Team Liquid, Passion UA, and 3DMAX Take Final Stage 3 Spots at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025
Team Liquid, Passion UA, and 3DMAX have clinched the remaining spots in Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Counter-Strike 2’s premier year end event. Each squad won in their critical fifth round clashes during Stage 2, advancing while eliminating their opponents.
Team Liquid Overpowers Astralis 2-0
Both Team Liquid and Astralis entered Stage 2 with 0-2 records but fought back for a do or die showdown. Liquid seized control early on Nuke, surging to a 10 round halftime lead en route to a 13-7 victory despite a Danish rally.
On Mirage, Liquid’s stout second half defense proved decisive, securing a 13-9 win and a clean sweep. This result ends Astralis first Major appearance since 2022.
Passion UA Edges M80 in Thrilling 2-1 Series
In an all North American battle, Passion UA bounced back from Stage 2 successes to face M80. The series kicked off with M80’s narrow 13-11 Mirage win, putting Passion UA on the brink.
Passion UA came back on Inferno with a commanding 13-5 performance. The decider on Train saw the ex Complexity veterans shine on both sides of the ball, clinching 13-7 for the upset victory and eliminating M80.
Now the last North American hope in Stage 3, Passion UA joins powerhouses like FURIA and Team Vitality, can they sustain their surge?
3DMAX Sweep Ninjas in Pyjamas 2-0
NiP, after opening Stage 2 with wins, stumbled against FaZe Clan and Parivision, landing in elimination against resurgent 3DMAX, who aimed to hoist the French flag high once more.
3DMAX swept Ancient, grabbing 10 first half rounds and sealing 13-3. Train was tighter NiP led halftime by two but 3DMAX’s second half defense flipped the script for a 13-8 triumph and a convincing win.
Stage 3 Awaits
Stage 2 is complete, paving the way for Stage 3, eight advancing teams from Stage 2 merge with eight fresh squads for another five round Swiss format. The top eight will punch tickets to the Playoffs, battling for CS2 glory on the grandest stage.
Since: October 29, 2025
