December 05, 2025
Passion UA Shocks the CS2 Scene with Breakthrough Win Over M80 at the Budapest Major The true underdogs rise as Passion UA secure a historic Stage 3 qualification
Passion UA Shock M80 in Breakthrough Victory at the Budapest Major
Few expected either of these squads to be standing this deep into CS2’s biggest event of the year. Yet here they were — two underdog rosters fighting to join the world’s elite in Stage 3 of the Budapest Major 2025.
🔥 The Rise of Passion UA
Passion UA first grabbed attention during BLAST Rivals 2025 in Hong Kong, where they upset The MongolZ and pushed Team Falcons to their limit. Still, this team entered the Major with almost no tier-one experience to their name.
- Created in 2023 with a core of former Complexity players
- Only one major tournament appearance before the Budapest Major
- Considered a long shot to make it past Stage 2
Against all expectations, Passion UA showed they belong — not just surviving, but thriving on the biggest stage.
🇺🇸 M80 Enter as North America’s Hope
Across from them stood M80, who shocked fans with a flawless 3–0 run in Stage 1. Their resume wasn’t stacked, but they proved they could punch up.
- Qualified through BLAST Open Fall but finished last
- Took a massive win over NAVI in qualifiers
- Wins over Astralis and Fnatic in Stage 2
In this advancement match, M80 were the favorites on paper — but Passion UA refused to let that narrative stand.
🧠 The Mental Game Matters
This match meant everything. Winning this series would unlock the chance to test themselves against the best teams Counter-Strike has to offer.
Passion UA didn’t fold under the pressure. After dropping a razor-thin Map 1, they regrouped, took control, and never looked back.
"We played really well... We had a good mental, we kept playing good, kept doing good macros and speaking with each other. I feel happy."
— Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli
The scoreboard said it all: Passion UA advance to Stage 3. M80’s Cinderella run stops here.
🗺️ Map Breakdown
🧱 Mirage
Mirage highlighted Passion UA’s early nerves — especially on the T side.
- First half ended 6–6
- M80 surged ahead as CT
- Kvem finally came alive, shaking off Major pressure
Despite a comeback push from PUA, M80 closed out the map and grabbed the series lead.
🔥 Inferno
Inferno flipped the tone completely.
- Passion UA started strong and finished even stronger
- M80’s only lifeline came from a stolen anti-eco round
- Pistols and momentum carried PUA through the second half
This was the confidence-reset Passion UA needed.
🚂 Train
Train sealed the deal.
- Passion UA dominated early on CT side
- Aggressive rotations and fast entries powered their T rounds
- M80 collapsed after the half, unable to recover
PUA controlled the map from start to finish — ending the series in convincing fashion.
🚀 A Major Run to Remember
Passion UA — Stage 2 Entry
- Tight loss to FaZe Clan
- Bo1 win against MIBR
- Bo3 loss vs 3DMAX
- Elimination match win against Fnatic
M80 — Stage 1 Perfect Start
- 3–0 vs B8, PARAVISION & NRG
- Wins over Astralis & Fnatic in Stage 2
- Losses to Aurora & TYLOO paved the path to this match
Both teams exceeded everyone’s expectations — but the winners must now prepare for a whole new tier of competition.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Passion UA entered Budapest as dark horses. They now leave Stage 2 as one of the tournament’s best stories.
Their resilience, tactical discipline, and fearlessness under pressure have pushed them into the spotlight — and into battles against the world’s strongest CS2 teams.
If this is only the beginning, the CS2 scene better start paying attention.