Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major delivered one of the most unpredictable mid-Major Swiss runs in recent memory. Favorites collapsed, gatekeepers rose, rookies made top 16, and multiple teams completed improbable turnarounds. Here are the biggest surprises that defined the stage.

NIP's historic collapse: from 2-0 to out and blown out in the 2-2 decider

The biggest shock of Stage 2 was undeniably the Ninjas in Pyjamas meltdown.

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NIP started the stage 2-0, positioned to cruise into the top 16, but then:

• lost both maps in OT vs FaZe
• lost both maps in OT vs PARIVISION
• and finally got obliterated 0-2 by 3DMAX in the 2-2 elimination match

The final series was brutal: 13-3 Ancient despite winning both pistols, followed by a shut-down CT half on Train. Graviti ended Ancient with a 2.00 rating and 8-0 in opening duels, as NIP won just one gun round all map.

Snappi summed it up:

"This was the best team we met this Major."

This marks NIP's first Major since Paris, and an exit defined by eight overtime losses in four maps and one of the ugliest elimination maps we've seen in years.

3DMAX emerge as the kings of the 2-2 pool

The French "gatekeeper" team flipped the script and became one of Stage 2's biggest winners.

They:

• crushed NIP in the final 2-2
• nearly upset B8 earlier in the stage
• dominated Ancient, pulled off heroics on Train
• showcased peak form from Maka, Ex3rcice, and especially Graviti

Their consistency against higher-rated opponents is one of Stage 2's most unexpected storylines, even if their earlier loss to B8 left them with only one life left.

Liquid complete a miracle 0-2 → 3-2 comeback and eliminate Astralis

Stage 2's most dramatic resurrection belonged to Liquid.

After starting 0-2 with BO1 losses to B8 and PARIVISION, Liquid were one series from elimination. But once the stage shifted to BO3s, they transformed:

• beat MIBR cleanly
• came back from 8-12 down vs TYLOO
• dismantled Astralis 2-0 behind a monstrous Nuke performance from ultimate (19-3 CT half)

Liquid's comeback isn't just surprising - it's season-saving. Their new core finally showed Tier-1 structure under siuhy, and everyone stepped up in the Astralis win.

This also delivered another shock:

Astralis eliminated early

Their long-awaited return to the Major ended painfully at 1-3 - their worst Major exit since 2016 - and with Magisk's future on the team uncertain.

PARIVISION - four rookies and Jame - make Stage 3

No storyline in Stage 2 feels more surreal than PARIVISION's run.

Coming from Stage 1. Losing their opening game 3-13 to TYLOO. Then beating:

• Liquid
• Aurora
• NIP (in two OT maps)

all while starting four rookies.

NIP repeatedly choked away map points, but PARIVISION also showed composure far beyond their experience. AW's 1v2 in Dust2 OT and Jame's late-round clutches are already defining highlights.

Jame called it a "miracle," and it's not hyperbole. A rookie roster reaching Stage 3 at their first Major is extremely rare.

Aurora eliminated 1-3 in their worst result of the year

Another shock: Aurora, winners of PGL Masters Bucharest just one month ago, crashed out 1-3.

Losses to FaZe, PARIVISION, and Astralis turned the event from a title-hunt into their worst finish of 2025. The emotional post-match moment, MAJ3R surrounded by crying teammates, underscored how devastating the early elimination was.

For one of the stage's favorites, the fall was sudden and steep.

Passion UA punch through on Train, JT's best Major map ever

In one of the best feel-good surprises, Passion UA made top 16 after a 2-1 victory over M80, powered by:

• JT's 1.95-rated Train performance, the best of his Major career
• Grim and hallzerk returning to the top 16 for the first time since Copenhagen
• rookie Kvem thriving under pressure

The org's first-ever Major appearance now extends into Stage 3, a massive overperformance compared to expectations.

Meanwhile...

M80 collapse from 3-0 in Stage 1 to out in Stage 2

They had two qualifying chances vs Americas opponents and blew both. That swing from perfection to elimination is one of the stage's harshest turns.

Imperial: no-pistol... no problem - Brazil get three teams into Stage 3

Imperial reaching Stage 3 is a surprise given:

• they lost all six pistol rounds against M80
• they were constantly playing from behind
• they needed a 3v5 and a 1v1 clutch to close Train

But Imperial's "no expectations" mentality is clearly working. Brazil now sends FURIA, paiN, and Imperial to the top 16, far above what pre-Major predictions projected.

NAVI cruise 3-0 - w0nderful dominates

Not a surprise they qualified, it was a surprise how clean it was.

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NAVI didn't drop a map, and w0nderful posted a 1.77 rating over four maps, including:

• 2.08 on Train vs B8
• iM taking over on Mirage with a 2.16 T-side

Their run was unexpectedly effortless, though critics will note all opponents came from Stage 1.

Summary: CS2 News - Stage 2's Biggest Shockwaves

Biggest Collapse:

NIP fall from 2-0 to out, including a 13-3 humiliation in the decider.

Biggest Underdog Story:

PARIVISION, four rookies + Jame, qualify in back-to-back OT stunners.

Biggest Comeback:

Liquid 0-2 → 3-2, ending Astralis's return run.

Most Emotional Exit:

Aurora 1-3, their worst finish of the year.

Most Surprising Breakthrough:

Passion UA, led by JT's best-ever Major performance.

Most Violent Statement Win:

3DMAX 2-0 over NIP to claim the final Stage 3 spot.

Stage 2 was chaotic, punishing, emotional, and filled with storylines no one predicted. Stage 3 now gathers all the giants, and some shock newcomers who may have more magic left.

Did you predict these wild turn of events? If so, then why not get prizes for correct predictions?

TL;DR

• NIP collapsed from 2-0 to elimination with eight overtime losses across four maps
• Stage 2 delivered unprecedented chaos with favorites crashing out and rookie teams advancing
• PARIVISION (four rookies + Jame) and Passion UA shocked their way into Stage 3
• Liquid completed a miraculous 0-2 to 3-2 comeback while Astralis and Aurora suffered early exits