The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 saw some surprising turns as top teams battled it out in the third stage of the competition. With the stakes higher than ever, two notable teams have faced elimination, shaking up the tournament landscape.
PaiN Gaming Bows Out
PaiN Gaming and 3DMAX have become the latest teams to bow out of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025’s third stage. The Brazilian team had high hopes after a top-four finish at the Austin Major, but tough losses to G2 Esports and NAVI left them on the edge. A crucial match against B8 required a win to stay in the game. On Dust II, PaiN began strong but eventually succumbed to B8 in a nail-biting overtime, exiting the tournament with a respectable top-14 finish and $20,000.
3DMAX Heads Home
3DMAX faced a rocky path with early losses to PaiN Gaming and Team Vitality. However, a hard-won match against Parivision extended their run, setting up a decisive face-off with FaZe Clan. Despite their efforts, FaZe Clan’s powerful performance on Dust II and Inferno sealed a 2-0 victory, forcing 3DMAX out of the Major.
MOUZ, Team Vitality And The MongolZ Secure Playoffs
After intense competition, MOUZ, Team Vitality, and The MongolZ have secured their spots in the playoffs. MOUZ demonstrated resilience, bouncing back against Team Falcons with a decisive win on Nuke. Meanwhile, Team Vitality overcame a challenging match against NAVI, and The MongolZ, with new addition Controlez, swept past G2 Esports to make it to the last eight.
As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the fifth and final round of Stage 3, where additional teams will vie for a coveted spot in the MVM Dome. Remaining matches include B8 vs. NAVI, FaZe Clan vs. Passion UA, and G2 Esports vs. Team Falcons. Viewers can catch the action live on StarLadder’s Twitch, YouTube, and Kick channels.