The pressure is at its maximum, and the price of every mistake is being knocked out of the race for the biggest title of the season. And it is in such moments that the strongest teams prove who truly deserves to stand among the best.
Tournament context
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 is the final phase of the Swiss system before the playoffs. 16 teams are fighting for their share of $1,170,000 and Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points that affect global placement.
Decider matches for advancement or elimination are played in Best of 3 format. Teams with a 2:1 score are fighting for a direct ticket to the playoffs — the winner advances, the loser drops into the last-chance 2:2 elimination group.
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How the match unfolded — Vitality vs NAVI
Final score: 2:0 in favor of Vitality
- Inferno (Vitality pick) — 13:11
Vitality showed strong early-round aggression on offense, and on defense ZywOo and mezii consistently shut down the key positions. NAVI had a chance to come back in the closing rounds, but Vitality did not allow the game to reach overtime. - Train (NAVI pick) — 13:11
NAVI started better in the first half, but after switching sides Vitality overturned the momentum. ropz secured several crucial duels on the A site, while flameZ delivered the decisive clutch in round 24.
Player of the Match — Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov (NAVI)
Despite the loss, it was the Ukrainian AWPer who became the biggest threat to Vitality.
- K–D: 37–28
- ADR: 71.8
- Rating 3.0: 1.43
Key impact: Consistent presence in clutch moments, best ADR on NAVI
He was the one who kept NAVI in the game and gave them a chance to come back on both maps.
VRS results
- Vitality — +18 pt → 1908 pt (strengthening their position inside the global top-2)
- NAVI — –11 pt → 1764 pt (dropping closer to the edge of the top-8)
Vitality continue their chase for the #1 position in the ranking. For NAVI the situation is becoming dangerous: one more defeat — and the drop in standings will be significantly more painful.
What’s next?
Vitality — advance to the Major playoffs
A return to the championship race, where only the strongest opponents remain.
NAVI — drop to the 2:2 group
One last chance, one last match where a loss = elimination from the Major. Their opponent will be determined after the remaining matches conclude.
Match summary
Vitality once again proved their status as one of the main favorites of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. NAVI had moments where the match could be turned around, but Vitality’s experience and discipline prevailed. Ahead lies a decisive battle for the black-and-yellow — with everything at stake.
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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.
