“Maka: ‘We went full-tilt online, putting in every hour we could — and we’ll show it at the Major’”
“Maka: ‘We went full-tilt online, putting in every hour we could — and we’ll show it at the Major’”
3DMAX chose online grind over bootcamp
3DMAX ended up skipping a traditional bootcamp before the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 due to a relentless travel itinerary. Over just two months, the French squad attended seven different events — a schedule so packed it left them unable to commit to an on-site preparation camp.
Instead, they opted for “intense preparation online,” according to their rifler Bryan "Maka" Canda. He stressed that the team had “put in the hours and the focus we had to.”
Rough Major debut vs. fnatic, but lessons learned
Their reliance on online practice showed in their opening match: 3DMAX lost to fnatic on Inferno. Maka admitted the T-side underperformed — they “didn’t win the situations we had to win.” On CT-side, losing the pistol round and falling behind 0-3 set a difficult tone. The first gun round was especially costly, when a missed shot snowballed into a lost round.
He also reflected on economy management: dropping the gun round led to a shaky CT economy, contributing to the 12–5, 12–6 deficit. The final round — a close loss after a last-second bomb plant from fnatic — was especially frustrating.
When asked if fnatic’s “warm-up advantage” played a role, Maka was cautious: perhaps it mattered, but he wouldn’t blame the loss solely on that.
It’s only the beginning — 3DMAX still fighting to avoid 0-2 pool
Despite the stumble, Maka stressed the path forward: “We have to win, it’s not an option to not win.” A win in their next best-of-one would reset momentum and avoid the threat of dropping into a 0-2 pool — which would make their Major run much harder.
For now, the team aims to reach best-of-threes as soon as possible — but only after securing a safe 1-1 standing.
Confidence remains — bootcamp-free prep could still pay off
Maka acknowledged that skipping a bootcamp came with risks. The schedule was “insane” and exhausting. Despite that, he stood by the decision — saying that if they found themselves in the same situation again (post-FISSURE and lack of invites), they would likely make the same call. Perhaps fewer events, but the same commitment.
He believes that while the opening match didn’t reflect their potential, the real 3DMAX will show up as the Major progresses. “I think we didn’t show it in the first game today, but I’m pretty sure we’ll show it in the Major.”
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