Team Liquid continue to show their best form at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — in the decisive 2–2 pool match, they confidently swept Astralis 2–0 and secured their place in Stage 3. It was one of the team’s most stable showings at the event: clean structure, strong individual performance, and full control across both maps. Astralis, meanwhile, end their Stage 2 run without regaining the system-based identity that once defined them.
Tournament Path — two teams moving in opposite directions
Liquid — slow start, strong finish
Liquid had a turbulent path through the stage, but stabilized exactly when it mattered most:
- 7–13 vs B8 — rough opening
- 3–13 vs PARIVISION — painful loss dropping them to 0–2
- 2–0 vs MIBR — first convincing, structured win
- 2–1 vs TYLOO — crucial match pushing them to 2–2
- 2–0 vs Astralis — their best series at the Major so far
The team finally found balance between aggression and structure, while ultimate, NertZ and EliGE elevated their individual form to a winning level.
Astralis — strong foundation, but too many cracks
Despite good moments, the Danish lineup couldn’t maintain consistency:
- 10–13 vs NiP — first setback of Stage 2
- 11–13 vs M80 — second loss in a row
- 2–0 vs FlyQuest — stabilizing win
- 2–1 vs Aurora — disciplined, quality match
- 0–2 vs Liquid — final blow
Astralis repeatedly fell short in clutches, and role-based mistakes in map control cost them far too much.
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Nuke — 13:7. Liquid dismantle Astralis on their own map through structure and discipline
Astralis expected to win Nuke through classic Danish system play, but Liquid shut down all of their key strengths. What made the difference:
- ultimate consistently won ramp duels
- NertZ dominated main control
- EliGE read Astralis’ utility setups perfectly
Liquid won nearly every mid-round decision, denying Astralis any pace At 11–2 in the first half, the map was essentially over — Liquid had total control.
Mirage — 13:9. Liquid close the series with confidence and clutch power
Mirage was the one map where Astralis still had a chance, but Liquid delivered the perfect mix of individual quality and structure. Key moments:
- siuhy led rotations flawlessly
- NAF won crucial 1v1s, keeping the economy stable
- ultimate once again became the primary threat, dominating B entries
Astralis repeatedly lost mid control, making their rotations predictable Liquid closed the map with visible confidence — and the series ended cleanly at 2–0.
Player Stats — full match overview
MVP of the Match — Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak
- 1.54 rating (2 maps)
- 91.2 ADR
- +6.80% swing
- 78.6% KAST
- perfect entry duels on both maps
- full control of anchor positions on Nuke
ultimate was the undisputed engine of Liquid’s victory — this was his best performance in a Liquid jersey.
Team Play Breakdown — structure vs instability
Liquid delivered one of their most mature matches of the entire Major: they controlled the tempo, used utility with precision, and traded almost flawlessly in high-pressure situations. Their rotations were fast and logical, and clutch decisions consistently went their way, allowing them to dictate the rhythm on both maps and impose their style.
Astralis, despite their willingness to fight, couldn’t maintain the required level of discipline. device and Magisk consistently lost key duels, retakes fell apart, and early-round decisions became predictable. Under mid-round pressure, the team’s structure collapsed — leaving Astralis unable to adapt to Liquid’s tempo or push the series to a third map.
Team Reaction to the Victory
- siuhy — a concise summary of the comeback
3-2 🫡
— Kamil Szkaradek (@siuhycs) December 2, 2025
A short but symbolic message highlighting the resilience Liquid showed on their road back into contention.
- EliGE — pride in the team and reaching the Legends Stage
STAGE 3 QUALIFIED 😎😎!!
Grinded fully back from 0-2 to 3-2, really proud of the guys making this happen. We all did our part and improving as we go to get to the form we know we are capable of
2-0 over Astralis and now Legends Stage 🔥🔥
— Jonathan Jablonowski (@EliGE) December 2, 2025
He emphasized the long climb from collapse to full revival.
- ultimate — MVP speaking with confidence
2:0 against @Astralisgg and we move to stage 3. First day was warmup😉
— Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak (@ultimatecs_go) December 2, 2025
Calm, controlled, and confident — the message of a player who just delivered a career-defining series.
VRS Changes
- Liquid: +19 pt (#13 → #11) — an important boost ahead of Stage 3
- Astralis: –13 pt (#11 → #13) — a drop that complicates future seeding
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.
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Final Word
Liquid advance to Stage 3 not just as winners, but as a team visibly growing in form and identity. If they maintain this level of discipline and individual sharpness, this Major could become a historic one for them. Astralis, meanwhile, leave Budapest with flashes of quality but without the stability required at this level.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.
