G2 Esports Defeat paiN Gaming 13–7 on Dust2 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

G2 Esports secured a confident 13–7 win over paiN Gaming on Dust2 during the third Swiss stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, moving the European roster to a strong 2–0 position in the group stage. The loss drops paiN to 1–1, forcing the Brazilian team into a tougher path toward playoff contention.

The map was decided after a full veto, with Dust2 left as the decider. G2’s structured mid-rounds and consistent rifling allowed them to control the pace, denying paiN any serious comeback attempts.

Standings Impact

• G2 (2–0) advance to a best-of-three for direct playoff qualification.

• paiN (1–1) remain in contention but must now battle through the mid-bracket.

Related Results at the Budapest Major

Several other key matches defined the day’s narrative:

• Vitality crushed 3DMAX 13–4 on Nuke, evening their score to 1–1.

• B8 upset Team Falcons 13–10 on Ancient, continuing one of the event’s biggest surprise runs.

• FURIA dominated NAVI 13–2 on Nuke, a match that drew attention after YEKINDAR — citing illness — skipped the traditional post-game handshake.

These upsets and momentum swings have amplified the perception of Budapest as one of the most unpredictable CS2 Majors to date.

Player Reactions

paiN’s IGL biguzera recently reiterated the team’s ambition, saying they “can win any tournament we play”, underscoring the high expectations despite their setback.
G2 star m0NESY assessed his form as “nine out of ten” ahead of the Major, signaling renewed confidence in the European camp.

Tournament Overview

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, running 24 November – 14 December, features 32 teams competing for a $1.25M prize pool. Early phases are played at MTK Sportpark, with playoffs set for the MVM Dome.