3DMAX’s Maka admits prolonged confidence struggles amid roster changes and Major disappointment

Bryan “Maka” Canda has revealed that 3DMAX’s current struggles are not a recent development, but the result of several months of declining confidence and instability, culminating in their failure to qualify for the upcoming Major and inconsistent performances at recent events.

Speaking during PGL Bucharest 2026, the French in-game leader acknowledged that the team’s issues extend far beyond individual matches, describing a squad that has been “struggling in almost every aspect and fundamental” of their game.

---

Poor form continues into Bucharest

3DMAX entered the event on the back of a difficult stretch in tier-two competitions, where a series of underwhelming results left them outside the Major qualification spots. Their shaky form carried into Bucharest, where they suffered an upset loss to FOKUS and narrowly avoided another setback against Voca, a team playing with a stand-in.

Despite securing a win in that series, Maka was candid in his assessment, calling it “a shame” to struggle against lower-ranked opposition, emphasizing that the result did little to mask deeper issues within the team.

---

Confidence issues rooted in long-term instability

According to Maka, the team’s problems have been building for months and are closely tied to significant structural changes within the roster and coaching setup.

The departure of key figures, including bodyy, triggered a reshuffle that saw Maka return to the in-game leader role, alongside the introduction of a new coaching staff and a largely reworked system. These changes, implemented shortly before crucial tournaments, created a difficult environment for adaptation.

He explained that players have struggled to fully commit to the new approach, often reverting to habits from previous iterations of the team — a factor that has negatively impacted both performance and confidence.

---

Major absence hits hard mentally

Missing out on the Major has been particularly painful for 3DMAX, especially given their recent history of consistent appearances in the later stages of previous Majors.

Maka admitted that failing to qualify dealt a significant psychological blow, compounding the team’s existing struggles and contributing to a fragile mental state during matches.

This continues a pattern seen in earlier tournaments, where Maka has previously highlighted issues such as frustration, lack of composure, and difficulty balancing leadership responsibilities with individual performance.

---

Timing of roster changes added pressure

The timing of 3DMAX’s roster and coaching overhaul further complicated matters. Changes were made mid-season and just before key qualification events, forcing the team to adapt under pressure.

For Maka personally, stepping back into the IGL role proved especially demanding. He described the transition as mentally exhausting, noting that the responsibility required significant focus and preparation, leaving him drained during an already critical period of competition.

---

Searching for identity and stability

At the core of 3DMAX’s issues is a lack of identity. Maka admitted that the team had been unable to establish a clear system over recent months, which ultimately led the organization to initiate sweeping changes in an attempt to reset direction.

This struggle for cohesion echoes earlier phases of the team’s development, where heavy schedules, frequent events, and inconsistent performances made it difficult to maintain form over time.

---

Looking ahead: rebuilding confidence

Despite the setbacks, Maka remains focused on using small positives—such as hard-fought wins—as building blocks for recovery. The team aims to gradually regain confidence and stabilize their system as they continue their campaign in Bucharest and beyond.

However, the path forward will depend on whether 3DMAX can fully commit to their new structure, eliminate recurring mistakes, and rebuild their mental resilience after a prolonged period of instability.