3DMAX Rediscover Form at PGL Bucharest as Graviti Says “It Feels Good to Play Good CS”

3DMAX Reach PGL Bucharest Playoffs After Crucial Win

3DMAX have officially qualified for the playoffs at PGL Bucharest after a decisive 2-0 victory over PARIVISION, marking one of their most convincing performances in recent months.

However, according to in-game leader Filip “Graviti” Brankovic, the result itself was not the main takeaway. Instead, the team’s return to cohesive, high-level Counter-Strike was the real milestone.

“It feels good to play good CS. It’s not about the playoffs,” Graviti said in a post-match interview.

The French squad finished the Swiss stage with a 3-1 record, securing their spot before the final round of matches — a major improvement compared to their recent form.

Graviti: “We Lost Ourselves” Before Bucharest Turnaround

Graviti emphasized that 3DMAX’s struggles were not due to lack of practice, but rather a breakdown in team identity and coordination.

“We are finally on the same page… We lost ourselves, everyone.”

This statement reflects deeper issues that plagued the roster in previous tournaments, where individual play and team structure failed to align.

The Bucharest run suggests that those problems are finally being addressed.

Recent Struggles: Confidence Issues and Major Miss

3DMAX entered PGL Bucharest under heavy pressure following a series of disappointing results.

Earlier, Bryan “Maka” Canda openly admitted the team had been struggling:

“It’s been quite some months that we’ve struggled in terms of confidence.”

He also pointed out weaknesses across the board:

“Almost every aspect and fundamental” of their game needed improvement.

These issues culminated in a crucial loss to B8, which eliminated 3DMAX from contention for the IEM Cologne Major — one of the biggest setbacks of their season.

Cluj Collapse Highlighted Deeper Problems

The warning signs appeared even earlier at PGL Cluj-Napoca, where 3DMAX exited the tournament with a shocking 0-6 map record.

At the time, then-player Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro described the situation bluntly:

“We cannot play properly… we are losing our feeling.”

That performance became a turning point, forcing the organization to reconsider its structure.

Roster Changes Spark New Direction

In response to the ongoing decline, 3DMAX made significant roster and staff adjustments:

Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier replaced bodyy

wasiNk returned to the team environment

NBK- joined the coaching staff

These changes aimed to rebuild both the tactical system and team chemistry — something that now appears to be paying off in Bucharest.

Road to Playoffs: From Early Scare to Strong Finish

3DMAX’s campaign in Romania did not start smoothly:

Loss to FOKUS in opening match

Narrow win against Voca (stand-in roster)

But the team quickly stabilized:

Victory over B8

Playoff-clinching win against PARIVISION

This progression highlights a key improvement: resilience under pressure — something previously missing.

PGL Bucharest Playoffs Picture

3DMAX secured their playoff spot alongside:

The MongolZ

MIBR

By qualifying early, they avoided the high-pressure final Swiss round — a strong statement given their recent instability.

Why This Result Matters More Than Just Playoffs

While reaching playoffs is important, the bigger takeaway is 3DMAX’s regained identity.

Graviti’s comments underline a critical shift:

From disorganized play → structured teamwork

From low confidence → regained belief

From inconsistency → controlled performances

The team is no longer just winning — they are understanding how they want to play again.