Austin Major Stage 3 Breakdown: Who to Back and Who Will Make the Finals?

Austin, Texas – The biggest CS2 tournament of the summer, the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, is entering its decisive third stage. After two intense weeks of qualifying matches filled with shocking upsets and unexpected results, only 16 of the world's best teams remain. For fans of online betting and gambling, this is where the real action begins — a time for analysis and decisions that could lead to significant returns.

A Quick Recap of the Opening Stages: Upsets and Underdogs

The first two stages of the Austin Major have already delivered a ton of excitement and surprising outcomes that are crucial to consider for upcoming matches. The biggest shock by far was the elimination of Team Falcons, who were considered one of the main contenders for the title. The star-studded roster, led by NiKo, failed to deliver a consistent performance and exited the tournament, leaving many fans and analysts stunned.

On the flip side, some underdog teams have been a pleasant surprise. Brazilian squads Legacy and FaZe Clan, for example, showed incredible willpower and coordinated play to fight their way into the third stage, knocking out several favorites along the way. These dark horses have proven that in modern CS2, you can't underestimate any opponent, especially in a Best-of-1 format where a single mistake can be fatal.

But before we dive into predictions, let's tackle another important question: what should you do with your souvenir tokens?

Souvenir Packages: What to Choose and What to Look For

With every CS2 Major, players get the chance to add unique souvenir packages to their collections, and the BLAST.tv Austin Major is no different. You can acquire them in a couple of ways:

• Buying the Viewer Pass: This is the primary method for earning souvenir tokens. Activating the pass grants you access to the Pick'Em Challenge, where making correct predictions on match outcomes can earn you up to three additional tokens.
• Buying Tokens Directly: If you don't want to participate in the Pick'Em challenge, you can purchase tokens directly for about $2.99 each. Each token can be redeemed for a souvenir package from any completed match of your choice.

Which packages are the most valuable?

This year, Valve has introduced something new: Souvenir Highlight Packages. These exclusive packages will only be available for playoff matches. They will contain a weapon skin with an attached charm that features a video highlight from the specific map you select. These packages are undoubtedly going to be the most desirable and expensive items on the marketplace.

As for the more traditional packages, their value is typically determined by the popularity of the teams and players in the match, as well as the rarity of the skins in that map's collection. Keep an eye on matches featuring superstars like ZywOo and donk, as skins with their gold stickers are always in high demand.

Stage 3 Analysis and Bets: Who Will Make the Playoffs?

The third stage will use the Swiss System, where teams with the same win-loss record play against each other. Elimination matches and playoff qualification matches will be Best-of-3, while all others will be Best-of-1. This adds a layer of suspense, as anything can happen in a single map.

Tournament Favorites:

• Team Vitality: Currently at the top of their game, Vitality looks like the main contender for the championship. Their recent win streak and ZywOo's confident performance make them the favorites in almost any matchup. Most experts agree that Vitality should advance to the playoffs without much trouble, possibly even with a 3-0 record.
• MOUZ: This young and ambitious team has been showing consistently strong results. Their key strengths are tactical flexibility and the excellent individual form of their players. MOUZ is also considered a top candidate to advance to the next stage.
• Team Spirit: The champions of the previous Major need no introduction. The phenomenal skill of the young talent donk can single-handedly decide the outcome of a round. Despite potential instability in Bo1 matches, their experience and firepower make them a formidable force.

Picks and Bets for the Opening Matches (June 12th):

• Vitality vs. Legacy: Despite Legacy's heroic journey, Vitality is the clear favorite. A bet on a convincing win for Vitality seems like the safest option, though the high odds on Legacy might tempt risk-takers, especially given the upsets we've already seen.
• MOUZ vs. Virtus.pro: This is one of the most compelling matchups of the first day, with both teams in good form. The odds for a MOUZ victory are slightly lower, but the bears from VP are more than capable of pulling off an upset. A smart bet here could be on the total number of rounds played to go over.
• Aurora vs. FaZe Clan: FaZe barely scraped their way into this stage and haven't been playing their best CS. Aurora, on the other hand, is on the rise. This matchup presents a great opportunity to bet on the underdog; a win for Aurora wouldn't be a major shock.
• G2 Esports vs. 3DMAX: G2 is going through a rough patch, but their individual skill remains top-tier. 3DMAX has already proven they can beat strong opponents. This match could go either way, making it a risky but potentially very profitable bet.

Teams That Could Surprise:

• The MongolZ: This Asian team has been proving its worth on the world stage tournament after tournament. Their aggressive and unconventional playstyle could be a serious problem for many of the European giants.
• FURIA: The Brazilians have always been known for their passion and massive fan support. After a recent slump, the team seems to be finding its form again and could certainly contend for a playoff spot.

Playoff Advancement Predictions:

Based on current team form and analyst opinions, the most likely teams to advance to the final stage of the tournament are: Team Vitality, MOUZ, Team Spirit, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, Aurora, Team Liquid, and The MongolZ.

Where to Place Your Bets?

If you're interested in serious betting with real money, not just skins or game tokens, choosing the right platform is as important as analyzing the match itself. Here are a few trusted options where you can find a wide range of betting lines for the Austin Major:

1. RocketPlay: A great choice for those who value variety. The platform offers not only esports betting but also a huge selection of slots and a live casino. Newcomers are greeted with a generous welcome bonus, and a loyalty program with cashback and regular bonuses is available for returning players.
2. 1xBit: This casino is a paradise for crypto enthusiasts. It specializes in cryptocurrency betting, offering complete anonymity and instant transactions. Here you'll find an extensive selection of markets on esports events, including many specific bets on stats, totals, and handicaps in CS2.
3. Limewin: A young and ambitious casino that is quickly gaining popularity thanks to its modern design and user-friendly interface. Limewin focuses on quality, offering excellent esports betting lines and competitive odds. It's an ideal choice for those looking for a fresh, reliable platform with good starting bonuses.

Follow the matches, analyze the teams, and make informed bets. The third stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major promises to be incredibly exciting and full of opportunities for those willing to take a risk.