The third day of the Swiss Stage at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 brought another wave of surprises and emotional storylines. The Brazilians of Legacy confidently defeated Astralis 2–0 (16–14 Inferno, 13–9 Nuke), while Team Liquid regained their rhythm with a 2–1 victory over BetBoom (13–5 Mirage, 3–13 Nuke, 13–2 Ancient). These results not only reshaped the balance of power in the Swiss Stage but also had a significant impact on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), moving both winners closer to the playoffs.
Road to the Swiss Stage (1–1)
For Legacy, this victory became another milestone in their breakout season. The team opened the tournament with a 1–2 loss to Liquid but bounced back with a dominant 2–0 win over Gentle Mates. Against Astralis, the Brazilians once again showcased their trademark mix of aggression and composure. Under the leadership of saadzin and n1ssim, Legacy proved once again why they are considered one of the year’s most exciting surprises.
Astralis, in contrast, entered the match under heavy pressure. Despite their vast experience, the Danes are still struggling to regain stability following recent restructuring. While Magisk and device had bright moments, the team’s overall synergy has yet to return to the heights of their prime.
For Liquid, the match against BetBoom served as a test of endurance. After a painful defeat to Aurora, siuhy and company managed to regroup and remind the world of their potential. Their structured approach and sharp coordination brought them back into the race for a playoff spot.
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Legacy vs Astralis
Result: 2–0 (16–14 Inferno, 13–9 Nuke)
- Inferno — a tense duel to the very end
The opening map, chosen by Legacy, became a true test of nerves. Both sides went back and forth (7–5 at halftime), but the Brazilians showed greater composure in the closing rounds. n1ssim dominated the entries, while dumau and latto coordinated attacks with precision. Astralis tried to turn things around late in the game, yet saadzin’s clutch plays sealed the 16–14 victory for Legacy.
- Nuke — Legacy’s tactical superiority
Astralis picked Nuke, but Legacy looked sharper in every aspect. latto and saadzin controlled key zones, denying device and jabbi any rhythm. The Brazilians closed the map 13–9 and completed a clean 2–0 sweep — a performance that highlighted not just their mechanical skill but also their growing tactical maturity.
Player of the Match — Vinicius “n1ssim” Pereira
- K–D: 34–25
- ADR: 68.7
- KAST: 80.4%
- Rating 3.0: 1.41
n1ssim emerged as the clear leader of the series. His consistency in duels and +5.23% swing made the difference on both maps. His confidence and tempo allowed Legacy to dictate the pace and impose their own style on Astralis.
Liquid vs BetBoom
Result: 2–1 (13–5 Mirage, 3–13 Nuke, 13–2 Ancient)
- Mirage — a dominant opening from Liquid
Liquid started the series in complete control. siuhy orchestrated rounds like a true in-game maestro, while NAF and ultimate executed every setup to perfection. The North Americans cruised to a 13–5 win as BetBoom struggled to keep up.
- Nuke — BetBoom’s short resurgence
On their own pick, BetBoom showed some fight. s1ren and Boombl4 read Liquid’s plays perfectly, denying any room for creativity. The Russians equalized the series with a convincing 13–3 result and set up a decisive map.
- Ancient — total destruction from Liquid
In the decider, Liquid crushed their opponents without hesitation. siuhy delivered one of his best performances in a Liquid jersey — commanding, composed, and lethal. With a 1.53 rating, near-perfect coordination, and controlled aggression, he led his team to a dominant 13–2 victory. NAF’s composure and ultimate’s reliability complemented the captain perfectly.
Player of the Match — Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek
- K–D: 44–31
- ADR: 88.1
- KAST: 75.5%
- Rating 3.0: 1.53
The Polish in-game leader struck the ideal balance between leadership and individual firepower. His energy, timing, and discipline became the driving force behind Liquid’s triumph.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
Both series significantly reshaped the global VRS rankings:
- Legacy climbed from 12th to 10th place, earning +32 points (from 1705 to 1737). This marks the team’s highest-ever ranking in their history — a symbolic return of Brazil to the global top 10 for the first time since FURIA’s 2021 peak.
- Astralis, on the other hand, lost 6 points, remaining in 14th place (1586 → 1580). For the Danish organization, this is yet another sign that adjustments are needed if they want to reclaim their status among the elite.
- Team Liquid gained +20 points, solidifying their hold on 11th place (1707 → 1727) and moving within reach of the top 8 — a position that would secure direct invites to upcoming Majors.
- BetBoom suffered a minor drop of –5 points, staying in 25th place. Despite the setback, they still have a chance to advance, but the next match will be a do-or-die test for their survival in Bucharest.
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The Symbolism of the Day
The events in Bucharest once again proved that the era of one-sided dominance in Counter-Strike 2 is fading. Legacy continue to break stereotypes, showing that the Brazilian scene can blend emotion with tactical precision. Their evolution reflects a new generation of structured, LAN-proven Brazilian Counter-Strike. Liquid, in turn, are rediscovering their identity — a team that combines order and creativity. Their balance between discipline and improvisation makes them dangerous again at the highest level. Meanwhile, Astralis and BetBoom stand at a crossroads. The Danes must overcome a crisis of confidence, while the Russian roster needs to prove that their form has not yet peaked.
The Swiss Stage of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 continues to deliver unpredictable storylines and reshape the global Counter-Strike landscape. The victories of Legacy and Liquid were not just results — they symbolized renewal, resurgence, and unity.
The Brazilians broke into the world’s top 10 for the first time in their history, while Liquid reaffirmed their status as one of North America’s strongest and most disciplined rosters.
As the decisive matches approach, the question remains: which of these teams can turn their momentum into a true playoff run in Bucharest?
