FaZe Clan Dominates NIP, Secures StarLadder Major Stage 3

FaZe Clan Dominates NIP, Secures StarLadder Major Stage 3

FaZe Clan has forcefully punched their ticket to Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, exacting decisive revenge against Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) in a thrilling two-map series. This monumental victory marks a remarkable turnaround for FaZe, who have navigated a "disastrous Stage 1" to carve a path of dominance through Stage 2, establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the final group stage.

FaZe Clan's Redemptive Run to Stage 3

After a shaky start to the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, FaZe Clan, under the masterful leadership of Finn "karrigan" Andersen, has achieved a critical milestone: securing a coveted berth in Stage 3. This hard-fought triumph over Ninjas in Pyjamas not only propels FaZe forward but also serves as a potent statement, showcasing a stark contrast between their early tournament struggles and their current, commanding form. Their journey through Stage 2 has been nothing short of a resurgence, culminating in this high-stakes victory.

Tactical Masterclass on Inferno and Nuke

The highly anticipated clash between FaZe and NIP saw both teams settle on a tactically classical map veto, leading to intense battles on Inferno and Nuke.

• Inferno (16-12 FaZe): NIP initially asserted dominance on Inferno, securing an early lead, including seven consecutive rounds, and holding FaZe to a mere three rounds at halftime. Key plays from Artem "r1nkle" Moroz and Rasmus "sjuush" Beck kept NIP in control. However, FaZe, fueled by clutch performances from Helvijs "broky" Saukants, Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken, David "frozen" Čerňanský, and Jakub "jcobbb" Pietruszewski, mounted an impressive comeback on their CT side. They tied the score at 11-11, pushed the map into overtime despite NIP reaching matchpoint, and ultimately closed it out 16-12, leveraging their superior experience in critical situations.
• Nuke (16-12 FaZe): The action continued on Nuke, a traditional stronghold for both karrigan and NIP's IGL, Marco "Snappi" Pfeiffer. FaZe took an early lead with a pistol round win, but NIP swiftly countered, tying the game and maintaining a slight advantage at halftime. NIP extended their lead to nine rounds after shutting down FaZe's force buy. Yet, Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken ignited FaZe's fight back. A pivotal 2v4 clutch by "broky" and "frozen" in the B-site turned the tide, decimating NIP's economy and granting FaZe critical control. Despite a late rally by NIP, pushing the game to overtime thanks to a clutch from "sjuush," FaZe once again proved their mettle, cleaning up in overtime and sealing the map 16-12, with karrigan winning a crucial 1v1 IGL clutch.

Player Performances Pave the Way

FaZe Clan's success was a testament to their collective skill and individual brilliance. "karrigan" masterfully guided his team through challenging scenarios, particularly evident in his decisive 1v1 clutch on Nuke. "Twistzz" showcased his impact by sparking FaZe's resurgence on Nuke. The duo of "broky" and "frozen" proved instrumental, consistently delivering key kills and turning critical situations like their 2v4 comeback on Nuke. Their combined experience and clutch factor were undeniable throughout both maps.

What's Next for FaZe and NIP?

With this hard-fought victory, FaZe Clan has firmly qualified for the final group stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, signaling their intent for a deep playoff run. For Ninjas in Pyjamas, the tournament journey is not over. Despite the loss, NIP demonstrated significant growth and threat against a top-tier team, and they still retain two additional opportunities to secure their spot in Stage 3. The Counter-Strike world eagerly watches to see if NIP can capitalize on these remaining chances or if FaZe Clan will continue their meteoric rise towards Major glory.