StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 begins with a clash between paiN and 3DMAX — both teams enter the Swiss system with a 0:0 record. The winner will immediately improve their chances of reaching the playoffs, while the loser will be pushed into a less favorable situation, where every next match may become decisive.
paiN aim to show that their qualification for Stage 3 was not a coincidence, but a natural result of progress, while 3DMAX want to continue their European breakthrough and finally secure a place among the elite.
STARLADDER BUDAPEST MAJOR 2025 STAGE 3 — ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS
Stage 3 will be held from December 4 to 8 in Budapest, where the 16 best teams in the world are fighting for playoff spots. This is where paiN and 3DMAX start with a 0:0 record in the Swiss format — and a victory in the opening match can become the foundation for a deeper run. The format remains unforgiving: Bo1 in regular rounds and Bo3 in advancement or elimination matches. In such conditions, one map can decide the fate of the entire tournament — and mistakes are not forgiven.
HEAD-TO-HEAD — EVENLY MATCHED
paiN and 3DMAX have already met several times — and everything points to balanced competition. 3DMAX hold three victories against two for paiN, with two matches going into overtime. Every series was incredibly close, adding even more intrigue to this Bo1 matchup at the Major. There is no clear historical favorite — the deciding factor will be current form.
CURRENT FORM
- paiN — good foundation, but lacking stability
paiN have a strong Brazilian core, but their form fluctuates — the team can beat a favorite one map and lose control the next. In Bo1, unstable starts can become a critical issue.
- 3DMAX — progress that cannot be ignored
3DMAX are showing noticeable growth: disciplined aim, a strong trading factor, and clear ideas on key maps. In Bo1 they look dangerous thanks to aggressive starts and well-coordinated retakes.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics from the last 3 months (paiN | 3DMAX):
- Dust2: 57% | 38%
- Mirage: 50% | —
- Inferno: 56% | 68%
- Nuke: 58% | 67%
- Train: — | 38%
- Overpass: 40% | 50%
- Ancient: 17% | 36%
Expected veto:
- paiN will most likely remove Nuke — where 3DMAX have a comfortable structure and a higher win rate.
- 3DMAX will likely ban Dust2 — paiN’s strongest map in this period.
Likely picks:
- paiN: Inferno — classic Brazilian CS with strong Banana pressure
- 3DMAX: Overpass — where they feel more stable in late rounds
Decider: Ancient or Train, where 3DMAX have better indicators in micro-moments and retakes.
KEY DUELS
- biguzera vs bodyy — captain-driven influence on game tempo
- snow vs Maka — who wins the AWP duel in critical rounds
- ngz vs Lucky — the battle for mid control and information
In Bo1, every opening kill changes the economy — and therefore the fate of the map.
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PREDICTION
paiN have strong individual skill and can apply aggressive pressure, but 3DMAX enter this match with more stability, structured decision-making, and confidence on key maps. Bo1 often rewards discipline and clarity — and right now these qualities are on the side of the Europeans. That is why experts believe: in the opening round, 3DMAX have a higher chance to take the crucial win.
Prediction from Mauisnake: 3DMAX will win
Predicted score: 3DMAX 1–0 paiN
