At StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, we are set for a tense showdown in the 2-2 bracket: Ninjas in Pyjamas and 3DMAX will play a decisive match for a spot in Stage 3. Analysts give the edge to NIP, citing their stronger team structure, deeper map pool, and more stable tournament form. This matchup will serve as a crucial test of both teams’ readiness for the decisive phase of the Major and could define their further journey in Budapest.
How the bookmakers see it: Ninjas in Pyjamas as the favorites
Bookmakers rate the upcoming match in favor of Ninjas in Pyjamas, viewing them as the stronger and more stable team. NIP benefit from their performance level at big events, a convincing win in their latest head-to-head meeting, and a broader selection of comfortable maps. While 3DMAX often show inconsistency and rely heavily on one or two strong picks, NIP are capable of controlling the tempo of a BO3 and imposing their own style. All these factors collectively shape a prediction that places NIP as the team with significantly better winning chances.
Current form of Ninjas in Pyjamas: What to expect From NiP
Ninjas in Pyjamas enter Stage 2 in a somewhat unstable but potentially explosive state. Over the past three months, they have played 41 maps and won 21 of them — a statistic that reflects both their ability to stay competitive and their struggles in key moments. In the past month, they competed at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1, finishing in 3rd–5th place — a result that offers hope but not guaranteed consistency.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas roster: r1nkle, ewjerkz, sjuush, Snappi, xKacpersky
Their last five matches highlight their inconsistency: losses against TYLOO, Astralis, and Fluxo exposed weaknesses in mid-round decision-making and lack of early-map confidence. Additional defeats to PARIVISION and FaZe reinforced the impression that NIP have not yet found their balance. Still, the team remains dangerous thanks to strong individual performances and maps that they traditionally excel on.
Current form of 3DMAX: What to expect From 3DMAX
3DMAX come into the match looking like a “battle-tested mid-tier team with upset potential.” Over the past three months, they have played a substantial 76 maps, winning exactly half — 38. The team is actively gaining experience but still lacks stability. Their latest major appearance was at IEM Chengdu 2025, where they finished 13th–16th.
- 3DMAX roster: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
The last five matches also demonstrate inconsistency: wins over Passion UA and FlyQuest show that they can dominate less experienced opponents, while losses to B8, fnatic, and Lynn Vision reveal difficulties against structured teams. Still, their strengths lie in aggressive executions and strong opening halves.
Ninjas in Pyjamas map pool
NIP usually begin their veto with a ban on Mirage, their weakest map, which they remove in nearly every series. For their own pick, they choose a map that best exposes the opponent’s weaknesses. Against 3DMAX, the most logical choice appears to be Train or Ancient — maps where NIP look structured, disciplined, and confident.
After selecting the first map, NIP typically remove another strong opponent map. Since 3DMAX frequently rely on Nuke, NIP may ban it to prevent the French squad from picking their most balanced battleground. This is a strategic move that denies 3DMAX one of their safest options.
As for the decider, NIP usually prefer a map where they can adapt quickly in real time. For this match, that map could be Overpass — a versatile battleground where they often find the right tempo and match rhythm.
3DMAX map pool
With Mirage already removed by NIP, 3DMAX must shift their first ban to another problematic map. Given their recurring issues on Ancient, this will likely be their opening ban — the team regularly struggles to control tempo and defensive spacing on this map.
For their pick, 3DMAX usually choose a map where they can execute their aggressive style with fast entries and well-structured rounds. In this match, the strongest option appears to be Inferno, a map where 3DMAX feel comfortable, control space effectively, and often secure key swing rounds.
Their second ban will likely be Train — one of the most dangerous maps for them against NIP, who perform very well on it. Removing Train helps reduce the risk of losing the second map too quickly.
The most logical decider in this matchup would be Nuke, a map that both teams can play and one that allows each side to showcase their macro game and individual preparation.
Head-to-head record
In the past six months, the teams have met only once — at IEM Cologne 2025 Stage 1. In that match, Ninjas in Pyjamas confidently defeated 3DMAX 2:0, closing Dust2 13:7 and Nuke 13:8. That result highlights NIP’s tactical advantage, superior adaptation, and better decision-making in key moments. 3DMAX failed to impose their tempo and lost duels across all areas of the map.
Prediction: Ninjas in Pyjamas vs 3DMAX — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2
Comparing the current form of both teams, their map pools, and their head-to-head history, Ninjas in Pyjamas clearly enter the match as the favorite. Although NIP still struggle with consistency, their overall potential is notably higher than that of 3DMAX. Their opponent shows too many individual and tactical weaknesses to remain competitive against teams at Stage 2 level.
NIP’s strengths include their strong maps (Train, Overpass, Nuke), experience at major events, and their positive result in the latest head-to-head. For 3DMAX, the main challenges revolve around BO3 instability, issues on Ancient, and less effective fragging against stronger opponents.
Prediction: Ninjas in Pyjamas win 2:1.
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