Team Liquid, Passion UA, and 3DMAX have secured the final spots in Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, a premier end-of-year event for Counter-Strike 2. Each team triumphed in their crucial fifth-round matches during Stage 2, advancing while knocking out their opponents.
Team Liquid defeated Astralis 2-0, starting on Nuke with a strong 10-round halftime lead and securing a 13-7 victory. They continued their dominance on Mirage with a robust second-half defense, winning 13-9. This marks the end of Astralis’s first Major appearance since 2022.
In a North American clash, Passion UA narrowly defeated M80 in a thrilling 2-1 series. After M80’s 13-11 Mirage win, Passion UA bounced back on Inferno with a 13-5 victory. The deciding match on Train saw Passion UA’s veterans shine, clinching the series 13-7 and eliminating M80. Passion UA remains the last North American team in Stage 3, joining giants like FURIA and Team Vitality.
3DMAX swept Ninjas in Pyjamas 2-0. After a strong start on Ancient with a 13-3 win, they overcame a halftime deficit on Train to win 13-8, sealing victory and advancing.
Stage 2 is finished, setting the stage for Stage 3. Eight advancing teams from Stage 2 will join eight new squads in another five-round Swiss format. The top eight will qualify for the Playoffs, competing for CS2 glory on the grand stage.
Daniel Davis, an experienced esports journalist, brings insights into the evolving world of professional gaming.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com