🔥 Welcome to Stage 3: The Legends Have Arrived

The smoke is still clearing from one of the wildest Stage 2 runs in Major history, and now the real fight begins. The Legends Stage is stacked with world-class contenders, regional juggernauts, and fan-favorite dark horses - and it all kicks off with volatile BO1s that could shake the bracket from the jump.

Let’s rewind the chaos of Stage 2 and then dive into what’s coming next.

💥 Stage 2 Recap: Falcons Crash, Brazil Soars

Stage 2 of the Austin Major delivered pure chaos. Falcons, the heavy 3-0 favorites, were shockingly eliminated in a map 3 overtime heartbreaker against MIBR - one of the tournament’s most dramatic upsets. Meanwhile, Legacy rebounded from a shaky Stage 1 to go flawless, breezing through 3-0 alongside the ever-methodical Virtus.pro.

FaZe looked sharp early, nabbing two quick BO1 wins, but faltered under pressure - dropping two straight before barely edging out MIBR in a tense elimination decider.

Also advancing: 3DMax, FURIA, paiN, Lynn Vision, and Nemiga.

But the biggest headline? Brazil is back. With three Brazilian squads punching through to the Legends Stage, this is the region’s strongest showing at a Major in years.

👑 Introducing the Legends: Stage 3 Breakdown

Vitality

The tournament favorites and the kings of BO3s. Vitality are riding an unbeaten series streak and look locked in for another deep run. ZywOo is in MVP form and apEX is guiding the ship with fiery intensity. But Stage 3 opens with BO1s, and those can level even the best. Stay sharp.

MOUZ

Arguably the hottest team not named Vitality. MOUZ enter as the #2 ranked team but draw a brutal opener against 3-0 Virtus.pro. If they start slow, they could find themselves scrambling in the lower bracket. Still, their ceiling is championship-worthy.

Team Spirit

It’s all about donk. Spirit’s young phenom has been dominating, and if he’s on, they’re nearly unstoppable. Their first clash with paiN promises fireworks - both teams love aggression and pace. Don’t blink, you might miss a 16-2 or a triple OT banger.

The MongolZ

Asia’s elite and #5 in the world, The MongolZ head into Stage 3 with confidence. Their BO1 against FURIA is dangerous - if nerves creep in early, Brazil could pounce. But if The MongolZ find their footing, they’re more than capable of a deep run.

Aurora

Quietly consistent, Aurora fly under the radar - but they’re flying straight into a storm. A BO1 against FaZe (and a heating-up s1mple) is no easy start. Expect a scrap. If Aurora survive early pressure, they could become bracket busters.

G2 Esports

No m0NESY, no problem? That’s the question. G2 roll in mid-rebuild after their star AWPer left for Falcons. But with veterans like Snax, huNter-, hades, and coach TaZ, they’ve got the tools to surprise. The upside’s there - but so is the risk.

Natus Vincere

2024 NaVi were monsters. 2025 NaVi? Not quite there… yet. Aleksib has pulled off deep runs before, and the team still boasts top-tier firepower. If they start strong, they can knock off anyone. But another slow start could spell an early exit.

Team Liquid

NA’s last hope. Liquid look good on paper, but results tell a different story. Facing red-hot Lynn Vision in their opener, they’ll need to come out swinging. Win that, and the dream’s alive. Lose it, and North America might be going home early - again.

📚 Storylines to Watch

🏆 Can Vitality Keep the Crown? They’ve got the best player in the world, the longest BO3 win streak in the game, and a system that looks nearly unbreakable. But all it takes is one shaky BO1 to send the favorites spiraling. The throne is theirs - if they survive the volatility.

💥 Brazil’s Revival Tour - FURIA, paiN, and MIBR have all looked electric. With three teams in the Legends Stage for the first time in years, Brazil isn’t just here - they’re here to win. Can the momentum carry over, or will the big dogs bite back?

🧊 Will FaZe Freeze or Fire? Stage 2 saw FaZe go from dominant to dodgy in a flash. But with s1mple finally finding form late, this team’s ceiling remains sky-high. Their BO1 against Aurora could set the tone for the entire bracket.

Tom's Tips

After a tragic Stage 2, we're looking to bounce back with a strong Stage 3 performance. Check out my bracket below!

Stack These Legs and Win!

✅ Team Vitality
✅ Mouz
✅ Team Spirit
✅ 3DMAX
✅ The MongolZ
✅ Natus Vincere
All legs to win @ $6.45 odds 🤑

🔮 Final Thoughts: Mayhem Incoming

Stage 3 is set to be pure carnage. BO1s leave no room for error, and with heavyweights like Vitality, MOUZ, Spirit, and FaZe in the mix - plus red-hot upstarts from Brazil, Asia, and Eastern Europe - every match feels like a potential upset.

Whether you’re watching for clutch plays, region pride, or that underdog miracle run, this is the Major stage that delivers it all.

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All odds are correct as of 9am UTC, 12th June 2025