StarLadder Budapest Major suffers rocky start following tech issues

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has kicked off with several technical issues impacting the tournament’s opening day.

Issues have ranged from inconsistent broadcast audio to problems halting the first round of Stage 1 matches.

The first signs of problems surfaced when the opening segments of the show saw no audio being heard from desk hosts and analysts previewing the first round matches. Instead, the background music continued to play while the talent continued their discussions.

Notably, the issues were evident on YouTube and Twitch broadcasts, while the Kick stream remained unaffected.

During a match between M80 and B8, the commentating duo of Chad ‘SPUNJ‘ Birchill and Alex ‘Machine‘ Richardson couldn’t be heard. After StarLadder resolved the issue, echoed in-game audio impacted the viewing experience further, sparking plenty of memes from members of the talent lineup and the teams competing.

In the early stages of FaZe Clan taking on Lynn Vision Gaming, the main broadcast stopped working, leaving fans in the dark regarding the outcome of Nuke’s sixth round.

“We are now on track to break the record for the longest match in FaZe CS history,” joked FaZe Clan on social media.

After two hours of downtime, both broadcasts have now returned to round off the opening matches of the first round. “Power issues, you need that to play video games,” said SPUNJ during the broadcast.

StarLadder has yet to comment on the reasons behind the unexpected downtime.

At the time of publication, FaZe Clan’s match against Lynn Vision Gaming as well as Fnatic‘s clash with RED Canids are underway.

With a delay significantly impacting the remaining matches set to take place, it’s unclear if the second round of Stage 1 matches will be completed.

While the delay is frustrating to both viewers and players, Counter-Strike’s second Major of 2025 appears to be back on track. Esports Insider will have a full breakdown of the opening day later this evening.