Falcons dominate Passion UA in a Stage 3 match at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Falcons delivered a commanding victory over Passion UA in their Stage 3 match at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, taking full control on Nuke and closing the game 13:5. The undisputed hero of the match was NiKo, who posted phenomenal statistics and an impressive 2.41 rating, while the Ukrainian team dropped into the critical 0-2 pool and now risks elimination.

The flow of the match was largely determined during the map veto phase, where both teams’ strategic priorities became evident:

1. Passion UA removed Ancient
2. Passion UA removed Mirage
3. Falcons removed Overpass
4. Falcons removed Inferno
5. Falcons removed Train
6. Passion UA removed Dust2
7. Nuke was left over

From the very first rounds, Falcons completely dominated the server on the CT side. Passion UA failed to produce a strong T side on Nuke against Falcons, securing only two rounds in the first half. The Ukrainian roster never managed to seize momentum and ultimately fell 5:13.

Match MVP

NiKo was the best player of the match, delivering 161.6 ADR, +10.78% Swing, and an incredible 2.41 rating.

Passion UA now find themselves in a dangerous position. After this defeat, they drop into the 0-2 pool, where they will play an elimination match — a loss there would mean exiting the tournament. Falcons, meanwhile, improve their standing and advance to the 1-1 bracket. 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 the $500,000 prize.