Pick’Em Challenge Guide: Counter-Strike 2 BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 Stage 1

27 May

Ganesh Jadhav

The biggest Counter-Strike 2 event of the year kicks off in a week. Starting June 3rd, 32 of the best teams in the game will take each other on across four stages of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025.

While the professionals play for the prestigious title, us casuals can play along by participating in the Austin Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge.

Whether you choose to root for your favorite team to lift the trophy or play for the coveted souvenir packages and the Diamond Coin, the goal is s1mple: predict the teams that will survive the four stages of competition.

We have a elaborated a guide for the Pick’Em Challenge. To find out how you can get the souvenir packages, you can check our article here.

Stage 1 Pick’Em Challenge Guide

As mentioned before, there are two ways to approach the Pick’Em Challenge. First, to simply accurately predict the outcome of the individual stages. Second, the safe way, i.e. to maximize your chances of securing the Diamond Coin and 3 souvenir packages.

In both cases, you have to choose a total of ten teams. These are:

Two “3-0” teams - Teams that will clear the stage without dropping a series.
Six “3-1” teams - Teams that can drop a series but will still qualify for the upcoming stage.
Two “0-3” teams - Teams that will be eliminated without winning a series.

To complete the Stage 1 challenge, you have to make 5 correct predictions.

If you choose a team as a “3-0” pick, it must qualify without dropping a single series for the pick to count as a correct prediction. Similarly, a “3-1/3-2” pick will only count if the team qualifies with a 3-1/3-2 record.

Considering the unpredictable nature of the first stage that starts with Bo1's, upsets are to be expected. So, unless the team you pick is an overwhelming favorite, it’s unwise to choose it as a “3-0” pick.

Balancing calculated risks with safe choices, here are our picks for the Stage 1 of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025.

3-0 picks:
- Heroic
- Complexity
3-1/3-2 picks:
- BetBoom
- B8
- FlyQuest
- Wildcard
- Metizport
- Legacy
0-3 picks:
- Chingis Warrior
- Lynn vision

Strafe's Austin Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick'Ems (credit: Valve)

These picks are made after simulating the Stage 1 bracket with the most probable reason. You can simulate the bracket yourself to make your own picks.

Once you know your picks, lock them in and enjoy the show!

Follow BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 on Strafe. For the latest Counter-Strike news and guides, follow Strafe Esports. Also, check out our X account for real-time content and coverage.

Featured image credit: Image exclusive to Strafe Esports

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