3DMAX eliminate Liquid from ESL Pro League Season 23 to secure Stage 2 berth

3DMAX eliminate Liquid from ESL Pro League Season 23 to secure Stage 2 berth

3DMAX have knocked Team Liquid out of ESL Pro League Season 23 after defeating the international roster 2–0 in the decisive fifth round of Stage 1, securing their own place in the next phase of the competition. The French squad delivered a confident performance across the series, winning both Nuke and Dust2 to end Liquid’s tournament run and advance to Stage 2 of the league. 

The elimination match came after both teams had posted a 2–2 record in the Swiss group format, meaning the best-of-three series would determine which side would move on and which would exit the tournament. Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 23 featured 16 teams fighting for eight spots in the next stage, with the rest leaving the event early. 

Dominant showing on Nuke

Liquid selected Nuke as the opening map, but their choice quickly backfired. 3DMAX took control of the game early, building a commanding 11-1 lead in the first half. The European side’s defense proved extremely difficult for Liquid to break, allowing only a single round before halftime. After the side switch, 3DMAX closed out the map comfortably, winning it 13-5 and placing Liquid under immediate pressure in the series. 

misutaaa leads the way

One of the standout performers of the series was misutaaa, who played a crucial role in 3DMAX’s victory. The rifler carried his strong form from the opening map into Dust2, where he continued to dominate with impactful entries and high damage output. During the match he posted impressive numbers, including a particularly strong performance on Nuke that featured a rating close to 2.0 and over 120 average damage per round. 

His influence remained evident on Dust2 as well. Despite Liquid managing to win a significant number of opening duels, they struggled to convert them into rounds. Meanwhile, misutaaa and his teammates repeatedly punished mistakes and capitalized on key moments, helping 3DMAX secure a 9-3 lead in the first half. 

Dust2 seals Liquid’s fate

Although Liquid attempted to mount a comeback after switching sides, the deficit proved too large. 3DMAX maintained control throughout the map and eventually closed out Dust2 13-10 to complete the sweep. With the 2–0 victory, the French roster finished Stage 1 with a 3–2 record and qualified for the next stage of the tournament. 

Liquid’s difficult campaign

Liquid’s elimination marked a disappointing conclusion to their ESL Pro League campaign. The team had managed to stay alive earlier in the event with victories that kept their playoff hopes intact, but inconsistency ultimately cost them a place in Stage 2. Their loss to 3DMAX ended their run with a 2–3 record, leaving them among the eight teams eliminated during the first stage. 

The result also highlighted the increasingly competitive nature of the mid-tier scene, where teams such as 3DMAX are capable of challenging established organizations. At the time of the match, the two teams were ranked close to each other in the world rankings, with 3DMAX around 14th and Liquid just behind them, making the series an evenly matched encounter on paper. 

Looking ahead to Stage 2

With this victory, 3DMAX advance to Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 23, where they will face a stronger field that includes teams already waiting in the second phase. The next stage of the tournament features 16 teams competing in another Swiss format for a share of the prize pool and a chance to qualify for the playoffs. 

For 3DMAX, the win represents a positive step forward after mixed results earlier in the year, including a difficult showing at PGL Cluj-Napoca where the team struggled to secure map wins. Reaching Stage 2 of ESL Pro League therefore provides an opportunity to build momentum and prove themselves against higher-ranked opposition. 

Liquid, meanwhile, will have to regroup following the early exit. The team now shifts its focus to upcoming tournaments as it looks to regain form and improve its results in the remainder of the season.