Stage 3 CS2 Major: Big Favorites Face Early Challenges in Opening Matches Top contenders like FURIA, Vitality, MOUZ, and Falcons kick off Stage 3 with intense matchups and early statements

Stage 3 CS2 Major: Opening Matches Deliver Drama and Upsets

When the best Counter-Strike 2 teams step into Stage 3 of the Budapest Major, the pressure spikes instantly. This is where true contenders reveal their level — and sometimes, underdogs punch far above their weight.

Below, we break down the most exciting Round 1 matchups featuring four of the biggest title hopefuls.

🐭 MOUZ Survive a Scare Against PARAVISION

Expectations were sky-high for MOUZ entering Stage 3, but their opener against PARAVISION turned into a much tougher test than expected.

Key storyline:

A slow start forced MOUZ to play catch-up almost the entire match
Needed overtime after PAR reached match point
Impressive late-game streak saved the favorites from an upset

“The beginning of a Major is always a lot of nerves… we played at 70% of our level. I’m happy we got the win.”
— xertioN, MOUZ

MOUZ have been consistently close to trophies in 2025 — Top 2, Top 4 placements, but no championship yet. This Major is a huge opportunity for them to finally break the curse.

🐺 Team Vitality Lose Early Test Against FaZe

Vitality came into Budapest with championship expectations after dominating early 2025 — but FaZe were ready for the challenge.

Match highlights:

FaZe took control on Nuke with a strong first-half performance
Vitality couldn’t recover once they switched to the T-side
Frozen and jcobbb delivered a world-class entry performance

“We are riding the confident wave... but the job is not done.”
— frozen, FaZe

Vitality’s inconsistencies since the Austin Major — from communication issues to focus lapses — showed again here. They’ll need fast improvement to reclaim favorite status.

🦅 Falcons Fall to B8 for the Second Major in a Row

On paper, this should have been a comfortable opener for Falcons.

But history repeated itself.

What went wrong:

A solid 6:6 first half from B8 set the tone
Falcons won pistols twice but couldn’t convert momentum
B8 held their nerve through every clutch moment

“Everyone can win Bo1… Falcons are favorites, but let’s see what happens.”
— alex666, B8

Falcons have shown signs of becoming a title-winning roster, but like MOUZ earlier this year, they still struggle to finish the job. This loss adds pressure to an already stacked Swiss stage.

🐍 FURIA Dominate NAVI in the Statement Win of the Stage

The most anticipated matchup of Round 1 delivered a shockingly one-sided result — and all in FURIA’s favor.

Pure dominance:

NAVI did not win a single round on T-side
molodoy’s AWP presence shut down every opening attempt
FalleN and crew showed flawless coordination across the map

“We know what a Major is, and we are starting strong.”
— molodoy, FURIA

If FURIA keep this form, they look like the team to beat in Budapest.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Stage 3 wasted no time showing why the CS2 Major is the pinnacle of competitive Counter-Strike:

Favorites looked shaky (Vitality, Falcons)
Champions-in-waiting showed grit (MOUZ)
And one team — FURIA — already looks like a future trophy-lifter

Every round moving forward only gets tougher. The race to the playoffs has officially begun.