StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 starts with a clash between Vitality and FaZe — both teams begin with a 0:0 record in the Swiss system. The winner immediately takes an important step forward, improving their chances of reaching the playoffs. The loser will fall into a far less comfortable 0:1 bracket, where every next mistake can be fatal.
This match holds critical importance: Vitality want to return to the top after unstable results, while FaZe aim to prove that their slump is only a temporary shadow over this legendary roster.
STARLADDER BUDAPEST MAJOR 2025 STAGE 3 — ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS
Stage 3 takes place from December 4 to 8 in Budapest, where the 16 strongest teams in the world are fighting for playoff spots. Among these giants, Vitality and FaZe meet already in the opening round — and every map here is equal to a final.
The format is as unforgiving as possible: Bo1 in regular rounds and Bo3 in advancement or elimination matches. Under such conditions, one strategic mistake or a momentary loss of focus can ruin the entire tournament.
HEAD-TO-HEAD — A RICH HISTORY OF RIVALRY
These rosters have faced each other many times — and FaZe have spoiled Vitality’s celebration in key moments on multiple occasions.
However, right now Vitality enter with a higher ranking (#3 in the world versus #12 for FaZe), more stable results, and stronger form from their core.
FaZe’s LAN experience has always been a trump card, but against the current ZywOo and ropz that may not be enough.
CURRENT FORM
- Vitality — individual stability and clear structure
Vitality show strong form: the team looks confident on LAN, ZywOo maintains his status as one of the best players in the world, and their structure allows them to control key areas of the map. In Bo1, individual skill and discipline often decide the winner — and here Vitality have a clear advantage.
- FaZe — the potential is there, but consistency wavers
FaZe are riding a wave of positive results, but their play is still unstable: early halves often sag, and the reliance on individual moments becomes too costly at this level. Every round in Bo1 is a test, and FaZe’s early-round mistakes can quickly become fatal.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics from the last 3 months (Vitality | FaZe):
- Dust2: 75% | 46%
- Mirage: 88% | 58%
- Inferno: 62% | 56%
- Nuke: 50% | 60%
- Train: 33% | 33%
- Overpass: 62% | 33%
- Ancient: — | 44%
Expected veto:
- Vitality will most likely remove Nuke — one of the safest FaZe maps, where karrigan knows how to impose his own tempo.
- FaZe will very likely ban Mirage — the most stable Vitality map with huge ZywOo potential in mid-control.
Likely picks:
- Vitality: Dust2 — a comfortable map with historically strong AWP dominance from ZywOo
- FaZe: Inferno — a classic FaZe map under karrigan with strong Banana control
Decider: Train is a possible deciding map: both teams play it at a medium level, but Vitality’s more structured defense could play a key role in a Bo1 — where every save and every retake counts double.
KEY DUELS
- ZywOo vs Twistzz — the main duel of superstars
- ropz vs frozen — a battle of lurker masters for space and timing
- flameZ vs broky — who provides more stable support for their core duo
In Bo1, every opening duel won can drastically shift the economy.
PREDICTION
FaZe have a legendary roster and psychological resilience, but Vitality are significantly more stable right now — in rankings, in form, and in how they enter a LAN battle.
Prediction from expert Mauisnake: Vitality will win
Predicted result: Vitality 1–0 FaZe
