Liquid and 3DMAX on brink as early leaders emerge at Budapest Major

    Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 got underway in emphatic fashion, with Team Spirit, MOUZ and FURIA all racing to 2-0 starts, while Team Liquid and 3DMAX are already facing elimination.

    FURIA underlined their status as tournament favourites with dominant wins over NAVI (13-2) and Imperial Esports (13-5), extending their strong form after topping December’s Valve Regional Standings. Team Spirit also reaffirmed their contender credentials with clinical victories over Team Liquid and FaZe Clan, driven by standout performances from Danil ‘Donk’ Kryshkovets as they moved to within one win of the playoffs.

    MOUZ were pushed hard by Parivision in their opener but edged a 16-14 overtime win on Overpass, before dispatching B8 13-6 to also reach the 2-0 bracket.

    Several heavyweights now sit on 1-1 records, including FaZe Clan, Team Vitality and Team Falcons. Falcons saw their 13-match Ancient win streak snapped by B8 but kept their campaign alive with a win over Passion UA.

    At the bottom, Parivision, Team Liquid, Passion UA and 3DMAX are all winless after two rounds and face elimination in the first best-of-three matches.

    Round three takes place on December 5, with the first playoff spots on the line and winless teams set to bow out.