Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 became one of the most contrasting phases of the tournament — filled with unexpected comebacks, collapsing favorites, new heroes, and loud returns. What was supposed to be a routine “stress test” turned into an arena where some teams were reborn, while others dissolved completely in the chaos of competition.
SURPRISES
1. Team Spirit — the return of the championship machine and the rebirth of donk
Spirit entered the Major looking like a team losing momentum: inconsistent results, a noticeable dip in donk’s form, and a lack of cohesion in their play. But Stage 3 flipped everything upside down. Aleksandr “chopper” Sopin’s team completed the stage without a single loss, secured the most convincing playoff qualification, and proved that all the talk about a crisis was premature.
donk once again looked like a player who can single-handedly break maps apart: aggression, confidence, consistency, clutch potential — the full super-star package. Spirit destroyed FaZe, punished Liquid, and performed at a level reminiscent of their strongest months in 2024–2025.
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This is the biggest resurgence of the entire Major — and the clearest reminder: Spirit are back in the trophy race.
2. FURIA — a team that fully confirms its status as a favorite
If Spirit delivered the biggest comeback, then FURIA delivered the biggest confirmation. The Brazilians have spent months shaping the ideal balance of aggression, structure, and confidence — and Stage 3 proved they’ve found it.
Just like Spirit, FURIA completed the stage undefeated, becoming the second team to secure a playoff spot. Convincing wins over Imperial, NAVI (a crushing 13–2), and G2 showcased their evolution: this is no longer a team that “might surprise” — this is a legitimate championship contender.
Their style, once criticized as “chaotic,” now looks like one of the most dangerous weapons in the current Major meta.
3. The MongolZ — an unexpected resurgence after losing their star
Before Stage 3, The MongolZ looked like a team losing direction: internal issues, declining results, and the painful departure of their star player. But the Major proved once again — Mongolia never surrenders. Their 3–1 playoff qualification became one of the key surprises of the stage.
And it wasn’t a one-man carry — controlez, 910, and mzinho all stepped up on different maps. This spread of firepower makes MongolZ a dark horse of the playoffs: they have enough individual strength to ruin anyone’s bracket.
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4. Passion UA — the team that earned everyone’s respect
If there is a fairy-tale story of Stage 3, it is Passion UA. Starting from 0–2, they didn’t just survive — they eliminated Liquid, and then pushed FaZe to the limit in a playoff-deciding match. Both maps against FaZe ended 13–11, and just a few rounds separated the Ukrainians from a historic breakthrough.
This is a sensational performance from a roster that, just a few months ago, sat near the bottom of the rankings — and now competes on equal footing with teams approaching the global top 10.
AVERAGE RESULTS
This category naturally includes all teams that reached the 3–2 pool — FaZe, Falcons, and Natus Vincere. Yes, they all advanced. But expectations for each of these teams were much higher: cleaner games, stronger showings against equals, and more convincing paths to the playoffs — not shaky wins and unnecessary struggles.
FaZe
- Easy wins alternated with matches where FaZe should have looked much stronger.
- Against Passion UA, both maps ended 13–11, and the Ukrainians genuinely had a chance to eliminate them.
NAVI
- A painful start (13–2 to FURIA).
- A “heroic” qualification through B8, where Train ended 16–14, and NAVI were dangerously close to dropping to 2–3.
- After such instability, it’s hard to say they are a team in control.
Falcons
- Their only true top-level opponent was G2 (three-map series).
- Other wins were over Imperial and Passion UA.
- But before that, two losses: to B8 and MOUZ.
A decent result — but far below what is expected from a team with such ambitions.
DISAPPOINTMENTS
1. Liquid — a catastrophic 0–3
This is, without exaggeration, one of the biggest failures of the Major. A team expected to at least put up a fight was eliminated without winning a single match, with Passion UA delivering the final blow. Elige and the squad looked lost — no plan, no structure, no resilience. For an organization of Liquid’s stature, this is a devastating setback.
2. 3DMAX — a team of expectations that never materialized
Even with their single win, 3DMAX’s performance is a disappointment. They were eliminated 1–3, and the only victory came against PARIVISION in the 3–0 pool — a match where they also struggled. No stability, no threat, no identity of a top-20 contender.
3. paiN — another example of a wasted opportunity
paiN looked like a team capable of competing evenly, but on Stage 3 they became a shadow of themselves. Their only win came against 3DMAX. The match versus FaZe was a clear illustration: two maps of complete collapse, minimal chances, and no real fight.
4. G2 — the biggest disappointment of Stage 3
A team that was one step away from 3–0 at the start ended up leaving the tournament two days later. A string of losses to FURIA, MongolZ, and Falcons broke them completely. Fans must feel devastated: G2 had all the resources to secure a strong result, but psychology, instability, and lack of adaptation once again derailed their Major run.
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Key Lessons From Stage 3
Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 had everything: comebacks, stomps, collapses, and remarkable surprises. Spirit and FURIA enter the playoffs as favorites, MongolZ and Passion UA as the breakout teams, while Liquid, G2, paiN, and 3DMAX are left searching for answers.
Chaos? Yes. Contrast? Absolutely. But it’s exactly these kinds of stages that create true Major legends.
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.
