Grim shines as Passion UA eliminate M80 to reach Budapest Major Stage 3

Passion UA continued their surprise run at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with a decisive 2–1 victory over M80, securing a spot in Stage 3. Despite the triumph, American rifler Michael “Grim” Wince admitted the win came with mixed emotions:
“It’s always nice to beat your NA friends, but it sucks it’s for Major elimination.”

The former Complexity core — JT, hallzerk, Grim, nicx — now strengthened by Ukrainian rifler Kvem, has shown steady improvement since joining Passion UA earlier this year. Grim credited the team’s trust and structure for his standout performance, noting that the environment allows him to be “comfortable” and “take over rounds.”

Passion UA’s path to Stage 3

The team fought through a volatile Stage 2 bracket, beating MIBR and pulling off a major upset against fnatic, before closing the stage with a win over regional rivals M80. The victory officially “broke their curse,” marking the organization’s deepest Major run.

M80 fall after strong form

M80 entered the elimination match in solid shape, having beaten Astralis and dominated NRG earlier in the tournament. Grim praised his opponents, saying the loss was tough because M80 “have been improving a lot.”

North American stakes grow

Because both squads compete in the Americas circuit, one NA-leaning roster had to exit early. Grim admitted he would’ve preferred facing a non-NA opponent, stressing that “the more Major spots for the region, the better.”

Looking ahead

Stage 3 brings a stacked field featuring Vitality, Spirit, MOUZ, G2, FURIA and more. Grim believes Passion UA benefit from entering “warmed up” after multiple high-pressure matches, rather than starting cold like the directly seeded teams.

With momentum, confidence, and their best Major performance to date, Passion UA arrive in Stage 3 as a genuine dark-horse threat.