Final Budapest Major Stage 2 Matchups Set: Liquid–Astralis Headlines Deciders

The final three StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 decider matches are locked in, with Liquid vs Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas vs 3DMAX, and Passion UA vs M80 set to determine the last spots in Stage 3.

1. Liquid vs Astralis – The Blockbuster Decider

The biggest storyline of the day is the clash between Liquid (#15) and Astralis (#11), two legendary organisations fighting for survival in a 2-2 elimination match.

Liquid fought back from an 0-2 start with wins over MIBR and TYLOO. IGL Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak told HLTV after stabilising the run:
“It was an off day… we got our confidence back and best-of-threes help us show our game.”

Astralis were also pushed to the brink after losses to NiP and M80 before eliminating FlyQuest and Aurora. Victor “Staehr” Staehr highlighted pressure earlier in the event, saying qualifying for the Major felt tougher mentally than playing big stages.

This matchup is widely considered the top decider of the round, combining historic rivalries, comeback arcs, and high elimination stakes.

2. NiP vs 3DMAX – Who Recovers Faster?

NiP (#26) face 3DMAX (#13) after both teams failed to convert earlier chances to reach Stage 3.

NiP’s run included wins over Astralis and a strong Stage 1 performance, but back-to-back overtime losses to PARIVISION denied early qualification.

3DMAX dropped into the 2-2 pool after a 2–1 defeat to B8 despite earlier victories against FlyQuest and Passion UA.

With both teams showing peak-and-crash tendencies, this is considered the second-biggest matchup of the day.

3. Passion UA vs M80 – Americas Spot Guaranteed

The day opens with Passion UA (#21) vs M80 (#22) — a duel that ensures another Americas-core team joins the Brazilian trio (FURIA, paiN, Imperial) already in Stage 3.

Passion UA recently eliminated fnatic in a confident 2–0 win. Rifler Vladyslav “Kvem” Korol previously noted how unexpected and meaningful this run has been for him:
“I didn’t expect this; I thought I would be on the bench the whole season.”

M80 reached 2-1 before being pushed down by Imperial in a tight series described by HLTV as a “rollercoaster.”

Though not as star-powered as the other two matchups, the match carries major regional implications.

Budapest Major Stage 2 Deciders – Quick Overview

Liquid vs Astralis – Legacy showdown, both fighting for a 0-2 → 3-2 comeback.

NiP vs 3DMAX – Ranking vs momentum battle after missed qualification chances.

Passion UA vs M80 – A guaranteed Americas representative progresses.