3DMAX secure semi-final spot at PGL Bucharest after comeback victory over MIBR

3DMAX secure semi-final spot at PGL Bucharest after comeback victory over MIBR

French side 3DMAX have advanced to the semi-finals of PGL Bucharest 2026 following a hard-fought 2–1 victory against MIBR in the quarter-finals, overcoming early struggles to keep their tournament run alive. 

The series began on Inferno, where 3DMAX initially showed promise despite losing the pistol round. However, their momentum quickly faded as MIBR took control of the map. The Brazilian-led lineup capitalized on defensive stability and punished repeated mistakes from their opponents, eventually closing out Inferno 13–9. 

Facing elimination, 3DMAX entered Ancient—a map where they had posted only a 31% win rate over the past three months—under significant pressure. Their difficulties appeared to continue as MIBR built a commanding 11–6 lead, putting themselves within reach of a 2–0 victory. 

However, the French squad mounted a dramatic comeback. Key clutch plays from Bryan “Maka” Canda and Lucas “Lucky” Chastang, including multiple 1v2 situations, shifted the momentum in their favor. Their resilience allowed them to force overtime and ultimately secure a 16–13 win, leveling the series and restoring belief within the team. 

The decider map, Nuke, proved to be a turning point in terms of confidence and structure. After a relatively even first half, 3DMAX delivered a dominant defensive performance. Lucky and Maka were particularly impactful on the CT side, effectively controlling outside and shutting down MIBR’s offensive attempts. Their strong individual form translated into a 13–9 victory, sealing the series and a place in the top four. 

Statistically, Lucky emerged as one of the standout performers of the match, finishing the series with a 1.22 rating, while Maka also played a crucial role with consistent impact across all three maps. (

This victory marks a significant milestone in 3DMAX’s campaign, especially considering their uneven form earlier in the tournament. According to coach Damien “wasiNk” Dufour, the team’s improvement in Bucharest has been gradual but noticeable. He highlighted that a key turning point came earlier in the event, when the team began to build confidence through hard-fought wins and improved resilience under pressure. 

3DMAX’s road to the semi-finals included victories over teams such as PARIVISION, demonstrating their ability to adapt and grow throughout the competition. 

With this result, the French roster became the first team to lock in a semi-final spot at the event. They were set to face the winner of the match between Astralis and EYEBALLERS, with Astralis later securing that spot after their own comeback victory in the quarter-finals. 

PGL Bucharest 2026 features 16 teams competing in a LAN environment for a significant prize pool, making deep playoff runs particularly valuable for teams looking to establish themselves at the international level. 

For 3DMAX, reaching the semi-finals not only highlights their ability to perform under pressure but also signals a resurgence after earlier setbacks, including a failed Major qualification campaign. While their journey is not yet complete, their comeback against MIBR stands as one of the defining matches of their tournament run so far.