The new Counter-Strike 2 update for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is finally here, and that means one thing for competitive fans: it’s Pick’Em season. If you’re chasing the elusive Diamond Coin—the ultimate badge of prediction perfection—this is where your journey begins. Below, we break down every part of the official Viewer Pass Pick’Em system, from the challenges and deadlines to a grounded look at Stage 1 predictions.
Budapest Major 2025Hungary
Vitality
FaZe Clan
Natus VincereHow To Unlock the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Ems
Let’s start with the essentials: to participate in the official Valve Pick’Em Challenge, you’ll need to purchase a Viewer Pass for $9.99. Once the pass is in your inventory, activate it and your event coin unlocks instantly. Players who prefer to spectate without buying in can simulate predictions on BLAST.tv’s Budapest Major tool, but only Viewer Pass owners can earn and upgrade the coin.
You can also purchase a Viewer Pass bundled with three Souvenir Tokens for $17.99. Additional Souvenir Tokens cost $2.99 each, and Sticker Capsules are available for $0.99.
All StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenges
The Viewer Pass includes 11 total challenges, and completing all of them is the only way to secure the Diamond Coin. Here’s what Valve expects from you:
- Activate your coin before the tournament ends.
- Submit ten Stage 1 Pick’Ems before the stage starts.
- Get five correct predictions in Stage 1.
- Submit ten Stage 2 Pick’Ems before the stage starts.
- Get five correct predictions in Stage 2.
- Submit ten Stage 3 Pick’Ems before the stage starts.
- Get five correct predictions in Stage 3.
- Submit all seven Playoffs predictions before they begin.
- Predict two correct Quarterfinals winners.
- Predict one correct Semifinals winner.
- Predict the Grand Final winner.
Stages 1 through 3 follow the familiar Swiss format. You’ll choose two teams to go 3–0, two teams to go 0–3, and six teams to advance with 3–1 or 3–2 records. The Playoffs, meanwhile, use a standard single-elimination bracket.
How To Get the Diamond Coin
Your event coin comes in four tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the highly coveted Diamond.
- Bronze: 1/11 challenges
- Silver: 4/11 challenges
- Gold: 8/11 challenges
- Diamond: 11/11 challenges
Since activating the Viewer Pass automatically gives you Bronze, the real climb begins with your Stage 1 predictions. To claim the Diamond Coin, you must complete all eleven challenges flawlessly. This means accuracy matters—but timing matters even more.
Best Strategy for Achieving the Diamond Coin
There’s no single perfect method, but successful Pick’Em veterans follow a few core principles. First, research matters—LAN form, head-to-head matchups, and a team’s stability under pressure all play a role. Second, don’t fall into the trap of forcing risky 3–0 picks. Upsets define every Major, and the early Swiss rounds are notoriously punishing.
In Stages 2 and 3, teams with direct invitations are often safer advancing picks due to their VRS-based seeding and proven consistency. However, you’re always balancing probability with volatility, especially in the best-of-one rounds where underdogs thrive.
Above all, every Pick’Em must be locked in before the cutoff—missing a deadline is the quickest way to lose your Diamond dream.
Pick’Em Cutoff Dates for All Stages
Deadlines can make or break your coin upgrade. Valve locks each stage roughly one hour before its first match.
- Stage 1: November 24
- Stage 2: November 29
- Stage 3: December 4
- Playoffs: December 11
To avoid last-minute chaos, lock in your predictions a day early—November 23, 28, 3, and 10 respectively.
Best StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick’Ems
Here are our Stage 1 predictions—hand-picked through performance analysis, roster stability, and early-stage volatility considerations. Remember, the opening Swiss phase is always unpredictable, but these choices offer a balanced path toward hitting the five-correct threshold.
3–0 Predictions
Ninjas in Pyjamas — NIP enter Stage 1 with a mix of experience and firepower, and their recent form suggests they can build momentum quickly. In the best-of-one environment, structured teams with disciplined mid-round decision-making thrive, and NIP fit that profile.
Legacy — Legacy’s synergy and tactical preparation have made them one of the most stable teams in the early stage. Their consistency in BO1 matchups and clear identity give them a strong chance to run the table.
0–3 Predictions
The Huns — Despite their regional success, The Huns historically struggle when facing deeper playbook teams from Europe and the Americas. Stage 1 matchups don’t favor them, and their map pool limitations make a win feel unlikely.
RED Canids — A team capable of explosive rounds, but inconsistency has haunted them against international opposition. Their form doesn’t inspire enough confidence to expect a Swiss-stage victory.
Advance (3–1 / 3–2) Predictions
FaZe Clan — Even with recent inconsistency, the raw experience on this roster makes them a stable advancing pick. FaZe rarely collapse in Stage 1, and their mechanical advantage alone should carry them through.
NRG — This lineup has shown measured, structured CS and enough firepower to stabilize after early setbacks. They’re a smart play for the mid-bracket slots.
Fnatic — With veteran leadership and a well-rounded map pool, Fnatic excel in grindy Swiss systems where adaptation is key.
GamerLegion — Known for their fundamentals and disciplined approach, GL consistently perform above their seeding in best-of-one formats.
Imperial Esports — Their fighting spirit and upset potential make them a reliable pick for advancement, especially against teams lacking LAN structure.
B8 — B8’s steady playstyle, combined with their recent tournament form, makes them a safe pick for the 3–1 or 3–2 category.
FAQs
Can I Change My Pick’Ems?
Yes. Changes are allowed until the cutoff time of each stage—usually about one hour before the first match. After the deadline passes, your picks are locked.
Is the Diamond Coin Worth Anything?
Not financially. But in terms of prestige, profile flair, and bragging rights? Absolutely. A Diamond Coin is a mark of prediction mastery.
What Are Souvenir Tokens?
Souvenir Tokens let you redeem special weapon drops from matches during the Major, complete with map and team stickers. Their value is sentimental rather than economic.
Do the Different Coin Rarities Affect Gameplay?
No. Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond coins are purely cosmetic. Their only purpose is to acknowledge your Pick’Em achievements.
Final Thoughts
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive CS2 Majors yet. With a grounded strategy, careful timing, and calculated risks, earning the Diamond Coin is well within reach. Stay sharp, stay realistic, and enjoy the ride—this is what makes Counter-Strike Majors unforgettable.