Expectations are rising ahead of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3, as B8 and Falcons enter a matchup that could shape the direction of their tournament run. Both teams come into the match with contrasting form and different strengths, which makes the prediction particularly intriguing.
How the bookmakers see it: Falcons are the favorites
Bookmakers view Falcons as clear favorites in this Bo1 showdown, pointing to their stable form, victories over tier-1 opponents, and strong recent tournament performances. In contrast, B8 have struggled with inconsistency and a string of losses — a red flag in a format where a single mistake can decide the entire match.
Analysts highlight that Falcons possess a broader and stronger map pool, as well as better preparation for short-format games where early control is crucial. In a Bo1, B8 may rely only on isolated strong moments or the possibility that the final map suits them, but the overall market expectation is straightforward: Falcons should dictate the pace from the very first round.
Current form of B8: What to expect From B8
B8 enter the match in mixed form. Over the past three months, the team has played 54 maps, winning 28 — not a poor result, but not consistently high either. Over the past month, B8 twice finished in the top 5 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 (Stage 1 and Stage 2), proving they can compete against strong European teams.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
However, recent results point to a decline: B8 lost four of their last five matches — to 3DMAX, fnatic, Liquid, and Legacy — and also suffered two defeats against Natus Vincere. These results suggest difficulties against structured and high-pressure opponents. The key question is whether B8 can regain the form that allowed them to consistently stay in the top 5 earlier in the major cycle.
Current form of Falcons: What to expect From Falcons
Falcons display significantly more stable momentum. Over the past three months, they have played 46 maps, winning an impressive 33. In the previous month, they delivered two standout performances: Top 3 at IEM Chengdu 2025 and 2nd place at BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2.
- Falcons roster: NiKo, TeSeS, kyxsan, m0NESY, kyousuke
In the short-term perspective, Falcons look even stronger: they won 4 of their last 5 matches, beating Vitality, Passion UA, Spirit, and MOUZ, losing only to FURIA. This demonstrates their consistent tier-1 level and strengthens their status as favorites against B8.
B8 Map Pool (Bo1)
In a Bo1, B8 take a pragmatic approach. Their first ban is almost certainly Nuke, a map where Falcons have one of the highest win rates and a clear strategic advantage.
Their second likely ban is Dust2. Although B8 play this map regularly, their results on it are weak, while Falcons are extremely confident there. In a Bo1, the risk is simply too high.
In the later stages of the veto, B8 will aim to preserve Mirage, their most consistent map in recent months. Even though Falcons are strong on Mirage as well, it remains the map where B8 can showcase their best form, making it the ideal final option for them.
Falcons Map Pool (Bo1)
Falcons traditionally begin their veto with a ban of Overpass, a map they avoid in most matchups and one that doesn’t fit their style.
Their next important ban is expected to be Inferno. Although B8 do not have exceptional results on this map, they are stable enough to cause problems — and in a Bo1, a short streak of strong rounds can be decisive. Falcons therefore remove Inferno to minimize volatility.
In the final ban stages, Falcons will aim to guide the veto toward Ancient, their strongest map in recent months. They have already defeated B8 on Ancient before, which only reinforces their desire to push for this map as the last remaining option.
Head-to-head history
Over the past six months, the teams have faced each other only once — at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 Stage 2. B8 won that match 1–0 on Ancient (13:8). This result is important psychologically, showing B8’s ability to find the right approach against Falcons.
However, since then Falcons have significantly improved their form, and Ancient has become one of their strongest maps.
Prediction — B8 vs Falcons StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3
The match looks competitive but with a clear advantage on the side of Falcons, especially in a Bo1, where every mistake has amplified impact. Falcons' form is stable and convincing, while B8 are experiencing a downturn and struggling to maintain composure in recent matches — a dangerous trend in a short-format game.
From a map-pool perspective, B8 will have their best chance if Mirage remains as the final map — their comfort pick. However, Falcons have an equally strong trump card: Ancient, one of their top maps. And even if a neutral map ends up being the final choice, Falcons appear stronger overall thanks to higher individual level and superior adaptability.
Head-to-head history adds some intrigue, as B8’s previous win may give them confidence. But Falcons' current level is far more convincing than during the Austin Major, and that becomes the decisive factor in a Bo1 setting.
Prediction: Falcons to win.
