paiN defeat 3DMAX on Nuke in the opening match of Stage 3 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

The Brazilian team paiN made a confident start at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3, taking down 3DMAX on Nuke. Despite entering the match as slight favourites, the French side failed to contain their opponents’ aggression, while bodyy stood out as the lone bright spot for 3DMAX, delivering the best individual performance of the map.

The course of the match was largely shaped during the map veto, where both teams’ strategic priorities became clear:

1. 3DMAX removed Mirage
2. 3DMAX removed Dust2
3. paiN removed Train
4. paiN removed Ancient
5. paiN removed Inferno
6. 3DMAX removed Overpass
7. Nuke was left over

The first half of Nuke went in favour of the Brazilian squad. paiN controlled all key rounds on the CT side and closed the half 9:3. 3DMAX attempted to break their momentum in the second half on defense, but paiN executed a sharp, aggressive T side and closed out Nuke 13:10 without giving any chance for overtime.

Match MVP

Despite the loss, 3DMAX’s bodyy became the standout player on Nuke. He recorded 108.6 ADR, a +8.79% Swing and a 1.80 rating — the only positive rating on his team.

The French roster entered this matchup as slight favourites, but paiN confidently move forward into the 1–0 pool. StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 takes place from December 4 to 7, with only eight teams advancing to the playoffs to compete for the championship title and a $500,000 prize pool.