Team Vitality Defeats FaZe Clan to Win Budapest Major

The fairy tale ending remained out of reach for FaZe Clan at the Budapest Major. In a grueling 1-3 defeat against Team Vitality, the European powerhouse served as the backdrop for another champion's celebration for the third time across four CS2 Major cycles. Despite a resilient tournament run, the final chapter of their Budapest journey ended abruptly when a crucial USP-S play silenced their championship hopes during a high-stakes 1v2 clutch.

FaZe Clan: A Season of Resilience and Near-Misses

FaZe Clan's path to the grand final was anything but smooth. After nearly facing elimination in the opening stage, the roster showcased their trademark grit by going undefeated in the second stage and surviving a do-or-die third stage. Their 2025 campaign has been defined by this cycle of falling and rising, yet they ultimately fell one step short of the ultimate prize.

Following the loss, veteran captain Finn "karrigan" Andersen shared a candid reflection on the team's future. At 35, the legendary IGL remains undeterred. "I never give up," karrigan stated in a post-match interview. "Next year, I’m going to push, push, push, and show the world what we are capable of." For FaZe, the upcoming winter break serves as a necessary period for recalibration after a year spent on the edge of glory.

The Dominance of Team Vitality

On the other side of the server, Team Vitality has cemented their status as the undisputed best team of 2025. By securing the Budapest title, they became the ninth organization in history to reach back-to-back Major finals and only the fourth to successfully defend a Major crown. With nine trophies collected throughout the year, their consistency has been unparalleled.

Vitality’s victory was a masterclass in individual brilliance and tactical cohesion:

• ZywOo: Delivered his 8th MVP performance of the year, further solidifying his case for the greatest player in CS2.
• flameZ: Spearheaded the offensive with aggressive entries that broke FaZe’s defensive lines.
• mezii: Displayed incredible composure in late-round situations, providing the stability needed to close out maps.
• apEX: The veteran captain showed glimpses of his vintage form, leading with high-impact plays and emotional intensity.

A Personal Redemption

The victory carried extra weight for Robin "ropz" (as referenced in the match context), who faced off against his former organization. Eleven months after a high-profile transfer initiated a new chapter in his career, the narrative finally came full circle with a Major victory over his old teammates. His performance on the final map set a new career personal best, proving that the transition was the catalyst needed for this historic run.

As the CS2 competitive season draws to a close, Team Vitality stands alone at the peak of the mountain. While FaZe Clan heads into the off-season looking for answers, the rest of the world is left wondering how to stop the momentum of the French-led juggernaut heading into 2026.