B8 Break Falcons’ Ancient Streak Again as FURIA Destroy NAVI at Budapest Major Stage 3

B8 and FURIA delivered the standout performances in the opening round of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3, entering the 1–0 pool after dominant wins on Ancient and Nuke.

B8 13–10 Falcons — Another Ancient Upset

B8 shocked the world No. 3 team Falcons by ending their 13-map Ancient win streak with a 13–10 victory — marking the second consecutive Major where B8 defeat Falcons on this exact map.

Despite Falcons winning the second-half pistol, B8 responded with a crucial five-round T-side streak, capitalizing on a key 4v5 half-buy win to seal the upset.

Top performers for B8:

• npl – 20–14, ~1.7 rating

• alex666 – 21–13, ~1.5 rating

The result reinforces B8’s steady rise following their leadership restructuring, highlighted earlier in HLTV interviews where headtr1ck praised the team’s improved atmosphere and alex666’s impact as IGL.

Falcons now drop into the 0–1 pool, facing Passion UA in a high-pressure matchup. The loss also echoes earlier comments from NiKo, who admitted the roster still struggles with maintaining energy when rounds spiral out of control.

FURIA 13–2 NAVI — A Brutal Nuke Statement

On Nuke, FURIA demolished Natus Vincere with a near-perfect 12–0 CT half, eventually closing the map 13–2. NAVI avoided a 13–0 only by winning the second-half pistol, but offered little resistance otherwise.

Key numbers for FURIA:

• molodoy – 19–6, ~1.8 rating

• KSCERATO – 17–6, ~1.9 rating

The win extends FURIA’s excellent form following their BLAST Rivals triumph — part of a dominant stretch highlighted by FalleN, who recently spoke about the team earning the respect of top contenders and praised KSCERATO’s elite form.

NAVI continue to struggle with consistency, despite earlier internal reassurances from iM that the roster was aiming for redemption after recent disappointments.

Round 2 Matchups Set

After the opening results, the Budapest Major Stage 3 moves into its next wave of Bo1s:

1–0 Pool

• paiN vs G2

• 3DMAX vs Vitality

• FaZe vs Spirit

• MOUZ vs B8

• FURIA vs Imperial

0–1 Pool

• Passion UA vs Falcons

• Liquid vs MongolZ

• PARIVISION vs NAVI