Ahead of their meeting at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3, the matchup between paiN and 3DMAX is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing clashes of this phase. Both teams have enough firepower to challenge each other, but it is the Brazilian side that enters the match as a hidden favorite.
How the bookmakers see it: paiN are the favorites
Bookmakers consider paiN the favorites in this matchup, citing their stability on key maps and their advantage in recent head-to-head encounters as the deciding factors. Analysts note that although 3DMAX have shown positive development recently, paiN possess a stronger map pool structure and more tools to control the pace in a Bo3 setting. Overall, the balance of power leans slightly toward the Brazilian squad, who appear better equipped to impose their game and secure the win — even if each map turns out tense.
Current form of paiN: What to expect From paiN
paiN enter the match with mixed results. Over the past three months, the team has played 47 maps, winning 23 — an indicator of a stable yet non-dominant form. In the past month, they competed at two major events: IEM Chengdu 2025 — finished 9–12th, BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 — reached the semifinals, finishing 3–4th.
- paiN roster: biguzera, nqz, snow, dav1deuS, dgt
Their last five matches reveal certain issues with coordination and adaptation — losses to Passion UA and TYLOO, as well as two defeats to FURIA and one to The MongolZ. Overall, paiN remain an inconsistent team, but their strengths on Nuke, Dust2, and Inferno still make them a dangerous opponent capable of taking control when it matters most.
Current form of 3DMAX: What to expect From 3DMAX
3DMAX have played significantly more maps over the past three months — 78, winning 40. This showcases their intensive competitive schedule and overall resilience. During the last month, they competed at: IEM Chengdu 2025 — finished 13–16th, StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 — finished 6–8th.
- 3DMAX roster: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
The team’s last five matches look strong: victories over Ninjas in Pyjamas, Passion UA, and FlyQuest build confidence. There were setbacks as well — losses to B8 and fnatic — but the overall trend suggests that 3DMAX enter the match in better short-term form than paiN.
paiN Map Pool (Bo1)
In a Bo1, paiN start with their most predictable decision: Train is banned first, a map they consistently avoid throughout the season. From there, paiN aim to narrow the pool toward a scenario that allows them to impose their structured style.
Their likely second ban is Ancient. While they can play the map, it remains unstable and too volatile for a Bo1, where a single swing round can define the outcome.
In the later ban stages, paiN try to prevent the opponent from steering the pool into a map that could disrupt their game plan. They will avoid banning Nuke, as it is their strongest map and the ideal final choice. If the veto structure aligns favorably, paiN will want Nuke to be the last map standing.
3DMAX Map Pool (Bo1)
3DMAX also have a very predictable opening ban: Mirage, a map they consistently avoid regardless of opponent. After that, their focus shifts toward limiting paiN’s comfort picks and preserving an advantageous final map.
Their next key ban is likely Dust2, a comfortable map for paiN that 3DMAX will not want to leave available in the final stages of a Bo1 veto.
Toward the end of the veto phase, 3DMAX will aim to maneuver the process toward a map that suits their strengths. The ideal outcome for them is Inferno, historically their strongest map and one they can confidently rely on if it remains among the last options.
Head-to-head record
Over the past six months, the teams have traded convincing wins. At BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, paiN came out on top with a 2:0 victory (Nuke 16:12, Inferno 13:9), showing better composure in key moments and a deeper understanding of the opponent’s tendencies.
However, at FISSURE Playground 1, 3DMAX struck back with their own 2:0 victory (Nuke 17:19, Ancient 8:13). They adapted well to paiN’s style, disrupted them on Nuke after a long overtime, and dominated on Ancient. This history reflects the tactical growth and shifting balance between the two teams.
Prediction — paiN vs 3DMAX StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3
The upcoming match between paiN and 3DMAX promises to be tightly contested, with both teams showcasing strong individual qualities and the ability to dictate the tempo. Despite paiN’s recent inconsistency, their strong performances on Nuke, Dust2, and Inferno could be decisive. Moreover, their earlier victory over 3DMAX at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 proves they understand how to exploit the French team’s weaknesses.
While 3DMAX enter with more map experience and solid short-term form, the map pool structure in this particular matchup may work against them. paiN’s powerful Nuke, combined with a potentially comfortable Overpass as a late-stage option in the Bo1, creates a scenario in which the Brazilians can seize control in crucial moments. Considering their past head-to-head success, stability on priority maps, and ability to adapt to various match scenarios, the advantage leans toward paiN.
Prediction: paiN to win.
