FlyQuest, NRG and Fluxo lead early surprises at StarLadder Budapest Major

Australia's sole representative, FlyQuest, kicked off its campaign with a 13-10 win over Legacy, followed by a 13-6 victory against Imperial Esports, securing an early spot in Stage 2.

North America's M80 continued its strong form from BLAST Open London, defeating B8 13-11 and Parivision 13-9 to move close to Stage 2 qualification. Elsewhere, Americas side Fluxo impressed with wins over GamerLegion (13-10) and Fnatic (13-9), joining the 2-0 bracket.

GamerLegion, meanwhile, remains in turmoil, dropping consecutive matches to Fluxo and Red Canids to sit at 0-2 and facing early elimination.

NRG, with Damian 'daps' Steele as a temporary stand-in, has been the biggest surprise so far. The North American team overcame Ninjas in Pyjamas 13-7 before defeating FaZe Clan 13-10 to reach 2-0, defying low expectations.

Several teams sit at 1-1, including Legacy, Fnatic, NiP, RED Canids, Imperial Esports, Parivision, B8, and FaZe Clan, heading into round three. GamerLegion, Rare Atom, The Huns, and Lynn Vision Gaming remain in the 0-2 danger zone.