The excitement is building for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where 32 teams are preparing to clash for the coveted CS2 Major trophy and a staggering prize pool of $1,250,000. As the competition heats up, fans are presented with an opportunity to engage in the action through the popular Pick’Ems feature, which allows them to predict outcomes and earn a prestigious diamond coin. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to navigate the Pick’Ems for the Budapest Major and secure your diamond coin.
In essence, CS2 Pick’Ems are a series of in-game challenges that enable viewers to demonstrate their understanding of the professional scene while the tournament unfolds. To join in, participants need to purchase a Viewer Pass, after which they can make predictions regarding tournament results. Successfully guessing the outcomes at various stages unlocks Souvenir packages and upgrades for their coin, moving it from bronze to silver, gold, and ultimately to the coveted diamond level.
Achieving the diamond coin requires accurate predictions across all three tournament stages, including the playoffs. Participants must fulfill a series of 11 challenges, beginning with activating their coin and submitting predictions before each stage commences. Each stage involves predicting outcomes for ten matchups, including identifying teams that will go 3-0 or 0-3, and determining six teams expected to advance with a 3-1 or 3-2 record. Correctly completing five out of ten predictions at each stage is essential for advancing to the next tier.
The competition kicks off with the need for players to keep track of deadlines for their predictions, particularly as the tournament progresses. This attention to timing will be pivotal in the strategy for making the most accurate picks.
To initiate the journey towards earning the diamond coin at the StarLadder Budapest Major, players must login to Counter-Strike 2 and purchase their Viewer Pass. Once activated, they can head to the Pick’Ems hub to submit their Stage 1 predictions efficiently.
While missing the Stage 1 deadline eliminates the chance for a diamond coin this time around, participants can still engage in subsequent stages to earn upgrades for their coins based on their performance in the challenges.
For those looking to refine their predictions, various third-party simulators are available, allowing aspiring predictors to experiment with potential matchups based on historical seeding data. These tools prove invaluable for identifying possible outcomes and strategic pairings, increasing the likelihood of making informed predictions.
As fans gear up for Stage 1 of the competition, the unpredictability of the teams presents a thrilling challenge. Initial picks suggest Legacy as a frontrunner for the undefeated category, supported by recent performance, while FaZe still shows potential despite recent struggles. At the opposite end, the competition for the bottom two slots appears tight, with teams such as RED Canids and Rare Atom under scrutiny.
The European teams also stand out as credible candidates to advance, given their consistent performance at higher tiers. Picking the right combination of teams could spell the difference between success and failure in these early stages.
Besides Pick’Ems, the Major event introduces various in-game items, including Souvenir Tokens and the Viewer Pass. The Viewer Pass unlocks all features related to the Major, allowing fans to purchase tokens that can later be redeemed for Souvenir Packages filled with exclusive weapon skins and event-themed stickers.
Overall, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 promises an exhilarating experience for both players and viewers alike. With substantial prizes at stake and the added thrill of making predictions, the tournament is set to be a must-watch event for CS2 enthusiasts.
