Will Vitality make a false start? – BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 Stage 3 Opening Matches Preview

As Stage 3 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 looms, eight more teams are set to enter the fray. Stage 2 brought upsets galore, with Falcons’ early exit the big talking point. Will Stage 3 bring similar surprises, or will it be a more straightforward affair?

Stage 3 kicks off with eight best-of-ones, the same as Stages 1 and 2 before it. Let’s take a look at all the matches and try and pick some winners, shall we?

Vitality vs. Legacy

Vitality arrive at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 on a 30-series win streak, a run that incredibly doesn’t include a single best-of-one. To say that they’re big favorites to win this one would be an understatement. However, Legacy are warm from previous Stages, and even managed to progress through Stage 2 with an impressive 3:0 record. Don’t be surprised to see Vitality get a little hot under the collar in this one, even if it hurtles to what feels like a foregone conclusion.

My prediction: Vitality 13:10 Legacy

MOUZ vs. Virtus.pro

I reckon MOUZ vs. Virtus.pro will be the most lopsided game of Stage 3’s opening matches at the BLAST.tv Austin Major. On paper, this one should be the closest of any of them, but I’ve got a feeling we’re going to see MOUZ in tip-top shape for this event. Virtus.pro have the advantage of playing in Stage 2, but there’s a real gulf in quality between these two teams.

My prediction: MOUZ 13:6 Virtus.pro

Spirit vs. paiN Gaming

Spirit vs. paiN Gaming. I’m really just expecting donk to do donk things in this one, and bring it to a swift end. Spirit weren’t the overall favorites in my Austin Major power rankings, but they’ll be out to make a statement that, as Major holders, they’re here to retain that title, and nothing less will suffice. As long as Spirit don’t get off to a slow start, they should be fine.

My prediction: Spirit 13:7 paiN Gaming

G2 vs. 3DMAX

I’m really low on G2 at the moment. Like, really low. This lineup is just not the one, and the fact that hades and TaZ know they’re making way post-event is just going to make this even worse. There’ll be no “last dance” with this one. I do think that 3DMAX are underrated, too, so I think it’s the Frenchmen who have the best chance of winning out this series, given their solid form from Stage 2, too.

My prediction: G2 10:13 3DMAX

The MongolZ vs. FURIA

The MongolZ come into Stage 3 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major very much holding the status as the “best of the rest.” Few have them down as winning this event, but they remain a top team that should make it to the Playoffs with ease. Comparatively, FURIA have looked very solid after going international, unearthing a bit of a gem in molodoy while rekindling some kind of flame in YEKINDAR. I’ve been impressed. I expect this one to run close, but The MongolZ are still my favorites.

My prediction: The MongolZ 13:9 FURIA

Aurora vs. FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan have looked okay at the BLAST.tv Austin Major so far. I won’t get carried away and use hyperbole, because it would be fake, but they’ve looked totally fine. Yes, s1mple has been an upgrade on broky, that’s for sure. But I’m still not sure on their ceiling. Meanwhile, Aurora have been a mixed bag themselves of late. However, I do have a better idea of their ceiling, and it’s higher than FaZe Clan right now. Unless we get some “FaZe bullsh*t” and a sprinkle of s1mple magic, Aurora should have the tactical edge to get over the line here.

My prediction: Aurora 13:11 FaZe Clan

NAVI vs. Nemiga

Life is rough for NAVI right now. Aleksib has claimed the team “needs a miracle” in their bootcamp to make a good Major run, so it’ll be fascinating to see what they’ve been working on. Despite their rough 2025, the lineup itself still has quality in abundance, and I’m expecting that to be enough to overcome the dangerous threat of Nemiga, a team that looked pretty solid in Stage 2. Stage 3 is a different beast, though. Experience will matter in this one.

My prediction: NAVI 13:11 Nemiga

Liquid vs. Lynn Vision

I’m tentatively going for a Liquid win in this one, but just know that I’m not confident. Why? Rust. Lynn Vision have overperformed their expectations for this Major, playing 10 series in total over the last eight days. That’s a lot of Counter-Strike, so they’ll feel very comfortable in this environment. Meanwhile, Liquid haven’t played an official since May 21st. I still think they’ll win, but don’t think for a second Lynn Vision will roll over and die.

My prediction: Liquid 13:9 Lynn Vision