Thirty-two of the top Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams across the globe are looking for glory at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in Hungary from Nov. 24 to Dec. 14. While most fans can’t watch the event unfold live in the arenas (MTK Sportpark and MVM Dome), they can at least unlock the Diamond Coin for the StarLadder Budapest Major and wear it as a badge of honor.
Our in-depth guide explains how you can get the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Diamond Coin in CS2. We’ve included every step, all the Pick’Em challenges, essential cutoff dates, and our own Stage 1 Pick’Em suggestions for good measure.
StarLadder Budapest Major Diamond Coin: How To Unlock
The first step in your quest to unlock the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Diamond Coin is to activate the tournament’s in-game Viewer Pass. Gamers can purchase the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Viewer Pass via Steam for $9.99, or splurge for the Viewer Pass + 3 Souvenir Tokens at $17.99.
Please note: If you don’t want to spend any money, you can still enjoy making predictions via HLTV’s Pick’Em system or BLAST.tv’s Simulator, and share your choices with friends. However, without owning a Viewer Pass, you cannot unlock any rewards, including the Diamond Coin.
Activate your Viewer Pass after purchase to instantly gain access to the event coin, starting at Bronze rarity. The item gives CS2 players access to the Pick’Em challenges, Steam.tv chat flairs, and unlimited in-game graffiti opportunities during the tournament.
Upgrading The Event Coin To Diamond Rarity
At the center of your journey to get the Diamond Coin for your CS2 profile are the Pick’Em challenges. These challenges form part of your Viewer Pass functionality. There are four rarity levels to the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 event coin: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond.
Navigate to your Viewer Pass in-game to view the Pick’Em challenges. To start upgrading your StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 event coin, you must complete the challenges by making predictions. Only those who manage to complete all 11 challenges will earn the coveted Diamond Coin.
Below, we’ve outlined how many Pick’Em challenges you must complete to upgrade your event coin.
- Bronze Coin – 1/11
- Silver Coin – 4/11
- Gold Coin – 8/11
- Diamond Coin – 11/11
With every coin upgrade, Viewer Pass owners will also get a Souvenir Token. It’s a digital item that allows CS2 players to select any match from the Budapest Major and claim a weapon skin with pre-applied team and map stickers.
All StarLadder Budapest Major Pick’Em Challenges
In previous years, there were nine Pick’Em challenges due to three stages of competition in Major Championships. However, starting with the BLAST.tv Austin Major, the number of competing teams was increased to 32, and the tournament stages were expanded from three to four. The format change has resulted in two additional Pick’Em challenges.
You’ll find precise descriptions of each Pick’Em challenge outlined below.
- Activate your coin before the tournament is over.
- Place all 10 Pick’Em predictions for Stage 1 before it begins.
- Get 5 correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 1.
- Place all 10 Pick’Em predictions for Stage 2 before it begins.
- Get 5 correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 2.
- Place all 10 Pick’Em predictions for Stage 3 before it begins.
- Get 5 correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 3.
- Place all 7 Pick’Em predictions for the Playoffs Stage before it begins.
- Get 2 correct Pick’Em predictions for the Quarterfinals.
- Get 1 correct Pick’Em prediction for the Semifinals.
- Get 1 correct Pick’Em prediction for the Grand Final.
To earn the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Diamond Coin, you must correctly predict the outcome of the entire tournament, including who’ll become the eventual winner.
Important StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Dates
There are some dates of critical importance that any CS2 fan looking to get the Diamond Coin for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 must know about. These are the cutoff dates to make Pick’Em predictions for each stage of competition. If you do not make Pick’Em predictions on or before these dates, you cannot complete the corresponding challenges.
- Stage 1 – Nov. 24
- Stage 2 – Nov. 29
- Stage 3 – Dec. 4
- Playoffs Stage – Dec. 11
The in-game Viewer Pass showcases the exact time remaining before you must lock in those Pick’Em predictions. To avoid any mishaps, we strongly suggest you complete those predictions at least one day before the cutoff dates listed above.
The caveat is that a complete list of teams for Stages 2 and 3 becomes available only once the previous stage ends. For example, Stage 1 ends on Nov. 27, which means your window of opportunity to complete Stage 2 Pick’Ems is roughly two days.
Our Stage 1 Pick’Em Predictions For Budapest Major
Looking for a solid start in your attempt to earn the coveted Diamond Coin? You are in luck, as our expert Pick’Em predictions for Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major should help.
We chose Brazilian powerhouse Legacy and the iconic FaZe Clan as our two predictions for teams who will go 3-0, topping the leaderboard to qualify for Stage 2. The Huns and Rare Atom are our picks for teams that will go 0-3. Below are the six teams we’ve predicted will earn 3-1 or 3-2 records and thereby qualify for Stage 2.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Imperial Esports
- Fnatic
- GamerLegion
- B8
- NRG
Important note: Use these Pick’Em predictions at your own risk. Thunderpick is not responsible if you don’t get the required five correct predictions for Stage 1. We recommend making your own Pick’Em predictions, as it’s a significant part of the Viewer Pass experience.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Is Almost Here
Judging by Major Championship history, it’s likely that some upsets will occur in Budapest. So when it all comes to a close in the MVM Dome in Hungary on Dec. 14, we could see a surprise champion lifting the trophy.
Predicting the entire tournament to get the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Diamond Coin is undoubtedly a tall order, but we hope our guide will increase your chances of success. Good luck and have fun!
Remember that you can watch CS2 Major Championships via our unique BetPeek feature, and place wagers with ease with our new, optional Tableview layout.
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