NiP and fnatic Shock Astralis and 3DMAX to Kick Off Stage 2 at StarLadder Budapest Major

NiP and fnatic Shock Astralis and 3DMAX to Kick Off Stage 2 at StarLadder Budapest Major

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Upsets to Start Stage 2

At the opening day of Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 (29 November 2025), Ninjas in Pyjamas and fnatic both delivered surprise best-of-one victories against highly ranked opponents. 

• Ninjas in Pyjamas downed Astralis 13–10 on Nuke; after a shaky start with Astralis going up 4–0 and 3–0 after each pistol, NiP steadied the ship and managed a solid comeback.

• fnatic overcame 3DMAX 13–6 on Inferno: despite a slow opening, fnatic turned the tides, winning key 2-on-2s, dominating the CT half, then rolling with a 6-1 streak in the second half to seal the map.

Significance: Momentum + Redemption

These wins mark a strong turnaround for both NiP and fnatic, coming shortly after a period of underwhelming results. According to earlier coverage, both teams have been working to “make up for lost time” during this international era — and Stage 2 opens with the kind of statement victories that reinforce that push. 

For NiP, the win over Astralis — long a CS legend and major contender — is more than just a good result. It signals that their structure and coordination can deliver under pressure. For fnatic, dispatching 3DMAX (on their home map no less) underlines their ability to adapt, stay resilient, and close out rounds even after slow starts.

What Went Down: Key Moments & Performances

• On Nuke, Mixt lineup dynamics mattered: NiP’s players sjuush and xKacpersky combined for an impressive 8–1 in openers, delivering multiple crucial multi-kills that helped swing momentum.

• On Inferno, fnatic had to grind: down 2–5 at one point, they turned key rounds in 2-on-2 situations, then dominated defense and capitalized on 3DMAX’s sloppy CT-side defenses — ending with a dominant second half run.

Broader Context: Recovery for Big Names

Both NiP and fnatic had struggled earlier in 2025, grappling with roster changes and inconsistent showings. In an article published just last week, analysts pointed out that both squads were “attempting to claw their way back into the spotlight” — and these early Stage 2 wins may be the first real sign of returning form. 

This result also shakes up expectations: Astralis and 3DMAX were considered among the top four teams going into Stage 2. Their unexpected losses open the door for other “dark horse” teams, and reset the balance of power in this Major.