The first day of Stage 3 at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 delivered exactly what Counter-Strike fans have come to expect from Major tournaments: absolute chaos, stunning upsets, and the complete destruction of everyone’s Pick’Em predictions. As the remaining 16 teams battled for their tournament lives at the Moody Center, several championship contenders found themselves in precarious positions while unexpected heroes emerged from the shadows.
The day’s most impressive result came courtesy of Brazilian squad Legacy, who demolished tournament favorites Vitality with a crushing 13-3 victory on Inferno. This stunning upset ended Vitality’s incredible 30-match winning streak that had lasted four months, sending waves through the Counter-Strike community. The defeat was so comprehensive that it left spectators questioning whether the French powerhouse could recover from such a devastating blow to their confidence.
Meanwhile, other established teams struggled to find their footing. MOUZ, widely considered championship contenders, suffered defeats to both Virtus.pro and FaZe Clan, leaving them with a dangerous 0-2 record. Team Liquid faced similar struggles, falling to Lynn Vision Gaming and The MongolZ to also find themselves on the brink of elimination. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of Major tournaments, where any team can triumph on any given day.
However, not all favorites faltered. Team Spirit, NAVI, Virtus.pro, and FURIA managed to secure strong positions, with some already on the verge of earning playoff spots. The day’s action perfectly encapsulated the drama and unpredictability that make Major tournaments the pinnacle of competitive Counter-Strike.
Major Upsets Rock Tournament Favorites
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 (Image via Getty)The opening day of Stage 3 will be remembered for its seismic upsets that sent through the competitive scene. Legacy’s demolition of Vitality stands as the day’s most significant result, with Lattos’ 14-kill performance leading the Brazilian underdogs to an unforgettable victory. The 13-3 scoreline reflected complete dominance, as Vitality never found their rhythm against the determined Brazilian squad.
FaZe Clan, another tournament favorite, suffered its own humbling defeat at the hands of Aurora Gaming on Anubis. The Turkish team controlled the match from start to finish, with XANTARES and Wicadia combining for devastating performances in a 13-5 victory. This result highlighted Aurora’s potential as a dark horse in the tournament.
G2’s struggles continued as they fell to 3DMAX on Nuke in a 13-5 defeat. With roster changes looming after the Major, G2’s disappointing start added pressure to what many consider their final dance together.
Underdogs Seize Their Moment
While favorites stumbled, several underdog teams capitalized on their opportunities. Lynn Vision Gaming’s 13-5 victory over Team Liquid on Dust2 showcased the rising strength of Chinese Counter-Strike. The Asian representatives controlled the match from the opening rounds, taking a commanding 9-3 first half before closing out the victory.
The MongolZ demonstrated remarkable resilience in their comeback victory against Team Liquid, rallying from a 0-5 deficit to win Ancient 13-7. bLitz led the charge with 21 frags, pushing the North American organization to the brink of elimination.
Championship Contenders Fight for Survival
Several top-tier teams now face elimination scenarios heading into day two. MOUZ’s 0-2 record puts immense pressure on the German-international roster, with one more loss ending their Major campaign before reaching the playoffs. Team Liquid finds itself in an identical position after consecutive defeats.
Conversely, Team Spirit, NAVI, Virtus.pro, and FURIA have positioned themselves excellently for playoff qualification. Spirit’s dominant 13-3 victory over paiN on Dust2, led by donk’s 19-kill performance, demonstrated why they remain championship favorites. FURIA’s strong showing, powered by Molodoy’s exceptional 22-kill display against Aurora, has established them as serious contenders.
The unpredictable nature of day one has set the stage for an unmissable second day, where several championship contenders will battle for their tournament lives while underdogs look to continue their fairy tale runs.
