Falcons completed one of the biggest comebacks of Stage 3, defeating G2 2–1 in the decisive 2–2 match to qualify for the playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. What began as an even matchup quickly turned into a one-sided display: Falcons dismantled G2 on the final two maps, while m0NESY delivered one of the best individual performances of the entire stage, dictating the pace from start to finish. G2 once again fell one step short of the top eight — the same problems resurfaced: lack of structure, poor adaptation, and losses in key duels.
Team Trajectories — Different Stories, Different Stability
Falcons entered Stage 3 after an unstable run in the previous rounds, but this is where the team finally reached top speed. After a painful loss to B8, they regrouped rapidly, produced a confident series of wins, and arrived at the decisive matchup against G2 in excellent form.
Their road to the 2–2 match looked like this:
- 10–13 vs B8 — rough start to Stage 3
- 13–5 vs Passion UA — dominance on Nuke and a confidence reset
- 13–1 vs Imperial — a complete destruction
- 1–2 vs MOUZ — close loss to an equal opponent
- 2–1 vs G2 — their best match of the tournament, full adaptation and individual superiority
Falcons approached the elimination match fully locked in: stable rotations, well–constructed structure, and phenomenal individual form became the foundation of their success.
G2 entered Stage 3 confidently, but at the decisive moment the team once again failed to show the necessary structure and stability. They produced strong stretches of play, but micro-failures and the inability to adapt in BO3s proved fatal.
Their road:
- 13–8 vs Passion UA — convincing Stage 3 opener
- 13–7 vs paiN — second win in a row
- 0–2 vs FURIA — a loss that halted their playoff push
- 0–2 vs The MongolZ — a collapse that killed their momentum
- 1–2 vs Falcons — strong Ancient, but complete breakdown on Inferno and Dust2
G2 once again showed potential, but failed the stability test: critical rounds remained a weakness, and the lack of adaptive mid-game doomed their run.
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Map Breakdown
Ancient — 13:9. G2 open the series with confidence
G2 started Ancient well: strong CT structure, well-prepared traps, and key individual plays gave them control of the map. Falcons tried to break the rhythm through NiKo and m0NESY, but G2 consistently found answers.
Winning mid-round trades and covering mid control were decisive factors. In the second half, G2’s T side remained confident: HeavyGod created space, while MATYS converted key duels. Falcons had openings, but never found a way to truly break G2’s defense.
Inferno — 13:9. Falcons shatter G2’s structure
Inferno flipped the entire match upside down. Falcons seized the tempo instantly, and G2 immediately lost the stability they had shown on Ancient.
Even with a close scoreline in the mid-game, G2 collapsed in crucial situations: lost 3v3s, poorly timed retakes, and misreads of Falcons’ rhythm. This was the map where it became clear — Falcons had fully downloaded their opponent.
Dust2 — 13:10. m0NESY closes it out on the decider
Dust2 became a showcase of complete control from Falcons. G2 attempted to keep the game close, but m0NESY simply deleted them from the server. Falcons dominated mid and long control, forcing G2 into predictable executes.
G2 had chances, but consistently lost the rounds that define championship runs. By the final stretch, it was obvious: Falcons were not only stronger individually — they were superior in adaptation, rotations, and overall game reading.
Match Stats
MVP — Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
- 1.49 rating
- 101.9 ADR
- Key multi-kills on Dust2
- Constant impact throughout all phases of the round
- Absolute map control through aggressive AWPing
This was one of m0NESY’s strongest Major performances to date — a level of dominance that fully shaped the outcome of the series.
Team Play — A Clear Difference in Adaptation and Stability
Falcons showed smart, flexible Counter-Strike: constant tempo shifts, excellent information work, and victories in most key microduels. Their defense was stable, and their attack was varied and well-structured.
G2, meanwhile, started strong but quickly lost footing once pressure mounted. They lacked counterplans, and failures in clutches and retakes created a snowball that became impossible to stop.
VRS Impact
- Falcons: +13 pt (#2 → #2) — one of the strongest performances of the stage
- G2: –8 pt (#9 → #9) — a painful but expected drop
Falcons advance, G2 fall short once more
Falcons confirm their contender status and enter the playoffs in excellent form. If m0NESY maintains this level, the team will look like a real threat to reach the final.
G2 end their Major run while once again failing to overcome their systemic issues. The team struggled with adaptation, stability, and execution in key moments — and those weaknesses ultimately sent them home.
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Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
