NIP vs FaZe - StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1

FaZe enters this Group Stage clash as betting favorites despite sharing identical misery with their opponents. Both squads carry dismal 20-25% winrates over the past month into StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. The difference lies in FaZe's superior map pool depth and proven big-stage experience when tournaments matter most.

The map veto phase heavily favors FaZe's tactical approach. While NiP boasts a commanding 69% winrate on Nuke, FaZe can simply ban it away and force the Swedes onto less comfortable ground. FaZe's 67% Ancient winrate and 60% Mirage success rate create two reliable battlegrounds where they dictate the pace. NiP's 25% Mirage winrate makes this map virtually unplayable for them, and their recent form suggests they lack the confidence to challenge FaZe's structured executes.

Recent results paint a grim picture for both rosters, but FaZe's losses came against stronger opposition like NRG and Virtus.pro. Their 2-0 victory over MOUZ three weeks ago demonstrates they can still produce quality CS when clicking. NiP's victories over SAW and HEROIC nearly a month ago feel like distant memories. When two struggling teams collide, experience and individual firepower become deciding factors, and FaZe holds advantages in both departments heading into Budapest.