bodyy: “We’re close to finding the identity that we want to have on the server”

bodyy: “We’re close to finding the identity that we want to have on the server”

French rifler and veteran player Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro expressed optimism after 3DMAX secured a spot in Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, stating that the squad is closing in on the in-game identity they aspire to maintain. According to the interview published by HLTV on 3 December 2025, bodyy acknowledged the team’s historical struggles in early Major stages, the improvements made this season, and the belief that they are on the cusp of something more consistent. 

Overcoming previous Majors and early exits

3DMAX made it into Stage 3 of the Budapest Major after posting a 3-2 result in the Swiss format closing out Stage 2, beating Ninjas in Pyjamas in the final decider match. Pivotally, bodyy noted that in the prior two Majors the French side had ended 1-3 in the Swiss stage and exited early—an outcome they were keen to avoid this time around. This history of early elimination has weighed on them. For instance, in a previous interview he admitted that not going through to the playoffs in earlier Majors left a lingering sense of unfinished business. 

The foundations of identity and improvement

In the recent interview, bodyy said:

“We’re not reaching our full potential yet and we still struggle sometimes to find the right way to play, but we’re close to the identity that we want to have on the server.” 
He expanded that the team has been more consistent in the past months—“we’ve been in the top 15 consistently and we’ve been top 10 for a couple of months” he remarked—despite ups and downs. 

He also described how the team’s internal changes have helped: trust in new coaching staff, role adjustments such as Maka fully switching to AWP and Graviti taking IGL responsibilities, and the recognition that although no single “superstar” may dominate the scoreboard, the squad’s depth and willingness to sacrifice for each other are strengths. 

Current form and mindset

Bodyy estimated the team is operating at roughly 70% of their eventual potential, compared with what he described as just 20% a month ago, due to improved preparation, stability and fewer travel burdens.

“I think we have so much more [under the hood]. I would say that we are at 70% … finally, having two weeks home and being able to prepare for this tournament feels like a big relief.” 

He emphasised that the key going into Stage 3 is mental fortitude: being able to perform consistently under pressure and avoid “crumbling” when things go wrong.

“Most of the games we are struggling on… when the pressure comes, it’s because of that.” 

The significance of identity in short-format competition

For 3DMAX, the concept of “identity” is meaningful in the context of the Swiss-format major stages. With best-of-ones early on and high variance, a clear style—knowing how the team wants to behave on T‐side, how they approach CT‐side, their tempo, role clarity—can separate those who stumble from those who thrive. Bodyy noted that while in the past his team were unpredictable and sometimes relied on chaos as a feature, now their goal is to be themselves consistently every time they hit the server. 

In a previous interview, bodyy also discussed how finding the right role, structure and mental routine contributed to growth. For example, his departure from his IGL role and the subsequent return to focusing on rifling contributed to renewed confidence. 

Why this stage is crucial for 3DMAX

Reaching Stage 3 of the Budapest Major is more than just survival for 3DMAX—it represents validation of months of rebuilding and a chance to translate potential into results. Bodyy said:

“We’re not here to stop at Stage 3 again. Our goal is obviously making it to that next stage, but also going forward now.” 
Given the team’s past pattern of early exits and frustration, this year’s Major is an opportunity to flip the script. If they manage to sustain their identity, adapt under pressure and maintain clarity in their systems, they could trigger a step change.

What this means for bodyy personally

For bodyy, this journey has been long and somewhat circuitous. After his years with G2 and a less successful spell in an IGL role, he has refocused on being a strong rifler, a second voice in the team rather than primary caller. In earlier interviews he admitted to needing to “find my love for the game again” following the transition out of G2. 
Now, at 28, with 3DMAX and a structured environment, he finds more stability and trust. The fact that he still emphasises the idea of collective identity rather than individual flair is telling of his mindset.

Challenges ahead

Of course, 3DMAX still face the elite of Counter-Strike at this major. Stage 3 includes the strongest teams in the world, and Bodyy acknowledged the difficulty of making a deep run:

“There are obviously really big names here… the Major is really brutal.” 
Maintaining their own style under fire, avoiding fade-outs, and closing matches when their systems falter will be critical.

Final summary

In short, bodyy’s interview captures a moment of hope for 3DMAX. After years of near-misses, early exits and identity crises, the team appears closer than ever to unlocking a consistent version of themselves. Their qualification to Stage 3 signals improvement, but also sets a higher bar: they must now show they can sustain that identity against top-tier opposition, avoid tremors under pressure and make the next step toward the playoffs. For bodyy personally and for the squad collectively, the goal is no longer just presence—it’s showing who they want to be.