StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 kicks off with a matchup between 3DMAX and fnatic — both teams begin the Swiss stage with a 0:0 score. A win immediately puts the team into the advantageous 1:0 bracket, while a loss sends them into the less favorable 0:1 bracket. Considering the current form of both teams, this match may become critical for their chances of advancing to Stage 3.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 — top-tier battles
Stage 2 matches take place from November 29 to December 2 in Budapest. 16 strongest teams enter the fight for progression, including NAVI, FaZe, Astralis, Team Liquid, TYLOO, M80, B8, NiP, PARIVISION and others.
Format: Bo1 — all matches except decisive ones and Bo3 — in elimination or qualification matches Every round may become decisive: in a Bo1, a single mistake can destroy the path to the main arena of the Major. 3DMAX vs fnatic — an important start for lineups with different performance trajectories.
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Head-to-head — many close duels in the past
3DMAX and fnatic have played several matches against each other during 2024–2025, often in very tight battles. However, 3DMAX are currently in a downturn, while fnatic have gained strong momentum.
Current world rankings:
- 3DMAX — below fnatic in the global standings
- fnatic — inside the world top-30
The advantage according to statistics lies with fnatic, increasing their chances in the opening Swiss round.
Current form
- 3DMAX — decline at the worst moment
3DMAX enter Stage 2 with performance far too unstable for this level. Losses to G2, Astralis, FlyQuest and B8 highlight structural issues and a high error rate. The team holds a 53 percent win rate over the last three months, but the most recent results suggest regression rather than progress.
At this stage, 3DMAX do not show the confidence needed to defeat a team like fnatic in a Bo1.
- fnatic — stability through discipline and control
fnatic arrive in Stage 2 after a strong showing in Stage 1: victories over NRG and Imperial, close competition with FaZe, and consistent execution of the game plan. The team has nearly a 68 percent win rate over the last three months and objectively looks more convincing.
Their structure, tempo, and execution in mid-rounds are exactly what is needed in a Bo1.
Map Pool & Veto
Statistics over the last 3 months (3DMAX | fnatic):
- Dust2: 44% | 46%
- Mirage: — | 65%
- Inferno: 71% | 60%
- Nuke: 73% | 0%
- Train: 27% | 67%
- Overpass: 40% | 44%
- Ancient: 33% | 79%
Expected veto:
- fnatic remove Nuke — one of the strongest cards for 3DMAX
- 3DMAX remove Mirage — where fnatic showcase their strengths consistently
Likely picks:
- fnatic: Ancient — their most reliable map
- 3DMAX: Inferno — the map where they feel the most consistent
Decider: Dust2 — similar win rate, but fnatic appear stronger in duels
Key duels
- Ex3rcice vs blameF — leaders who dictate the pace
- Maka vs KRIMZ — consistency against experience
- bodyy vs feaR — who shifts the balance in decisive rounds?
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Prediction
In this matchup, fnatic hold a clear advantage based on:
- better form
- greater Bo1 discipline
- stronger individual stability
- momentum after Stage 1
3DMAX currently are not demonstrating a level sufficient to beat a team of fnatic’s caliber in the Stage 2 opener.
