Team Liquid go 0-3 after collapse versus Passion UA at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Team Liquid go 0-3 after collapse versus Passion UA at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

On 5 December 2025, Team Liquid were eliminated from the StarLadder Budapest Major after suffering a third consecutive loss in Stage 3 — this time at the hands of Passion UA. The decisive defeat completed a painful 0-3 sweep for Liquid in the Swiss bracket’s elimination zone. 

The Decline: how things unravelled

Liquid entered their match against Passion UA on the back of two prior defeats in Stage 3. Their campaign had already begun in crisis after best-of-one losses eliminated their margin for error, and their final match proved a harsh continuation of that slide. 

The turning point came on the map Train. Liquid started the half impressively, reaching a 9-3 lead. However, once sides switched and Liquid took to the Terrorist side, the team collapsed under pressure — posting only four rounds across two T-sides (4-20 combined), handing the initiative to Passion UA. 

Map two, Mirage, followed a similar script. Passion UA built an early advantage, and despite Liquid’s attempts to claw back, the momentum firmly shifted to the underdog. Key rounds in the late game — including a successful A-split by Passion UA in round 20 and punishing Liquid’s double-AWP setup — sealed the deal. Liquid were knocked out 0-2 in the series, confirming their elimination. 

Unpacking the problems

Liquid’s problems in this Major boiled down to three major issues: underperformance on Terrorist side, inability to close games from favourable starts, and opponent resilience when facing elimination.

1. T-side fragility: The stark 4-20 record on consecutive T halves encapsulates Liquid’s failure to convert leads or maintain control when launching attacks. Although they built 9-3, the inability to pivot and pressure the CT side proved costly.

2. Momentum loss: A lead of 9-3 usually translates into psychological advantage; yet Passion UA’s composed defence and tactical reads turned the match. Liquid’s strategic adjustments — including the double-AWP attempt — backfired when they lost the flow.

3. Elimination pressure: Being in the elimination bracket increases every mistake’s weight. Liquid’s prior two losses meant they had no safety net. That pressure amplifies tactical errors and mental lapses — and in this match it manifested visibly.

4. Opponents’ resolve: Passion UA had their own story of survival. As one of the teams already under threat, they came into the match needing a win — and delivered decisively. According to post-match quotes, Passion UA’s in-game leader, Johnny “JT” Theodosiou, admitted that the team had struggled to keep renewing their T side, but they brought the answers when it mattered.

The bigger picture: Liquid’s Major run and Past woes

Liquid’s elimination is part of a broader theme for the organisation: despite being a high-profile team with a strong history in Counter-Strike (and now CS2), their performance at this Major signals cracks in form and consistency. Entering the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — the fourth Major in the CS2 era with a $1.25 million prize pool and Swiss-format group stages. 

Their exit also echoes recent upsets at the Major level: for example, Passion UA themselves eliminated Fnatic earlier in Stage 2 by a 2-0 scoreline, underscoring the rising threat of newer squads. 

Liquid’s collapse here will demand serious introspection. Whether the issue lies in in-game leadership, tactical rigidity, or player form, the near-complete collapse after a strong start highlights that even elite teams are vulnerable if they fail to adapt mid-match.

What’s next for Liquid

With elimination confirmed, Liquid’s opportunity to contend for the Major title is over. Their focus will need to shift to analysing what went wrong: why the T-side failed so dramatically, how they lost control of the games, and whether personnel or strategic changes are required.

For a team used to being in the playoff conversation, missing out at the Swiss Stage marks a significant setback. They will likely review their approach ahead of future tournaments and possibly adjust their preparation, map pool, or in-game leadership.

What’s next for Passion UA

On the other side, Passion UA’s victory injects new life into their tournament run. Facing elimination, they secured a crucial win and keep their hopes alive. As JT noted, the road ahead remains difficult given the quality of opponents and the pressure of elimination matches. 

Their success in this match will boost morale and maybe shift how other teams view them — from underdog to dangerous opponent. However, they too must maintain consistency, especially on T side where they’ve admitted to having issues. The win over Liquid shows promise, but the path ahead remains challenging.

Final takeaway

Team Liquid’s 0-3 collapse at the StarLadder Budapest Major stands as a harsh reminder that leads are not enough, and that tactical resilience and mental fortitude matter just as much as star talent. Meanwhile, Passion UA’s timely comeback underscores how the CS2 competitive landscape is becoming more level — with more teams capable of taking down top names when circumstances align.

For Liquid, the question now is: how do they bounce back from this disappointment? For Passion UA, the answer is: how far can they ride this wave and prove that their victory was no fluke?