Astralis eliminate 3DMAX from PGL Masters Bucharest

The Danes will play in the Swiss stage's 2-2 decider round for a chance at making the playoffs.

Astralis ended 3DMAX's run at PGL Masters Bucharest, beating the Frenchmen 2-0 in the match from the 1-2 pool on Ancient (13-3) and Inferno (13-10), and securing a spot in the final round of the Swiss group stage for a last chance at making the playoffs.

3DMAX and Astralis were two of the highest-ranked teams in attendance at the event, but the two faced elimination after just three matches.

3DMAX followed an opening victory against SAW with losses to B8 and FlyQuest, while Astralis lost to B8, bounced back against MIBR, and were then put up against the ropes by Legacy.

Astralis dominated their Ancient pick after a 2-2 start to the map on the attack, going on a tear to a 9-3 half with Victor "⁠Staehr⁠" Staehr leading the charge. The 21-year-old had three opening kills and went 14-5 with 100 ADR and +10.49% Swing. Four straight on the CT side sealed it.

On Inferno, a 6-6 first half had both teams at a stalemate after the first half. Pierre "⁠Ex3rcice⁠" Bulinge led the charge in trying to keep 3DMAX in it on their map pick, but it was not enough as Astralis' T side proved too much for the Frenchmen to handle.

A three-round streak started by a MAG-7 ace by Ex3rcice after falling to 11-7 looked promising for 3DMAX, who hit double digits and got within one, but it was not enough, as Astralis shut it down and won out 13-10 to secure their spot in the tournament's 2-2 pool.

3DMAX will have a brief time to reset as they are slated to appear at IEM Chengdu next, where they will open their run with a series against G2 on November 3.