The fight to qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major is over, as the VRS standings for each region have been finalized. The cutoff date for Budapest Major VRS invites was October 6, 2025, and Europe’s final spot was secured by Fnatic at Fragadelphia Blocktober.
Fnatic had to fly across the pond following a disappointing 5th-8th place finish at the Birch Cup 2025 in Poland for one final chance to secure enough Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points. Their next stop was Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025 in Philadelphia, United States, leaving no room to rest – but it paid off.
Fnatic Wins Fragadelphia Blocktober in Dramatic Finale
With other StarLadder Budapest Major hopefuls such as 9INE (who won Birch Cup 2025) and OG in attendance, Fnatic had to take home the Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025 trophy to secure a spot at the upcoming Major Championship.
After qualifying for the single-elimination playoffs, Fnatic had to win four consecutive matches to advance. One loss meant they would not reach #16 in Europe on the VRS and, therefore, miss out on the StarLadder Budapest Major.
Fnatic celebrating at the Blocktober LAN. Image Credit: Fragadelphia
With everything on the line, Fnatic dispatched of Metizport 2-0 (13-10 on Overpass, 13-7 on Ancient) in the Round of 16. German side BIG nearly spoiled Fnatic’s day in the quarterfinals, winning the first map, Overpass, with a 13-10 score.
However, Fnatic refused to go down, winning the following two maps in a row (13-5 Mirage, 13-11 Inferno) to complete the reverse sweep. In the semifinals, Fnatic denied OG with a 2-0 (13-11 Ancient, 13-8 Mirage) for a spot in the grand final.
Fnatic and 9INE clashed in the best-of-five grand finale. The fight wasn’t about claiming the $5,500 first-place prize, as both teams were entirely focused on those all-important VRS points, which would guarantee a spot at the StarLadder Budapest Major.
On Fnatic’s map pick of Dust2, it was 9INE who got off to a strong start, winning 13-7 after a flawless 8-0 CT side. Fnatic returned the favor on 9INE’s map pick of Inferno, winning 13-7 to tie the series 1-1. On the third map, Ancient, 9INE won 13-7 to put themselves on match point with a 2-1 score.
With their backs against the wall, on 9INE’s map pick of Overpass, Fnatic showed their big-match temperament, winning 16-14 in overtime to force a fifth and deciding map. In the first half of the Train, the sides were inseparable (6-6).
THE WINNING MOMENT 🥹 pic.twitter.com/A2who2dvxk
— FNATIC CS (@FNATICCS2) October 6, 2025
Fnatic managed to stabilize first on the T side in the second half, closing out the map 13-9 and thereby winning Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025 with a 3-2 score in the grand finale.
With the win, Fnatic secured enough VRS points to qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major. It was incredibly close, with 9INE finishing in 17th place in Europe (1423 points) compared to Fnatic’s 16th place (1452 points).