StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Opening Matches Preview: Heavy hitters enter the fray

We’re just over a week into the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, and 16 teams have already been eliminated from play. But now, with the beginning of Stage 3, it finally feels as though the action is really starting to heat up as the heavy hitters enter the fray.

Best-of-one madness is sure to ensue, so let’s go through some predictions for the opening matches of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3.

MOUZ vs. PARIVISION

PARIVISION are the surprise package of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. From Stage 1 to Stage 3, Jame and his team of young guns have impressed throughout. But the fun stops here. MOUZ are a level above anyone PARIVISION have faced so far, and even the brutal best-of-ones shouldn’t throw up enough randomness to allow the underdogs to get a foothold in the game. If PARIVISION do snatch a win, start to worry about the level at which MOUZ have arrived at the Major.

My prediction: MOUZ win.

Imperial vs. The MongolZ

Imperial vs. The MongolZ is a match where you might see a lot of people predicting an underdog win for the Brazilians. With The MongolZ‘s dip post-Senzu, it’s a fair conclusion to arrive at. But I’m not so sure The MongolZ’s downfall is big enough to lose to Imperial, who have defied all expectations to get to this stage of the event. Cinderella runs all come to an end at some point, and I reckon The MongolZ will put Imperial on the path to elimination to open up the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.

My prediction: The MongolZ win.

Spirit vs. Liquid

I’m pretty worried about Spirit vs. Liquid. Since adding tN1R, Spirit have been quite bad, but Liquid can consider themselves lucky to be in Stage 3 at all. That said, you can’t discount the fact that Liquid now have a few games under their belt, which, despite Spirit’s donk factor, could have an impact on this result. I’m saying that Spirit find a way to brute-force win this best-of-one, but know I’m not saying it with full conviction.

My prediction: Spirit win.

Passion UA vs. G2

Passion UA might have made it to Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, but I’d stop short of suggesting they’ve massively impressed me so far. Meanwhile, G2 enter the Major with a point to prove, a team that has already proven its trophy-winning pedigree once in 2025. Assuming G2 have made good use of their time off, I’d like to think they have what it takes to make it comfortable in their opening match against Passion UA.

My prediction: G2 win.

Vitality vs. FaZe

Despite a rocky (to say the least) Stage 1, FaZe were dominant in Stage 2 with the most unlikely of 3:0s. Things have improved in a pretty short space of time. Cool. But this is Vitality they’re up against. Perhaps the trophies have dried up for Vitality in the second half of 2025, but they still instill a fear factor like no other team. Expect them to get the job done against FaZe, although FaZe’s style means they can definitely make it look ugly in a best-of-one. If ZywOo shows up, we can pretty much draw the curtains on this one right now.

My prediction: Vitality win.

paiN Gaming vs. 3DMAX

According to the seeding, 3DMAX are actually underdogs against paiN Gaming in this series. That’s not how I see it. The French team made very difficult work of Stage 2, but they’re still one of the most underrated lineups at the Major. 3DMAX are just a really solid team. And while paiN Gaming definitely have a very high ceiling, their inconsistencies trip them up more often than they’d like.

My prediction: 3DMAX win.

FURIA vs. NAVI

FURIA arrive at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as the ones to beat. Final boss vibes, on the back of winning three consecutive trophies. Dare I say, favorites to win the Major? I will. But they face NAVI here, a team that just over a month ago took two maps from them in the Final of the Thunderpick World Championship. And NAVI were perfect in Stage 2 of the Major, leading me to believe this won’t be a straightforward matchup for FURIA at all. I have to go with the favorites, but if we’re getting one massive update this stage, it’s this one.

My prediction: FURIA win.

B8 vs. Falcons

B8‘s Major run so far has exposed the ups and downs of being a young team competing at the highest level. You play with a fearlessness that frees you in situations where the experienced players might overcook, but you also get those natural inconsistencies. They can be proud of their Major run so far. But their opening match against Falcons feels a step too far. A team too filled to the brim with talent. Comparing the teams’ budgets, it’s a great David vs. Goliath story. B8 vs. Falcons – keep your eye on it. After all, it is NiKo at a Major.

My prediction: Falcons win.