Falcons overturn 3DMAX after slow start to secure opening win at IEM Rio 2026

Falcons overturn 3DMAX after slow start to secure opening win at IEM Rio 2026

IEM Rio 2026 began with a statement victory from Team Falcons, who overcame a disastrous early showing to defeat 3DMAX 2-0 in their opening Group A upper-bracket match.

Despite the final scoreline, the series was far from straightforward. Falcons were forced to recover from a heavy early deficit on Inferno, showcasing resilience and firepower to turn the game — and ultimately the series — in their favor.

---

Inferno collapse from 3DMAX after dominant start

The French side entered the match with confidence following a fourth-place finish at PGL Bucharest 2026, and their early performance reflected that momentum.

3DMAX stormed to a commanding 9-1 lead on Inferno, capitalizing on aggressive force-buy wins and sharp individual form — particularly from Lucas "Lucky" Chastang. Falcons initially struggled to find footing despite winning the pistol round, quickly losing control of the map as 3DMAX chained rounds together.

However, the turning point came late in the half, when Falcons managed to salvage the final two rounds, slightly stabilizing the scoreline heading into the break.

From there, the match completely flipped.

Falcons delivered a dominant second-half performance, going on an overwhelming run (25-2 across the remainder of the series) and shutting down 3DMAX entirely. Notably, Lucky — who had been instrumental early — failed to register a single kill in the second half, highlighting the dramatic shift in momentum.

---

Falcons’ firepower proves decisive

Once Falcons found their rhythm, their superior individual level and coordination became evident. The core featuring:

• Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov
• Nikola "NiKo" Kovač
• René "TeSeS" Madsen

took control of the server, consistently winning duels and denying 3DMAX any opportunity to recover.

Statistically, Falcons dominated the series, with multiple players posting strong numbers while 3DMAX struggled to maintain impact after their early surge.

---

Context: Form, head-to-head, and Rio expectations

The result continues a favorable trend for Falcons in this matchup, as they have consistently beaten 3DMAX in recent encounters across events like IEM Kraków and PGL Cluj-Napoca.

It also reinforces Falcons’ status as a strong contender in Rio:

• They entered the event as clear favorites in this matchup (odds heavily in their favor)
• They recently showed competitive form across multiple tier-one events
• Their firepower-heavy roster remains one of the most individually skilled lineups in the tournament

---

karrigan move adds intrigue to Falcons’ run

The victory comes amid significant roster speculation surrounding Falcons. Reports suggest that Finn "karrigan" Andersen is set to join the team as an in-game leader after the event, potentially replacing Damjan "kyxsan" Stoilkovski.

This looming change adds extra weight to Falcons’ Rio campaign, as the current lineup may be competing in one of its final tournaments before a major structural shift.

---

What this means

With this win, Falcons advance deeper into the upper bracket at IEM Rio, while 3DMAX drop down and face a tougher path forward.

For Falcons, the match highlighted both their vulnerability under pressure and their ability to recover and dominate once momentum shifts — a trait that could prove crucial in a stacked tournament field.

If they can avoid slow starts moving forward, Falcons look well-positioned to make a deep run in Rio.