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What to Expect from StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3
After the unpredictability of Stages 1 & 2, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 enters the final Swiss Stage before the teams take center stage at the MVM Dome. But would it really fall within the community’s expectations?
Let’s take a look at what the next stage of competition has in store for us.
What to Look Forward to at Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3
Even before the Major kicked off, we expected Budapest to be a slug fest. There were more than two top contenders for the trophy. These are closely followed by challengers, who with the right form, will contest the trophy as well. That aside, there will always be the Dark Horses, who no one expects; and there are quite a few of those this time.
Will FURIA Continue Their Reign of Dominance?
Despite the multiple contenders that lead the pack at Budapest, the clear frontrunner heading into the Major is FURIA. The Brazilian squad, aided by molodoy and the in-form YEKINDAR, has been on a tear, winning back-to-back-to-back trophies heading into the Major.
They have everything that rivals their peers: an experienced IGL, immense firepower, a solid AWPer, and a stable structure.
What they do not necessarily have is a matured X factor. Right now, FalleN has been the one doing the most, and being the X factor, but he pales in comparison to what Vitality or Spirit have to offer. Molodoy is another choice and has been a breakout star AWPer of 2025, but the pressure may affect his form.
That said, FURIA is still a team that will be our biggest contender for the trophy.
Who Challenges Them?
One team that, on paper, should win the Major is Team Vitality. Just like FURIA, they have the firepower, the IGL and the structure. Moreover, they have the X factor; and not just one but two X factors — ZywOo & ropz.
A GOAT candidate and arguably the best lurker/anchor hybrid Counter-Strike has ever seen, on a good day, can together surgically dissect offenses and hold off entire hordes of attackers.
The biggest struggle for Vitality, however, has been synergy and consistency. But given it is the Major, they will definitely come to play.
Another team that will challenge FURIA will be Team Falcons, who have two superstars, one rookie of the year candidate, a solid support player, and a decent IGL.
m0NESY’s form has also been top notch. With the addition of kyousuke, Falcons have consistently cracked the top 3 in the second half of 2025. If this Falcons lineup has any bite, this Major would be their chance to prove it.
Team Spirit are also a contender that have recently fallen out of favor. The addition of tn1r and zweih did not work as intended. But now that they have had a prolonged period to figure out how they fit into the Spirit’s system (donk), they should be in better shape. Rest of Spirit aside, donk alone is a threat to any team that doesn’t play their A-game.
The Unexpected Challengers
Far from their past of superstar-rosters, G2 Esports currently prides itself as a strong, structured, and an overall solid team. If they consistently do what they have been doing for the past few months, it won’t be a surprise if they make a deep run at the Budapest Major 2025.
MOUZ were the second best team when Team Vitality dominated the scene. But when the French side fell, MOUZ fell too. The biggest struggle for them is consistency, none of their pieces are stable. But if they all perform during the Major, we can very well see them on the biggest stage.
NAVI headlined by B1t, have been a strong team. They do not scream winners as loudly as their peers, but if the right players peak at the right time, they would be a force to be reckoned with.
Lastly we have The MongolZ, who will miss Senzu, though that adjustment might propel them to make a breakthrough. Despite being a consistent top dog, they were predictable and fell back on individual talent to fill that gap. Now that that's missing, Maara and the MongolZ will definitely find different avenues to ensure they stay close to the top.
FaZe Magic!
And of course, how can we forget, the most magical and the most amazing part of any major — FaZe Clan.
We have already seen glimpses of the FaZe Magic at the Major, and if this younger version of FaZe clicks, we would be in for a ride! The biggest obstacle for FaZe is broky's underperformance, but if he can find the magic within him once again, we have the most fun days of CS esports ahead of us.
Additionally, there are 3DMAX, Team Liquid, Passion UA and B8, who will wait for their chance to pounce on the top dogs and snatch a place amongst on the podium.
Players and Rivalries to Watch
The Battle of Rookies
2025 has truly been the year of rookies. We have kyousuke and molodoy, two players who came out of nowhere and have since become the center of attention for their respective organizations. But there are more: makazze, jcobbb (to some extent), and the PARIVISION trio of AW, XiELO and nota, all have been slowly making a name for themselves and will define the future of CS esports. The upcoming stage and their performance will help them build a strong foundation to leap off of in the future. For us, it will be our little window to what our beloved game has in store for us.
m0NESY vs. ZywOo vs. molodoy?
During the first few months of 2025, ZywOo and his AWP defined what it means to be an AWPer in CS2.
But with m0NESY finding his footing and molodoy popping out of nowhere, the battle of these three will define the "best AWPer of 2025" conversation.
If molodoy and FURIA actually win the Budapest Major 2025, then molodoy in his first year would compete with Baby GOAT and the Chosen One. This trifecta could very well define the next era of Counter-Strike esports AWPing.
Donk vs ZywOo
The last, but perhaps the biggest, conversation will be: who is the best player of 2025? After S1mple stepped down in 2023, ZywOo was uncontested. But in 2024 donk happened, completely dominating the competition. Team Spirit’s Major win over FaZe Clan at Shanghai stole all the limelight.
But the Chosen One wasn’t going anywhere without a fight, and in the first half of 2025, ZywOo and Vitality racked 8 trophies along with the Austin Major. This was a declaration from the Chosen one.
While Vitality have undoubtedly been the better team all year long, donk has been consistently a one man show that runs tournaments. His ability to hard carry Team Spirit easily rivals ZywOo and his MVP medals. The upcoming trophy and whoever lifts it will certainly make a stronger claim for the Best Player of 2025 title. But before that, they would need to take down FURIA, Falcons, and many more who want a piece of the Major.
If you support a team or a player, either way, the Budapest Major 2025 has delivered and will continue to deliver.
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Featured Image Credit: BLAST
Read More: StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Pick'Em Challenge Guide
