StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 3 Preview

Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is about to begin, bringing the most intense matches of the tournament so far. Sixteen teams will battle for places in the playoffs, with only eight advancing to the next phase. After the dramatic results of Stage 2 — filled with surprises, major upsets, and disappointment for some favorites — the competition becomes even fiercer. The format of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 adds even more intrigue: most matches will be played in a Bo1 format, while decisive matches will be Bo3, making every game crucial. The Major runs from November 24 to December 14, and we are ready to break down the opening matchups of Stage 3 and evaluate each team’s chances of moving forward.

Format, Dates, and Teams at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 3

Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is approaching, and an even more intense phase of the tournament awaits. Sixteen teams competed in Stage 2 of the tournament, and only the strongest managed to advance. We witnessed unexpected results, major surprises, and painful exits from some of the favorites.

Stage 3 will be played from December 4 to 7, with 16 teams once again battling — this time for a spot in the playoffs. Only the top eight will advance, ensuring a fierce and unforgiving contest. The format makes this stage even more demanding: Rounds 2 to 5 are seeded using the Buchholz system and teams’ initial seeds. Elimination and advancement matches are played as Bo3, while all other matches remain Bo1. The top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs, while the bottom eight teams will be eliminated.

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The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 runs from November 24 to December 14, featuring 32 teams from around the world competing for $500,000 and the championship title. The total prize pool amounts to $1,250,000. In this preview, we will look at the opening matchups of Stage 3 and assess each team’s chances of advancing.

MOUZ vs PARIVISION

The opening matches of Stage 3 are always played in a Bo1 format, where the pressure grows with every round. PARIVISION will face the European titan MOUZ, who are aiming to lift the trophy of the most prestigious event of the season. PARIVISION fought their way through a tough journey, finishing Stage 1 with a 3-2 record and Stage 2 with 3-1. They have proven they can fight until the end, but Stage 3 brings the strongest opponents, where competition and pressure only intensify.

Imperial Esports vs The MongolZ

Imperial showed solid form in previous stages, finishing 3-1. The MongolZ enter this match as favorites, but they are still playing without Senzu, who was benched about a month ago. Senzu was one of the team’s best performers, making it difficult to predict how confidently The MongolZ will handle this matchup.

Team Spirit vs Liquid

Liquid managed to pull off a comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 in Stage 2. The team showed much better form than throughout the rest of the season. Their opponents, Team Spirit, often leave no chances thanks to the phenomenal performance of donk. The Bo1 format always brings surprises, so it’s possible that Liquid, riding the momentum of their comeback, could challenge Spirit right from the first match.

Passion UA vs G2 Esports

The Ukrainian team broke into Stage 3 with a 3-2 record. Tough matches and the constant risk of elimination made them stronger mentally. Their next opponents, G2, had time to prepare, rest, and analyze potential matchups. G2 enter this match as favorites and will aim to start their playoffs run with a victory.

Vitality vs FaZe

One of the most exciting matchups of the first day. The champions of the previous Major in Austin will face FaZe Clan, who were close to elimination in Stage 1 but then dominated Stage 2 with a perfect 3-0 run. Vitality are clear favorites, but regardless of the result, this match is absolutely worth watching.

paiN vs 3DMAX

paiN, quarterfinalists of the Austin Major, now face 3DMAX. The French squad nearly qualified 3-0 in Stage 2 but eventually advanced with a nail-biting 3-2 finish. Both teams show similar form, but a slight edge goes to paiN, who had more time to rest and prepare for Stage 3.

FURIA vs NAVI

Another highly anticipated matchup. On one side is FURIA, who have claimed four tournament wins in recent months and enter Stage 3 as one of the top contenders. On the other side is NAVI, determined to bring back their former glory and lift the trophy in Budapest. NAVI went undefeated in Stage 2 (3-0), proving they are ready for any opponent. It’s difficult to choose a clear favorite — this is guaranteed to be a thrilling match.

B8 vs Falcons

B8 have completed two stages with 3-1 records, losing only to M80 in Stage 1 and NAVI in Stage 2 — a strong result for a young Ukrainian roster. Falcons enter as favorites, though NiKo and m0NESY, widely regarded as one of the best duos in the world, have recently struggled to show their peak form. Still, the team had time to prepare and will aim to secure a confident win on their path toward the playoffs.

Favorites, Underdogs, and Dark Horses at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 3

The favorites of Stage 3 are NAVI, FURIA, Vitality, MOUZ, and Team Spirit. These teams come into the stage in excellent form: NAVI went undefeated in Stage 2, FURIA are riding a wave of recent tournament victories, Vitality continue to perform like true champions, MOUZ remain one of the most stable teams in the world, and Spirit — powered by donk — look like a top contender for the playoffs.

The dark horses of Stage 3 include B8, FaZe, 3DMAX, and Liquid. All four have already proven they can upset favorites. B8 completed two stages with strong 3-1 results, FaZe recovered from a shaky start and then crushed Stage 2 with a flawless 3-0, 3DMAX consistently fight until the last round, and Liquid’s comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 showed incredible composure. If any of these teams gain momentum, they could break expectations.

The main underdogs of this stage are PARIVISION, Passion UA, and Imperial Esports. Despite respectable performances in previous stages, Stage 3’s level of competition is significantly higher. PARIVISION fought through two difficult stages, Passion UA survived tough elimination battles, and Imperial delivered a stable 3-1 run — but now they face world-class opponents, making their path to the playoffs extremely challenging.

Where to Watch StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 3

You can follow the Stage 3 broadcasts on StarLadder’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. You can also stay updated with news and match schedules on our website:

In just a one day, we will dive into the intense and thrilling action of the most anticipated tournament of the season!