3DMAX continue to surprise in Belgrade. In a playoff-deciding match, the French squad took down Brazilian side paiN with a 2–0 victory — on Ancient and Nuke. It was a match that not only highlighted the strength of the French core but also showed just how unpredictable FISSURE Playground 1 has become. Maka shined as the undisputed MVP, while paiN — despite a heroic performance from snow — ended their tournament run.
Context: Group B flipped upside down
Just a few days ago, 3DMAX looked doomed. They were convincingly defeated by Lynn Vision (0–2) in their opening match, and even their own fans began to doubt their form. However, the Frenchmen regrouped and swept Rare Atom (2–0), keeping their playoff hopes alive.
paiN found themselves in a similar spot: they also fell to Lynn Vision (1–2), but bounced back with a dominant win over Rare Atom. This set up a true do-or-die decider between 3DMAX and paiN — the winner advanced, the loser went home.
Revenge for Austin
This win carried special meaning: 3DMAX avenged their loss to paiN at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where the Brazilians eliminated them 2–0 in the quarterfinals. Ahead of the match, Graviti admitted the team was “very emotional” and “wanted revenge” — and they got it. A confident victory on Ancient and a comeback from 7–11 on Nuke, followed by a 19–17 finish in double overtime, stunned the world’s No. 10 team and ended paiN’s run prematurely.
Map 1 — Ancient (13:8)
On their own pick, 3DMAX looked organized and sharp. The first half ended in a tight 6–6, but after switching to CT side, Maka took over. He won opening duels, created pressure with his AWP, and denied paiN any comfort in their economy.
Team play from bodyy, support from Graviti, and composure in clutch situations allowed the French squad to defend their pick and take the lead in the series.
Map 2 — Nuke (19:17)
If Ancient was stable ground for 3DMAX, then Nuke turned into a real nerve-wracking battle. Both teams performed at a high level: sharp aim duels, retakes, fake executes — the map had everything.
Maka once again delivered crucial AWP rounds (13 kills with the sniper), but this time it was Graviti who stood out — securing multiple opening kills in key moments that gave his team the edge heading into overtime.
paiN looked better prepared for this map, especially on the T side, but 3DMAX won four rounds in a row in OT, sealing the win.
Player of the Match — Maka
The 3DMAX AWPer once again proved that he’s the heartbeat of this roster:
- Ancient: 23–9, 1.77 rating
- Nuke: 27–7, 1.18 rating
- Total: 50 kills, 20 AWP kills, 1.39 average rating
His consistency, clutch poise, and opening frag potential made all the difference. When his team needed a hero — Maka stepped up first.
paiN exit the tournament
This marks a second consecutive disappointing event for paiN, despite some strong individual efforts. snow and biguzera performed admirably — 30 kills and 10 assists respectively on Nuke — but the team lacked cohesion when it mattered most.
Struggles on Ancient and missed clutch rounds proved fatal. With this defeat, paiN finish third in the group and are eliminated from the tournament.
3DMAX into the playoffs: the hope of French CS?
After a rough start against Lynn Vision, 3DMAX have transformed. Two back-to-back solid wins — against Rare Atom and paiN — have put them back in the race. Right now, they’ve got the motivation, firepower, and LAN experience to take on any playoff opponent. The only question is: can Maka maintain this form when the pressure rises?
What’s next
The playoff teams from Group B are:
- Lynn Vision (1st place)
- 3DMAX (2nd place)
paiN and Rare Atom bow out in the group stage. The tournament now moves toward its decisive phase, and 3DMAX are shaping up to be a dark horse worth watching.
