3DMAX beat Aurora to cap off 3-0 run to playoffs

After a hard-fought series, several heroic plays guided 3DMAX to the playoffs.

3DMAX have taken down Aurora to complete an impressive 3-0 group stage campaign at PGL Bucharest, bagging wins on Inferno (13-9) and Dust2 (16-14) either side of a loss on Anubis (5-13).

A powerful T side got 3DMAX off to a strong start on Inferno, with Pierre "⁠Ex3rcice⁠" Bulinge leading the way to a winning half. A pistol win and conversion put 3DMAX on the brink of victory, and although Aurora clawed some rounds back, the Frenchmen duly secured the map.

Anubis was a one-sided affair in favour of Aurora. 3DMAX forced repeatedly at the start of their T side, leaving them in an economic hole that they struggled to get out of. Aurora kicked off their own T side in dominant fashion, and ran away with the map.

Dust2 was a hard-fought affair, with both teams stringing together strong T-side starts, only for the other side to cobble together just enough on their defense to keep things close.

Maka's incredible spray transfer keeps 3DMAX alive

Aurora seemed set to win out the battle on their T side, but heroic plays by Bryan "⁠Maka⁠" Canda and Filip "⁠Graviti⁠" Brankovic hauled their side to OT, where the Frenchmen eked out a memorable victory to secure a playoff spot.

3DMAX continue their ascension

Since adding Alexandre "⁠bodyy⁠" Pianaro, 3DMAX have been taking small steps forward, after being stuck around the top 15 for some time. The experienced rifler has added some entry power, as well as another voice in terms of calling, and it's bearing fruit for his new team.

3DMAX's run in Bucharest has been impressive as they have taken down the two pre-tournament favorites, The MongolZ and Aurora. With a playoff campaign ahead of them, perhaps 3DMAX can continue their recent improvements and make a deep run.