The third stage of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 has ended, and we have prepared a detailed analysis of the map pool that allows you to dive deep into the selection of maps, ban rates, team win percentages, and their strategic implications. This stage, which featured the 16 best teams in a Swiss format, tests adaptability and tactical skills, shaping a competitive meta. Below is an extended analysis of the map statistics collected during this dynamic phase.

Map Pool Overview

• Nuke: Nuke was played 7 times with a 16% ban rate. The CT side secured a 70% win rate, while the T side managed a 30% win rate. Why it's interesting: The dominant CT performance suggests a strong defensive edge on this map.
• Train: Train saw 5 matches with a 19% ban rate. The CT side achieved a 66% win rate, compared to the T side’s 34%. Why it’s interesting: This indicates a clear CT advantage, making it a favored defensive pick.
• Mirage: Mirage featured in 6 matches with a 19% ban rate. The CT side held a 57% win rate, while the T side recorded 43%. Why it's interesting: The CT lean suggests a slight defensive bias in this balanced map.
• Inferno: Inferno was played 10 times with a 14% ban rate. The CT side won 49% of the time, with the T side at 51%. Why it's interesting: Its near-even split and high play count reflect its popularity and balanced nature.
• Dust II: Dust II was the most played map with 12 matches and a 15% ban rate. The CT side had a 46% win rate, while the T side reached 54%. Why it's interesting: The T-side edge highlights its favorability for aggressive plays.
• Ancient: Ancient saw 7 matches with a 20% ban rate. The CT side achieved a 44% win rate, compared to the T side's 56%. Why it's interesting: The T dominance suggests a meta shift toward offensive strategies.
• Anubis: Anubis featured in 6 matches with a 19% ban rate. The CT side won 43% of the time, while the T side dominated with 57%. Why it's interesting: The strong T win rate indicates a clear offensive advantage.

Detailed Analysis

The map pool data reveals a mixed side balance, with CT dominating Nuke (70%), Train (66%), and Mirage (57%), while T sides excel on Anubis (57%), Ancient (56%), and Dust II (54%). Inferno’s near-even split (49% CT, 51% T) with 10 matches and a 14% ban rate positions it as a balanced centerpiece of Stage 3.

Nuke and Ancient, with higher ban rates (16% and 20%), are high-stakes maps where defensive setups and executes can decide matches. Dust II’s 12 picks and T-leaning 54% win rate reflect its popularity for aggressive tactics. Train’s low play count (5) and 19% ban rate suggest teams avoid its CT-heavy layout.

Side balance offers tactical clues. Mirage and Inferno, with CT win rates of 57% and 49%, provide a skill-based arena with slight CT leans. The T dominance on Anubis (57%), Ancient (56%), and Dust II (54%), contrasted with Nuke’s CT stronghold (70%), emphasizes map-specific preparation.

Teams likely honed CT defaults and T executes, with bans reflecting efforts to sidestep unfavorable matchups. This data will guide Stage 3 adjustments as the meta evolves.

The map pool for Stage 3 of the CS2 Austin Major 2025 highlights Dust II as the most played, with a T advantage on Anubis, Ancient, and Dust II, balanced by CT strength on Nuke and Train. The data showcases a dynamic meta with strategic depth. As Stage 3 progresses, these insights will shape map picks, ban strategies, and tactics, promising an exciting finish!