StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 opens with a matchup between Spirit and Liquid — both teams enter the final Swiss stage with a shared 0:0 score. The winner immediately receives a comfortable 1:0 and takes the first step toward the playoffs. The loser will fall into the 0:1 pool, where the price of every round rises dramatically.
The match carries special importance for both teams: Spirit want to prove they are ready to fight for a Major trophy again after returning to the top, while Liquid have arrived in Budapest with the ambition to redeem a turbulent season and show that their rebuilt roster can challenge favorites.
STARLADDER BUDAPEST MAJOR 2025 STAGE 3 — THE FIGHT FOR PLAYOFFS
Stage 3 runs from December 4 to 8 in Budapest, where 16 of the strongest teams in the world clash in the final Swiss phase for eight playoff spots. Competitors include NAVI, FaZe, Vitality, G2, Falcons — as well as Spirit and Liquid, who open their decisive stage of the event with this Bo1 match.
The format remains brutal: regular rounds are played in Bo1, while advancement or elimination matches use Bo3. Under such conditions, a single map can destroy even the most promising tournament run — which is why the opening 0:0 matchups carry enormous weight.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — SPIRIT HOLD THE HISTORICAL EDGE
Unlike many other Stage 3 pairings, Spirit and Liquid have an established matchup history. With their current rosters, they have already faced each other several times at top events, and the statistics favor the Russian organization: Spirit hold a streak of victories over Liquid and a noticeable psychological advantage.
In the world rankings, Spirit sit near the top 5, while Liquid are positioned roughly in the top 10–15 zone. On paper, it appears unequal — but the Major always equalizes teams, especially in Bo1 where one strong approach or individual outburst can change the entire script of the game.
CURRENT FORM
- Spirit — aggressive style and the star power of donk
Spirit head into Stage 3 with their signature explosive approach: fast entries, high tempo, and maximum freedom for donk, who consistently closes out opponents through raw firepower. The team maintains a clear identity centered around the chopper–sh1ro duo: the former dictates round direction, the latter ensures reliable AWP control and late-round clutch success. Despite occasional stumbles against top opposition, their overall form is trending positively — Spirit look like one of the clear playoff contenders.
- Liquid — stability without a high peak
Liquid enter the Major in decent shape, collecting a series of wins during Stage 2 and finally finding a more balanced lineup. Their structure is visible: siuhy dictates tempo, NAF and EliGE provide experience and consistent damage, while NertZ and ultimate add aggression across the map. However, Liquid often lack that extra “redline” in deciding moments — in matches against teams like Spirit, the mixed roster sometimes loses economic control and gives away pivotal rounds.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics over the last 3 months (Spirit | Liquid):
- Dust2: 62% | 58%
- Mirage: 40% | 80%
- Inferno: barely played | 58%
- Nuke: 20% | 50%
- Train: not in Spirit’s pool | 33%
- Overpass: rarely or never played | barely played
- Ancient: 83% | 70%
Expected veto:
- Spirit will almost certainly remove Train or another map not prepared for the Major — they do not want to experiment in the opening match of Stage 3.
- Liquid will logically remove Overpass or one of Spirit’s strongest maps — most likely Ancient, where donk’s aggressive style causes maximum discomfort.
Likely picks:
- Spirit: the most logical pick is Ancient or Dust2 — maps where they combine strong map control with high-impact individual performance. Ancient especially, where Spirit are confident both on defense and offense.
- Liquid: the primary candidate is Mirage, their most stable and played map. On Mirage they are comfortable in structured mid-rounds led by siuhy and are capable of punishing over-aggression.
Decider: If the veto goes evenly, the deciding map could be Dust2. Both teams play it often and feel comfortable, but Spirit’s fast pace and powerful entry duels may give them an advantage — especially in a Bo1.
KEY DUELS
- donk vs NAF — star riflers who can convert even equal rounds into wins through individual mastery.
- sh1ro vs NertZ — Spirit’s AWP control versus Liquid’s early pressure and aggressive entries.
- chopper vs siuhy — the battle of in-game leaders: whoever reads the opponent’s economy and dictates tempo better gains a fundamental strategic edge.
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PREDICTION
Liquid enter the match in respectable form and have a few strong maps, but Spirit appear much more complete: aggressive identity, a consistently dominant donk, and sh1ro’s big-match expertise create a serious advantage in a Bo1. On maps like Ancient or Dust2, their combination of firepower and clutch conversion is likely to overpower Liquid.
Prediction from expert Mauisnake: Spirit will win.
Projected score: Spirit 1–0 Liquid
