B8 at the center of the sensation: the Ukrainian team continues their run at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 The Ukrainian roster is getting closer to a historic Major result. They are confidently moving forward from Stage 1 — pressure and nerves have turned into driving force, delivering one of the loudest surprises of the tournament.
Tournament context
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 is the second stage of the main CS2 tournament of the year. 16 teams fight for 8 slots in Stage 3. Format — Swiss System (Bo3):
three wins guarantee progression, three losses mean elimination.
Each team’s position in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) also depends on Major performance, impacting future Major qualifications. Matches in the 2:1 group are fights for access to Stage 3.
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How the match unfolded — B8 vs 3DMAX
The Ukrainians once again started the series with difficulties, but showed character and confidence in decisive moments.
- Train (3DMAX pick) — 3:13
The French roster fully dominated, leaving B8 no chances on the T side. A hard start for the Ukrainian team. - Ancient (B8 pick) — 13:9
B8 stabilized the economy, found their rhythm, and forced the opponent to lose initiative. Key multikills from kensizor and headtr1ck brought the series back to life. - Dust2 (decider) — 13:8
Precise hits on weak defensive zones, brilliant openings from the essential npl, and clutch stability — B8 closed the match confidently.
Player of the Match — Artem “kensizor” Kapran
- K–D: 53–41
- ADR: 97.0
- Rating 3.0: 1.36
kensizor became the main engine of the team: aggressive peaks, decisive rounds, and fearless presence in key positions.
VRS results
- B8: +22 pt (1624 → 1646) — rise to #12
- 3DMAX: –14 pt (1602 → 1588) — fall to #17
What’s next for the teams
- B8 — advance to Stage 3 and continue fighting among the strongest
- 3DMAX — fall to the 2:2 group: last chance to survive at the Major
Ahead lies the most crucial stage: every win brings them closer to the championship arena, every mistake can destroy all dreams.
Match summary
The Ukrainian squad B8 is creating one of the biggest sensations of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. They advance despite pressure and underdog status. Their Major story is far from over — and grows louder with every match.
You can check the full list of teams that qualified for Stage 3, along with a breakdown of the key matches, in our recap StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — Stage 2.
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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.
