GoCore Logo

Following a grueling Swiss group stage filled with close calls and clutch comebacks, eight teams remain in the hunt for the $250,000 title and, just as crucially, for valuable form ahead of IEM Chengdu and BLAST Rivals Season 2 next month.

This event serves as one of the last major checkpoints before the StarLadder Budapest Major, giving fans, analysts, and CS2 match betting enthusiasts a chance to gauge which teams are peaking at just the right time.

The Playoff Bracket

HEROIC vs GamerLegion
paiN vs Legacy
Liquid vs SAW
Aurora vs B8

With all quarterfinals and semifinals played on Friday and the grand final on Saturday, the compressed schedule ensures high intensity from start to finish. Every series is a best-of-three, except for the best-of-five finale, making each round a test of both skill and endurance.

HEROIC: The Rebuild That Works

HEROIC were the first to secure playoff qualification, defeating Aurora convincingly to go 3-0. Under Linus "LNZ" Holtäng’s leadership, the new European mix has quickly gelled into one of the top CS2 teams in the scene, showcasing a balance of tactical discipline and mechanical sharpness.

Young stars nilo and xfl0ud have been breakout performers, the latter named Player of the Week thanks to his 101.8 ADR. HEROIC now meet GamerLegion, led by Erik "ztr" Gustafsson and powered by the Czech sensation PR, whose 1.93 rating versus Gentle Mates made headlines across the CS2 projections community.

For many CS2 pick ‘em players, this quarterfinal is a tough call, experience versus raw confidence.

paiN vs Legacy: Brazil’s Best Collide

The paiN vs Legacy matchup is a domestic derby between two Brazilian titans who know each other inside out.

paiN Gaming, riding a clean 3-0 Swiss run, arrive in Bucharest looking sharp after sweeping B8 and GamerLegion. Their balanced lineup, featuring biguzera, snow, and nqz, has rediscovered the consistency that carried them to a BLAST.tv Austin Major top-four earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Legacy clawed their way through the 2-2 bracket after a gritty win over FlyQuest, chasing back-to-back LAN trophies following their triumph at CAC 2025. lux’s leadership, coupled with latto’s mid-round brilliance, makes them one of the most unpredictable sides remaining.

Expect a clash of styles, paiN’s structure versus Legacy’s explosive pace, that could tilt CS2 match betting lines in real time.

Team Liquid: Rising From the Ashes

Few teams have captured fan sympathy like Team Liquid. After a 10-2 deficit on Mirage against FlyQuest, they rallied to an overtime win and swept the series 2-0, securing a crucial playoff berth.

Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski returned to form with a 1.32 series rating, while NAF’s improved confidence has steadied Liquid’s CT sides. “That confidence disappeared for me,” NAF admitted post-match. “I was contemplating if I was even good. But Liquid gave me another chance.”

Liquid now face SAW, the surprise of the tournament. The Portuguese side upset Aurora and NiP en route to their first playoff showing since July, relying on Ag1l’s clutch prowess and MUTiRiS’ veteran leadership. For CS2 kill predictions today, this series offers some of the most balanced odds of the bracket.

Aurora vs B8: Redemption vs Reinvention

The final quarterfinal features Aurora, who narrowly escaped elimination against a device-less Astralis, against a rejuvenated B8 squad on the rise under new IGL alex666.

Aurora’s woxic and XANTARES remain the core firepower, but confidence has been lacking. Captain MAJ3R admitted post-match, “We’re far from our level - mentally and individually.” If they can rediscover their groove, Aurora still have the individual talent to go deep.

B8, meanwhile, are peaking at the right moment. Wins over Astralis, 3DMAX, and Legacy have showcased their improvement in both mid-round calls and CS2 weapon stats efficiency. Their composure under pressure could make them a dark horse in upcoming CS2 matches this weekend.

PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 Playoff Schedule

12:00 CET - HEROIC vs GamerLegion
14:30 CET - paiN vs Legacy
17:00 CET - Liquid vs SAW
19:30 CET - Aurora vs B8

Saturday, November 1

12:00 CET - Semi-finals
17:00 CET - Grand Final (Bo5)

Fans can track live CS2 esports schedules, upcoming CS2 matches, and real-time betting odds through tournament platforms such as HLTV, Betway, and Pinnacle.

Players to Watch

PR (GamerLegion) – Rising star with a near-2.0 rating in group stage.
xfl0ud (HEROIC) – Reliable impact rifler and current Player of the Week.
NAF (Liquid) – Back in form with elite site holds.
lux (Legacy) – Calm IGL, hunting consecutive LAN titles.

These names are headlining CS2 kill projections and fantasy leagues for today’s playoff slate.

What’s Next on the CS2 Calendar

After Bucharest, the CS2 tournament schedule 2025 stays busy with IEM Chengdu just days away and BLAST Rivals Season 2 following soon after. Teams like HEROIC, Liquid, and Aurora will look to carry playoff form into those events, while others hope to rebound before the Budapest Major defines early 2026 rankings.

Whether you’re setting your CS2 pick ’em bracket, checking CS2 match betting lines, or analyzing CS2 weapon stats, the PGL Masters Bucharest playoffs are another thrilling stop on a loaded esports calendar.

TL;DR

Eight teams compete for $250,000 at PGL Masters Bucharest with the Budapest Major looming
Top seed HEROIC rides breakout star xfl0ud's 3-0 sweep while Liquid's NAF rebounds with overtime heroics
Brazilian rivals paiN and Legacy meet, both hunting LAN glory after strong group stages
Friday's playoffs culminate in Saturday's Bo5 grand final before the late-season Major push