B8 Stun 3DMAX to Secure Budapest Major Stage 3 Spot and Boost Global Rankings

B8 have defeated 3DMAX 2–1 in a decisive Stage 2 match at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, completing a reverse sweep (3–13 Train, 13–9 Ancient, 13–8 Dust2) to lock in a Stage 3 berth and gain a valuable bump in both HLTV’s world rankings and the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

Key Highlights

• kensizor dominates: 53–41 K-D, 97 ADR, 1.36 rating — Player of the Match.

• Major qualification secured: B8 move into Stage 3, joining FURIA, paiN, Imperial, PARIVISION, and NAVI.

• Ranking impact: B8 rise to #12 VRS, while 3DMAX drop to #17 after losing 14 points.

• 3DMAX pushed to 2–2 bracket: One match remains between them and elimination.

Match Summary

3DMAX opened strong with a 13–3 stomp on Train, powered by Maka and Ex3rcice. But B8 stabilized on Ancient, taking their map 13–9 behind confident rifle work from npl. The decider on Dust2 was all B8 — and all kensizor, who delivered nine multi-kill rounds on the CT side as the Ukrainians surged to an 11–1 start and closed out the series 13–8.

Player Reactions

B8 IGL npl acknowledged nerves during the Dust2 closer:

“It was too dicey in the end because some players started to panic… They were a bit scared to die.”

Earlier in the event, star rifler kensizor summed up the team’s mindset:

“We just did what we do well and what we’re confident in.”

3DMAX AWPer Maka had previously said the team entered the Major with strong preparation despite a heavy schedule:

“We didn’t bootcamp, but we put in the hours and the focus we had to.”

Context: Major Race Tightens

B8’s victory earns them entry into a stacked Stage 3 alongside NAVI (who advanced 3–0), PARIVISION (after eliminating NiP), and three Brazilian teams — FURIA, paiN, and Imperial. 3DMAX, now 2–2, face a high-pressure elimination match to keep their Major hopes alive.

The win not only boosts B8’s Major prospects but also their long-term qualification chances, with the VRS system now determining future Major invites.