Stage 3 of the Budapest Major is where the tournament finally reveals its true hierarchy. BO1 chaos gives way to structured BO3 battles, weak links get exposed instantly, and only teams with real depth, discipline, and identity survive. Sixteen contenders arrive with different stories — some rising, some collapsing, some still searching for answers — but only eight will earn a ticket to the Playoffs. We spoke with Alex “Mauisnake” Ellenberg to break down every team, assess their form, and identify who has the tools to go all the way.
Stage 3 Format
The final Swiss stage runs from December 4–7, featuring 16 teams. All elimination and advancement matches are Bo3, while early matches remain Bo1. The top eight teams qualify for the Playoffs; the bottom eight are eliminated.
S-Tier Contenders — FURIA, Vitality, Falcons
FURIA arrive with explosive potential and one of the smartest leaders in the field. Their BO1 adaptability and individual quality make them extremely dangerous.
FalleN is one of the best captains here. If they prepared pocket strategies, they’ll be great
Vitality’s ceiling remains elite, but their second half of the season revealed execution problems rather than strategic flaws.
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The plans weren’t bad — they just need to execute better and listen to apEX
Falcons look like the most steadily improving team of the season. Their trajectory puts them among the main title contenders.
I’d put them second most likely to win the whole tournament behind FURIA
A-Tier Playoff Threats — MOUZ, FaZe, NAVI
MOUZ embody consistency, but that same consistency may limit their ceiling against the tournament’s top contenders.
They’re favorites against most teams, but underdogs to FURIA, Falcons, Vitality
FaZe continue to be a momentum-driven team — quiet early, explosive once the pressure hits.
Once the switch flips, they just can’t be stopped
NAVI revived their season with a strong Stage 2, led by a sensational w0nderful.
If w0nderful plays at even 80% of Stage 2, they’re the dark horse of the tournament
B-Tier Upset Potential — G2, 3DMAX, PARIVISION
G2 may not be title material right now, but their structure, firepower and coaching quality make playoffs realistic.
sAw is one of the three best coaches in CS — that alone can carry them through
3DMAX rely on structure and discipline, and recent preparation should help them produce upset wins — though a playoff berth is still uncertain.
Good tactics and a bootcamp help, but I’m not sure it’s enough to get them across the line
PARIVISION continue to develop under Jame, unlocking impressive potential despite being predictable in deeper series.
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Jame unlocked a lot in this roster, but top teams can anti-strat them easily
C-Tier Long Shots — The MongolZ, Liquid, B8
Removing their best statistical player weakened their peak, and the team enters Stage 3 with reduced upset potential.
I don’t have them making it through — Senzu was a huge difference maker
Liquid advanced thanks to favorable matchups rather than convincing form, and adapting to Bo3 play remains a key issue.
I don’t see them making it — 1–3 is realistic
B8 exceeded expectations and possess one of the highest mechanical ceilings among underdogs, but lack experience in high-pressure stage environments.
They’d make playoffs in a calm studio, but the stage experience isn’t there yet
D-Tier Underdogs — Passion UA, Imperial, paiN
Passion UA exceeded expectations by reaching this stage, but still struggle against tier-one depth and structured opponents.
Hard to see them taking wins, even though they’re better than some lower teams here
Imperial continue to qualify for Majors and improve results step by step, but their ceiling remains limited at this level.
I’m happy for them — but it doesn’t go any further
paiN arrive with structural problems, unresolved role swaps, and weak T sides — a combination that severely limits their chances.
They don’t know how to beat elite teams anymore — I have them 0–3
SkinClub Pick’em — Build Your Predictions with Expert Insight
The SkinClub Pick’em for Stage 3 is already underway, and you can use Mausenake’s analysis as a reference when locking in your picks. He outlined the strongest contenders, the real dark horses, and the teams most likely to fall early. Follow his expert view — or challenge it — by submitting your own Pick’em for a chance to win the main prize.
