Stage 1 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 has concluded, but the eight top teams have an even tougher challenge ahead and that is the Stage 2 Invites. Join us as we take a look at the favorites and some possible underdogs to make it through to Stage 3.

Check out all of our BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 content.

Team Falcons

One of the top contenders, Falcons enter Stage 2 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 with a star-studded roster featuring NiKo, m0NESY, Magisk, TeSeS, and kyxsan. Under the guidance of coach zonic, this lineup has already proven itself with a championship win at PGL Bucharest 2025, where they defeated G2 in the grand final. That victory not only secured their invite to Austin but also cemented them as one of CS2’s emerging superteams.

Their form heading into Austin has remained strong, with impressive runs at IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals Spring, finishing second at both events after close series against Vitality. With their current momentum and a roster stacked with firepower and experience, Falcons are clear favorites to reach Stage 3.

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan comes in to Stage 2 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 with a refreshed roster and renewed focus. Now fielding karrigan, frozen, EliGE, s1mple (on loan), and rain, this is an incredibly accomplished lineup on an individual level.

While there were initial questions about how quickly this new roster would gel – especially considering the history between EliGE and s1mple – FaZe has already shown flashes of brilliance. s1mple’s arrival brings undeniable firepower, while EliGE contributes consistent, high-level rifling and international experience. If they can carry their recent form into Austin, a deep playoff run is definitely within reach.

3DMAX

As for the biggest dark horse of the Stage 2 direct invites, that would be 3DMAX. Their French lineup, led by Maka, has shown impressive growth in recent months, capitalizing on strong performances in European competitions and a calculated, methodical playstyle.

While they may lack the big-tournament experience of some other teams, 3DMAX has already demonstrated the ability to upset higher-ranked opponents. Their chances of advancing will depend on whether they can maintain composure under the Major spotlight. If they do, they could surprise a lot of people.

Virtus.Pro

A team that been on this stage many times before, Virtus.pro returns to the Major circuit with a retooled roster and their trademark slow, suffocating style. With electroNic assuming leadership duties and the reliable presence of FL1T and fame, this lineup looks highly capable. They qualified through strong RMR performances and are now aiming to reestablish themselves as a playoff-caliber team.

While not the flashiest squad, VP has always thrived by dragging games into their preferred tempo. The key question in Austin will be whether their style can withstand faster-paced, more explosive teams. If they can keep matches on their terms, Virtus.pro is a strong contender to reach Stage 3.

paiN Gaming

A solid showing in the Americas RMR, where they secured their spot with strong wins over Nouns and ODDIK, brings paiN Gaming to Stage 2. With biguzera continuing to lead with calm structure, and players like nqz and dgt stepping up, paiN brings a balanced and focused approach into Austin.

This iteration of paiN may look different from previous versions, but their fundamentals remain intact. While their international experience as a five-man unit is still developing, their results suggest they’re on the right track. If they can settle into the Stage 2 environment early, paiN has the tools and discipline to push through to Stage 3.

FURIA

Their path through the Americas RMR was solid, marked by key victories that reaffirmed their standing as one of the region’s top teams. FURIA enters Stage 2 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 with a revamped roster that combines veteran strength with fresh energy.

With FalleN in the leadership role and YEKINDAR adding explosive entry power, this version of FURIA feels more balanced and composed than in the past. While the team is still developing chemistry, their experience and individual talent give them a high ceiling. If FURIA can control the tempo and keep their mid-rounds sharp, they have every chance to make a strong run in Austin.

MIBR

MIBR returns to the Major stage after navigating a challenging Americas qualification path. The team features a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and rising talent, and they’ve quietly pieced together a strong run of results leading up to Austin. Their structure and teamwork provide a solid foundation heading into Stage 2.

While MIBR may not have the same star power as some of the other teams in the field, they’ve shown they can win when it matters. Their road to Stage 3 won’t be easy, but if they stick to their fundamentals and capitalize on opponent mistakes, an upset run is certainly possible.

M80

One of the few North American teams to earn a direct invite to Stage 2, M80 have proven their merit with consistent performances throughout the season. The roster, featuring players like Swisher, slaxz-, and Lake, has steadily built synergy and discipline. M80 might not always dominate on paper, but they’ve shown the ability to pull off upsets.

Questions remain about how they’ll fare against Europe’s elite, but they come in with nothing to lose and everything to gain. If their individuals step up and they find early success, M80 could ride that momentum to a breakout performance in Austin.

Stage 1 Teams

Heroic and B8 enter Stage 2 with the best showings in Stage 1. OG and Nemiga both had scrappy but impressive runs, nicoodoz of OG setting a new Major record with a 3.08 rating against Complexity. While they’re not favorites to go the full distance, they’ve shown that they should not be underestimated in this tournament. Legacy, stepping in last-minute for BESTIA due to visa issues, looked surprisingly sharp in qualifiers and could catch a few teams off guard.

BetBoom, Lynn Vision, and TYLOO come in as threats with upset potential, but they’ll need to step it up against the tougher competition in the coming matches. Stage 2 feels wide open, with a handful of teams that could either overperform or crash out fast.