expect them to reach the playoffs.
Team Vitality: Firepower Anchored by ZywOo
Vitality’s chances of winning the Major depend heavily on Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, one of the highest-rated CS2 players. HLTV player stats show ZywOo near the top in K/D ratio, impact rating, and multi-kill rounds
Vitality’s structured mid-round style has improved in recent ESL Pro Tour events. ESL analytics show better team performance on maps like Anubis and Nuke, with more stable trade percentages from the support players.
With stronger team synergy this season, Vitality are one of the clear favorites for the Budapest title.
Natus Vincere: A Strategic Rebuild with Strong Results
Natus Vincere (NaVi) entered the tournament as a disciplined, well-prepared team. Their recent form in CS2 is based on a more structured, utility-heavy approach. HLTV match data shows rising team ratings and better map win rates across major events.
NaVi excel at punishing overly aggressive opponents, a trend seen in several close wins at BLAST and ESL tournaments. Their sharp coordination in mid-round situations makes them a dangerous opponent for any top team.
G2, MOUZ, Spirit & Key Competitive Factors
G2 Esports: Momentum as a Double-Edged Sword
G2 enters the Budapest Major with a reputation for high peaks. Much of their strength comes from NiKo and m0NESY. Throughout the CS2 season, G2 has shown strong momentum swings. They can dominate one match and struggle in the next. According to HLTV stats, NiKo and m0NESY remain one of the highest-impact rifle–AWP duos in the world. They often win opening duels and secure multi-kill rounds.
G2’s biggest advantage is raw mechanical skill. Their wins at events like IEM Dallas and their deep BLAST runs show how they can overwhelm opponents early. However, ESL Pro Tour reports note that G2’s late-round decisions can vary a lot from match to match. This makes their form one of the most unpredictable factors heading into Budapest.
MOUZ: A Modern Tactical Powerhouse
MOUZ has become a disciplined and well-structured team. They show some of the strongest year-over-year improvement in Tier-1 CS2. Recent LAN results highlight solid synergy across their young roster. HLTV analytics rank them high in mid-round strategy and efficient trading.
Analysts praise their control on maps like Ancient and Anubis. They point to MOUZ’s coordinated rotations and flexible tactics as key strengths.
This structured playstyle makes MOUZ a serious contender with real upset potential.
Team Spirit: Youthful Firepower with High Upside
Team Spirit keeps surprising the global scene with explosive, talent-driven play. HLTV performance charts highlight their young stars, who lead in clutch wins and entry frags across recent events.
Their aggressive style has produced strong finishes in recent BLAST and ESL tournaments. If Spirit improve their mid-round control, many analysts believe they can beat more experienced teams and reach the later stages of the Budapest Major.
Key Factors Shaping the Tournament
1. Momentum Control
Teams that gain early confidence often control the pace of the map. The opening stage of the Major shows that momentum is still one of the most important parts of CS2.
2. Strategic Flexibility
Teams that can switch between structured play and aggressive pushes are performing best in Budapest. This is especially true against unpredictable opponents.
3. Mental Resilience
Many matches are going the full distance, so handling pressure matters a lot. The teams that stay calm in clutch situations are the ones moving forward with fewer problems.
Conclusion: Who Has the Strongest Claim to the Budapest Major?
A few teams have clearly moved ahead of the rest. Based on confirmed performance data from HLTV, ESL Pro Tour, and BLAST Premier, the top favorites form a small group. In this group, experience and consistency matter most.
FaZe Clan stands out because of its proven results on the international stage and its ability to adapt to the CS2 meta. Vitality remains a major threat thanks to its structured playstyle and the star power of ZywOo, whose HLTV ratings place him among the best players in the world. Natus Vincere completes the top three with disciplined teamwork and strong strategic execution. They enter Budapest as a team capable of beating any opponent.
Right behind them are G2, MOUZ, and Spirit. These teams have enough firepower and tactical strength to upset the favorites. Their inconsistent results add unpredictability to the event, so no top seed can assume a safe path to the playoffs.
The Budapest Major is shaping up to be one of the closest CS2 tournaments so far. With many teams showing real title potential, the difference between winning and going home may come down to a single series, map, or even one key round. Fans can expect intense matches, shifting strategies, and breakout performances that may shape the rest of the CS2 era.
