Legacy bounce back from 2-13 Dust2 thrashing to book CAC 2025 grand final spot against 3DMAX

Legacy bounce back from 2-13 Dust2 thrashing to book CAC 2025 grand final spot against 3DMAX

The Brazilian squad Legacy have shown remarkable resilience at the CS Asia Championships 2025, overturning a brutal 2-13 opening map defeat on Dust2 to defeat HEROIC 2–1 in the semi-final and reach the grand final. 

A rough start on Dust2

HEROIC got off to an emphatic start on their pick, Dust2: they raced out to an 8-0 lead, leaving Legacy reeling with only 11 kills across the first nine rounds. The Brazilian side only managed two rounds at the very end of the first half (bringing it to 2-10 at the half). HEROIC then closed out the map convincingly to take it 13-2. 

Clearly shaken, Legacy were under pressure — a humiliating first map can destroy confidence and momentum in a best-of-three. But rather than capitulate, Legacy used the map loss as a reset.

Recovery begins on Ancient

On Ancient, a map favouring Legacy, they turned the tide. After an early 0-3 deficit, Legacy gradually chipped away and entered the second half deadlocked at 6-6. But what followed was a dominant offensive showing: the Brazilians took control and closed the map 13-6. Notably, Guilherme “saadzin” Pacheco came alive on the AWP, emerging as a key factor in the turnaround. 

Inferno decider: composure under fire

The deciding map Inferno opened with a tight affair. Legacy surged to a 5-1 lead. HEROIC attempted a comeback, tying the half, but Legacy held firm. After HEROIC won the pistol round to open the second half, Legacy responded immediately with a force-buy win for round two and never looked back. They sealed the map 13-8 and booked their berth in the grand final. 

What this victory means

• Resilience & mental strength: Recovering after the utter collapse on Dust2 and bouncing back to take the next two maps demonstrates a matured mindset for Legacy.

• Momentum in a stacked field: The CAC 2025 features high-calibre opposition from across Asia and beyond. Moving into the final gives Legacy a strong platform and belief.

• Matchup with 3DMAX: Next up, Legacy will face 3DMAX in the grand final for the trophy and a substantial prize pool.

Key players & performances

• Saadzin (Legacy) played a pivotal role on Ancient and maintained impact on Inferno.

• Legacy’s ability to reset after Dust2 and execute on their map picks proved critical.

• HEROIC, despite the sobering defeat, had moments of domination (especially in map 1) but could not maintain consistency.

Broader context

Legacy previously advanced to this stage after defeating FUT 2–1 (Mirage 8-13, Inferno 19-16, Dust2 13-8) to lock in their semi-final spot. 
HEROIC, meanwhile, remain in contention for the third-place match, where they will face Liquid. 

What to watch for in the final

• Will Legacy carry forward their momentum and conviction into the final?

• How will 3DMAX respond to Legacy’s surge and prepare tactical counters?

• Match pace, map-control, and mental steadiness will likely decide the outcome more than raw fragging numbers.

• Pistol rounds and economy management — both were turning points in the semi-final — will be critical again in the grand final.