We are looking at one of the key matchups in the 2-1 bracket, where the tension is at its peak: the winner secures a spot in the third stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, while the loser drops into the more dangerous 2-2 bracket — where there is virtually no room for mistakes. In such a format, every detail — from map pool to psychological resilience — can become decisive, making the clash between B8 and 3DMAX intense and strategically rich.
How Bookmakers See It: B8 as Favorites
Bookmakers view this matchup as fairly close, but with a slight advantage on the side of B8. This outlook is based on the Ukrainian team’s more stable form, their stronger map pool, and their confident win in the latest head-to-head encounter. Although 3DMAX can certainly put up a fight, B8 appear to be the team that controls the tempo more consistently and performs better in decisive rounds — enough for bookmakers to label them as favorites, albeit with a small margin.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect From B8
B8 enter Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in solid shape. Over the past three months, they have played 51 maps and won 26 — a stable performance for a roster that continues to gain momentum. Their showing in Stage 1, where they finished 3rd–5th, highlighted their structured, mature playstyle.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In the short term, the team looks even stronger: they have won four of their last five matches — against fnatic, Liquid, Legacy, and PARIVISION, with the only loss coming to NAVI, one of the strongest teams in the world right now. This demonstrates high individual form, growing confidence, and strong adaptability to their opponents.
Current Form of 3DMAX: What to Expect From 3DMAX
3DMAX have had a much denser competitive schedule, playing 73 maps in three months and winning 37. However, their last major event, IEM Chengdu 2025, was difficult: a 13th–16th finish and several rough losses revealed inconsistency in their gameplay.
- 3DMAX roster: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
Their recent results confirm this unstable trend: only two wins out of their last five matches — against Passion UA and FlyQuest — while losing to fnatic, Lynn Vision, and G2. The team often struggles in the early stages of maps, falls behind on momentum, and has issues maintaining composure under pressure.
B8 Map Pool
B8 almost always ban Nuke, and this makes perfect sense against 3DMAX, who hold one of their best win rates on this map. Their optimal pick is Ancient, with 12 picks and a solid 67% win rate, combined with 3DMAX’s weak 33% on the same map. Mirage would normally be strong, but 3DMAX consistently remove it first. Their second ban is most likely Overpass, where 3DMAX sit at 50% and show solid structure. In a bo3 scenario, B8 aim for a comfortable decider, and Train appears to be the most neutral option with a 50% win rate for the team.
3DMAX Map Pool
3DMAX traditionally start with a Mirage ban, especially against a team like B8 with a 69% win rate. Their most common and effective pick is Inferno — 22 picks and a 68% win rate highlight their confidence and well-polished game plan on this map. Nuke is a secondary option, but B8 are almost guaranteed to ban it first. For their second ban, 3DMAX may remove Dust2, avoiding the chaotic style that does not fit their structured approach. This leaves Train as the most likely decider — a balanced choice for both sides.
Head-to-Head
In the past six months, B8 and 3DMAX have met only once — at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, where B8 secured a confident 2-0 victory. They won on Ancient (13:11) and Inferno (13:9). Notably, B8 managed to defeat 3DMAX on Inferno — traditionally their strongest map — highlighting B8’s structure, adaptability, and strong preparation.
Match Prediction — B8 vs 3DMAX | StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 2
Considering B8’s superior form, their favorable map pool (especially Ancient), stability against higher-tier opponents, and positive head-to-head results, the Ukrainian squad appears to be the moderate favorite in this matchup. While 3DMAX can certainly challenge on their own pick, particularly Inferno, their inconsistency and weak performances on Ancient and Train may prove decisive.
Prediction: B8 take the series 2:1, winning their map pick and edging out a tight decider.
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