Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 was not only a battleground of dramatic series but also a stage where snipers played a decisive role. Several AWP leaders delivered performances that directly shaped their teams’ results and their fight for the playoffs. We selected the five brightest AWPers of the stage — players whose ratings and impact were crucial to their teams’ success.
1. molodoy (FURIA) — 1.41 rating | the highest AWP rating of Stage 3
FURIA produced one of the most convincing series of the stage — and the centerpiece of that run was molodoy. His 1.71 on Dust2 vs Imperial was the single best AWP map of Stage 3. Aggressive peaks, flawless precision in clutches, and constant pressure on mid created momentum for the entire Brazilian roster.
Key map:
- Dust2 vs Imperial — 1.71
- Overall Stage 3: 1.41, +28 K-D
Once again, molodoy proved why FURIA is considered home to one of the strongest new-generation snipers.
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2. ZywOo (Vitality) — 1.35 rating | a decorated MVP back at the top
Even in a one-sided game, producing a 2.05 rating is something only a handful of players on the planet can achieve. Against B8, the French superstar delivered a masterclass: absolute domination on Inferno, punishing every attempt by the Ukrainian side to gain map control.
Key map:
- Inferno vs B8 — 2.05
- Overall Stage 3: 1.35, +25 K-D
Vitality climbed into contention thanks to discipline and consistency, but it was ZywOo who laid the foundation for their success.
3. w0nderful (NAVI) — 1.30 rating | stability and ice-cold composure
NAVI advanced through Stage 3 with confidence, and w0nderful’s stability was one of the major pillars of that run. His performance against B8 — 1.46 on Ancient and 1.35 on Train — showcased his ability to control the pace even in the most aggressive phases of the match.
Key maps:
- Ancient vs B8 — 1.40
- Train vs B8 — 1.50
- Overall Stage 3: 1.30, +36 K-D
When NAVI needed him most, their AWPer delivered — and that was enough to secure a playoff-qualifying position.
4. m0NESY (Falcons) — 1.19 rating | championship numbers in decisive series
Under the pressure of a do-or-die match versus G2, m0NESY became the driving force of Falcons. His 1.49 on Ancient set the tone for the series, while his stability on Dust2 allowed Falcons to close the match and advance.
Key maps:
- Inferno vs G2 — 2.01
- Dust2 vs G2 — 1.57
- Overall Stage 3: 1.19, +42 K-D
Within Falcons, he looks like he has full freedom — and it shows instantly in his performance.
5. broky (FaZe) — 1.19 rating | cold-blooded and maximally efficient
FaZe finally returned to a winning rhythm, largely thanks to broky. His performances against 3DMAX (1.52 and 1.46 across two maps) were a prime example of what near-perfect AWPing looks like in Stage 3: no unnecessary risks, impeccable timing, and constant mid-round impact.
Key maps:
- Dust2 vs 3DMAX — 1.40
- Inferno vs 3DMAX — 1.53
- Overall Stage 3: 1.19, +29 K-D
In this form, FaZe are fully capable of fighting for a top-eight spot.
Who Made the Difference?
Stage 3 proved that the AWP role in modern CS2 has reached its peak of strategic importance. And while several names shined brightly, the spotlight of the stage undoubtedly belongs to molodoy — with the highest rating and the single most dominant individual performance of the entire phase.
ZywOo continues his championship trajectory, w0nderful reaffirmed himself as the most reliable AWP of the stage, while m0NESY and broky delivered high-impact performances exactly when their teams needed them most.
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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.
