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

With Stage 1 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 now a dusty memory (and, for many, a dusty Pick’Em record), we move forward with the 8 teams who somehow survived the madness. These brave souls will now clash with the 8 seeded giants waiting in Stage 2, all vying for a spot in Stage 3.

But before the first smoke blooms tomorrow, there’s still time to lock in your Pick’Em predictions for Stage 2. Whether you're in it for the glory of the Diamond Coin or the sweet, sweet souvenir packages (or both), our guide aims to give you a fighting chance.

A Humble Disclaimer

Before we dive into the picks, let us acknowledge the chaotic force that single-handedly ruined thousands of Pick’Ems in Stage 1: Chinese Counter-Strike. Between TYLOO and Lynn Vision Gaming absolutely destroying the North American teams, many players found their “safe” picks sent to the Shadow Realm. We’re not mad. We’re just disappointed.

So if you followed our Stage 1 guide and now have trust issues, that’s valid. But we’re back, slightly wiser, slightly more terrified, and ready to guide you through Stage 2.

How the Pick’Em Challenge Works, Again

As we’ve explained before, there are two main strategies for tackling the Pick’Em Challenge.

• The first is to go all-in and try to perfectly predict the outcomes of each stage - bold, risky, and great for bragging rights.
• The second is the safer route: focus on maximizing your chances of earning the Diamond Coin and all three souvenir packages by making smart, reliable picks.

To complete Stage 2, you’ll need five correct picks out of ten:

• Two “3-0” teams - They’ll cruise through without dropping a match.
• Six 3-1/3-2 teams - They might stumble, but they’ll survive.
• Two “0-3” teams - The ones who showed up just for the Austin BBQ.

Balancing calculated risks with safe choices, here are our picks for the Stage 2 of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025

• 3-0 Picks

• • Team Falcons
  • FaZe Clan

• 3-1/3-2 Picks

• • Heroic
  • 3DMAX
  • TYLOO
  • Lynn Vision Gaming
  • OG
  • FURIA

• 0-3 Picks

• • Nemiga Gaming
  • Legacy

BLAST Austin Major Pick'ems simulation (Image Source: BLAST.tv/Strafe Esports)

These picks are the result of bracket simulations, matchup history, and a healthy dose of fear from Stage 1 upsets. That said, we highly encourage you to simulate the bracket yourself. At this point, nothing is sacred. Especially not your Pick’Em confidence.

Lock It In and Hope for the Best

Stage 2 kicks off in under 24 hours. Lock in your predictions, double-check your gut feeling, and maybe offer a small sacrifice to the Pick’Em gods. Whether you’re gunning for the Diamond Coin or just chasing redemption, this is your shot.

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

Read more: 

BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: All-in-One Guide

Counter-Strike Introduces Souvenir Highlight Packages for Austin Major 2025