Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 opened with explosive intensity. The first four matches immediately set the pace for the most demanding phase of the tournament. With no weak opponents remaining, every team is battling for a place in the Champions Stage, while any defeat can send them spiraling into the dangerous 0–1 bracket. As a result, the winners move into 1–0 and take their first step toward the crucial 2–0 mark. Meanwhile, the losing teams fall onto thin ice and risk making their path to the playoffs significantly harder.
MOUZ vs PARIVISION — 16:14 (Overpass)
MOUZ clutch out a late thriller, PARIVISION show the strongest fighting spirit of the day. The opening map of Stage 3 immediately demonstrated how brutal this phase can be. Although MOUZ entered as favorites, PARIVISION played with playoff-level discipline — precise control, sharp timings, and consistent duels. However, the decisive factor was MOUZ surviving intense pressure in the closing rounds. xertioN, Spinx, and Jimpphat delivered when it mattered most, securing a narrow but extremely valuable victory.
Player of the Match — Vladyslav “xiELO” Lysov (PARIVISION)
- Rating 3.0: 1.31
- K–D: 24–22
- ADR: 81.1
- Swing: +4.07%
Moreover, xiELO was the strongest player on the server — further underlining PARIVISION’s growing potential.
Imperial vs The MongolZ — 16:14 (Dust2)
chelo carries Imperial to victory in one of the day’s most explosive matches. Dust2 quickly turned into a firefight filled with explosive rushes, lightning-fast trades, and constant attempts to regain momentum. The MongolZ leaned on their signature chaotic style; however, Imperial’s experience proved to be the more reliable weapon. Additionally, the most memorable highlight was a spectacular Dual Elites ACE from controlez, briefly reigniting the intrigue. Even so, Imperial remained calm and disciplined in the key rounds.
Player of the Match — Marcelo “chelo” Cespedes
- Rating 3.0: 1.32
- K–D: 26–20
- ADR: 97.2
- Swing: +3.16%
A true captain delivering true impact.
Passion UA vs G2 — 8:13 (Mirage)
G2 display championship-level discipline, Passion UA fight hard but crumble under pressure. On Mirage, G2 looked structured, focused, and fully confident in their decisions. Their mid control and deep rotations denied Passion UA a stable economic foundation. The Ukrainian squad fought back, and both Kvem and JT found key opening duels; however, this was not enough against G2’s cold, controlled tempo.
Player of the Match — Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko
- Rating 3.0: 1.56
- K–D: 21–13
- ADR: 101.5
- KAST: 90.5%
HeavyGod dominated every segment of the map.
Spirit vs Liquid — 13:8 (Train)
donk demolishes Liquid with the most explosive performance of Stage 3’s opening round. Train returned to the Major and immediately delivered a narrative-worthy match. Spirit looked thoroughly prepared for any scenario: aggressive entries, lightning-fast decisions, and complete confidence in individual duels. Liquid attempted to regain tempo through ultimate and s1uhy; however, nothing stopped donk. He opened the match with an ACE, overwhelmed Liquid in duels, won impossible fights, and essentially decided the entire map on his own.
Player of the Match — Daniil “donk” Kryshkovets
- Rating 3.0: 2.38
- K–D: 30–11
- ADR: 137.2
- KAST: 90.5%
- Swing: +11.72%
It was a top-1-level performance — a flawless blend of mechanics, aggression, and game sense.
VRS changes after Stage 3’s opening round
- Spirit: +48 pt → #5 (↑4)
- MOUZ: +37 pt → #4
- Imperial: +61 pt → #23 (↑6)
- G2: +25 pt → #8
- PARIVISION: –1 pt → #17
- The MongolZ: –27 pt → #7
- Passion UA: +2 pt → #26
- Liquid: –8 pt → #11
Key takeaways – Spirit gain the biggest momentum among top teams. Imperial make the largest leap of the round. Liquid and The MongolZ suffer painful ranking drops.
What’s next?
1–0 bracket
- MOUZ
- Imperial
- G2
- Spirit
0–1 bracket
- PARIVISION
- The MongolZ
- Passion UA
- Liquid
Round 2 will push someone closer to the legendary 2–0 milestone. In contrast, others will find themselves one step away from an elimination fight. Stage 3 is only beginning, and the true heat is still ahead.
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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.
