B8 stage a stunning comeback to eliminate 3DMAX and reach Stage 3 at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

In a high-stakes BO3 clash of the 4th round in the Swiss stage, the winner would secure a spot in Stage 3, while the loser faced immediate elimination. 3DMAX looked strong out of the gate, dominating the first map and positioning themselves as favorites. B8, however, were under immense pressure — they needed to show resilience to stay alive in the Major.

Train (13:3 3DMAX)

The opening map saw complete dominance from the French squad. B8 struggled from the start, managing just three rounds in the first half. 3DMAX finished the map with a 4‑0 run in the second half, highlighted by a quad kill from Maka, setting the tone for what looked like a straightforward series.

Ancient (13:9 B8)

B8 bounced back immediately on Ancient. Their strong T-side carried them to an 8–4 lead at halftime, and they maintained control after the break, preventing 3DMAX from mounting any meaningful comeback. B8’s adjustment and map control were clear signs of their adaptability and resilience.

Dust2 (13:8 B8)

The decider turned into a showcase of B8’s dominance. Starting on the CT side, they built an 11–1 lead by halftime, largely thanks to the leadership and frags of kensizor, who anchored the team’s defense and offensive pushes. Despite 3DMAX trying to fight back, B8’s strategic discipline and aggressive control closed out the map and the series.

Match MVP

kensizor emerged as the standout player, carrying B8 with crucial multi-kills, especially on Dust2, and dictating the tempo of both sides.

Despite the opening map blowout, B8 demonstrated incredible mental strength — reading 3DMAX ’s tactics on Ancient and then aggressively executing their own strategy on Dust2. 3DMAX, in contrast, could not regain momentum after Train, losing their advantage and failing to respond to B8’s adjustments.

B8 advance to Stage 3 of the Major, marking a significant achievement for the squad, especially after a rough start. The series highlighted that even after a decisive loss, a team can regroup, adapt, and pull off a major victory through determination and composure.

For 3DMAX, it’s a bitter defeat: after an impressive start, they couldn’t maintain their lead and failed to impose their game on the remaining maps, ending their tournament run in disappointment.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the winter Valve-sponsored Major of the 2025 competitive CS2 season. The tournament features a prize pool of 1,250,000 USD. The group stage matches will be held at MTK Sportpark, while the playoffs will take place at the MVM Dome in Budapest, Hungary.