The match between Legacy and B8 in the 2-1 pool at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will be a decisive one for both teams: the winner secures a place in the second stage of the tournament, while the loser drops into the 2-2 pool, where there will be no room for mistakes. Legacy enter this match in strong form after an impressive run at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, whereas B8 hold an advantage in head-to-head encounters, having beaten Legacy twice in the past six months. This creates a highly tense backdrop: a team showing steady progress versus an opponent that already knows how to beat them — and every map may prove crucial.
How Bookmakers See It: Legacy as Favorites
Despite B8 having the upper hand in recent head-to-head matchups, bookmakers give Legacy a clear advantage. Analysts highlight the team’s rapid progress, their second-place finish at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, and consistent results against opponents of similar caliber as the key reasons for their higher rating.
Legacy display a more balanced playstyle and greater stability in best-of-three series, while B8 occasionally struggle during critical segments of matches. As a result, bookmakers believe that this time Legacy have a stronger chance of winning, even considering B8’s successful history in previous encounters.
Current Form of Legacy: What to Expect From Legacy
Legacy approach the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in good shape. Over the last three months, the team has played 75 maps and won 38 of them — a stable, albeit not outstanding, record. Their highlight of recent months is a second-place finish at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, where the team showcased strong preparation and competitive resilience.
- Legacy roster: latto, dumau, saadzin, n1ssim, lux
In their last five matches, Legacy secured three victories — against Rare Atom, SAW, and RED Canids, losing only to Aurora and FlyQuest. This indicates strong performance against teams of similar level, although struggles remain against top-tier opponents. Legacy’s key strengths lie in their teamplay and structured approach, built around stable execution on their best maps.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect
B8 have shown noticeable improvement recently. Over the past three months, they have played 53 maps and won 26. At PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, the Ukrainian team reached the 5–8th place, demonstrating competitive performances against European teams.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In their last five matches, B8 earned three wins — against PARIVISION, The Huns, and Legacy — while losing to M80 and Aurora. This shows solid momentum and the team’s ability to adapt to various opponents. B8 keep expanding their tactical pool, especially on maps like Mirage and Ancient, where they excel at dictating the pace and controlling space.
Legacy Map Pool
Legacy almost always start the veto by banning Train, as it is their weakest map. When choosing a map, they typically lean towards Inferno, Mirage, or Dust2, but in a match against B8, the most logical pick is Dust2, where Legacy show their best win rate at 64%. This map has consistently been one of their strengths due to effective T-side play and reliable execution of key roles. In the second ban phase, Legacy will likely remove Mirage, considering B8’s strong performance there.
B8 Map Pool
B8 traditionally ban Nuke, which rarely appears in their map pool. When selecting a map, they tend to target the opponent’s weaknesses, but against Legacy their most probable pick is Ancient. It is one of their strongest maps with a 100% win rate, and they have already defeated Legacy on Ancient twice. In the second ban phase, B8 may remove Inferno to prevent Legacy from playing a comfortable map.
After mutual bans, the most likely decider is Overpass, a map where neither side has a significant advantage, making the final map especially tense.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last six months, Legacy and B8 have faced each other twice — and both times B8 won 2-1.
At ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1, the Ukrainians claimed victory (Dust2 13:4, Ancient 6:13, Train 2:13), and at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, they repeated the success (Dust2 13:3, Ancient 10:13, Train 11:13).
In both series, Legacy managed to secure one map, but B8 consistently found ways to adapt and close out the decisive moments. B8’s preparation and psychological resilience give them an observable edge in direct clashes.
Match Prediction: B8 vs Legacy — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Stage 1
Considering recent results, map pools, and the team's progress, Legacy have a real chance to win this match. Although B8 currently hold the advantage in head-to-head matchups, Legacy’s form after finishing second at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 appears convincing. The team has improved its discipline, clarified its structure, and stabilized its key roles.
A crucial factor is Dust2, which Legacy will almost certainly choose and where they hold a 64% win rate. This map has repeatedly served as their foundation for victories and could allow them to enter the series with confidence. While B8 rely heavily on Ancient, Legacy have already shown they can adapt and find answers even on uncomfortable maps.
If Legacy manage to impose their tempo on Dust2 and avoid critical mistakes on Ancient, the decider (likely Overpass) could tilt in their favor. The team currently holds a psychological advantage and seems more stable in the bo3 format than B8.
Prediction: Legacy 2-1 B8.
