3DMAX Upset NAVI and Knock Out EWC Title Holders in Graviti’s IGL Debut

3DMAX Upset NAVI and Knock Out EWC Title Holders in Graviti’s IGL Debut

In a stunning Round of 16 clash at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, 3DMAX ousted the defending champions, Natus Vincere (NAVI), with a 2‑1 scoreline in the single-elimination bracket, eliminating their title defense. This marks a breakthrough for 21-year-old Filip “Graviti” Brankovic, who stepped into the in-game leadership role after Bryan “Maka” Canda relinquished call duties—and secured his first-ever victory in that position.

Ancient:

3DMAX began strongly on their pick, Ancient, racing to a 4–0 lead. However, NAVI's Drin “makazze” Shaqiri dominated, tallying 14 kills and an impressive +8.79% round swing, allowing NAVI to recover and take a 7–5 lead. NAVI extended their advantage further, but 3DMAX broke NAVI’s momentum with four defensive rounds in a row. A well-executed A-site rush with upgraded pistols secured the map 13‑10 for the French side.

Inferno:

On Inferno, NAVI held a promising 8–4 advantage on the T side. Yet after the second pistol round, the team collapsed. 3DMAX seized control, winning nine consecutive rounds. Maka delivered an outstanding performance—unencumbered by the pressure of calling—tying the series 1–1.

Nuke:

On Nuke, 3DMAX rebounded from an early 0‑3 deficit to lead 8–4 at halftime, drawing from NAVI’s known T-side struggles. Although NAVI fought back to lead 9–8, they gradually lost their edge. With the score tied at 11‑11, 3DMAX first hit match point and then pulled off a dramatic 2‑vs‑4 clutch in regulation, sealing a 13‑11 win and securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

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What’s Next for 3DMAX?

Having dethroned NAVI, 3DMAX will face The MongolZ in the quarter-finals on August 21 in Riyadh. The MongolZ, who claimed runner-up at BLAST Bounty, advanced themselves after defeating GamerLegion in the tournament's opening round.