paiN punch their ticket to the PGL Masters Bucharest playoffs with a 2–0 over B8

Brazil’s paiN Gaming clinched a place in the PGL Masters Bucharest playoffs after sweeping B8 in the 2-0 pool. The Brazilians closed out Dust2 13–8 and Mirage 13–10 to finish the Swiss stage 3-0 and lock in only their second playoff showing of the season. 

The series followed a straightforward script. paiN picked Dust2 and controlled proceedings from the outset, then weathered B8’s pushes on Mirage to complete the sweep. HLTV’s match stats highlighted captain Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt as a pace-setter on Dust2, with Lucas “nqz” Soares and João “snow” Vinicius chipping in across key rounds. 

Why it matters

The win drops B8 to 2-1 in Swiss while keeping paiN perfect and through to the bracket. Elsewhere in the 2-0 pool, HEROIC became the first team to confirm a playoff berth after beating Aurora, framing a playoff picture in which paiN won’t be short of heavy hitters. 

Voices from paiN (recent, relevant quotes)

“We can win any tournament we play.” — biguzera, mid-October, speaking about the team’s ceiling ahead of Bucharest. 

“We have to think the same way all the time, because that’s what Counter-Strike means.” — biguzera on consistency and mindset after a turbulent stretch earlier this year. 

“Micro decisions make us lose.” — nqz earlier this season, on cutting unforced errors against top sides — a point paiN have clearly addressed during this spotless Swiss run. 

“I’m just wondering if it’s a dream or not.” — biguzera in June after reaching their first Major playoffs; a reminder of the trajectory this core has been on heading into another playoff stage. 

Match essentials

Maps: Dust2 (13–8 paiN), Mirage (13–10 paiN)

Stage: Swiss Round 3 (2-0 teams), winner to playoffs

Date: October 28, 2025 (local event date) 

Related developments at PGL Masters Bucharest

HEROIC beat Aurora to make playoffs (Mirage 13–4, Inferno 13–11) — first team through before paiN sealed their spot. 

B8 reached the 2-0 pool by beating 3DMAX the day prior, setting up today’s advancement match with paiN. 

fnatic stay alive, eliminate MIBR in the lower bracket as the race for the remaining playoff berths tightens. 

Event hub: full schedule, standings, and bracket for PGL Masters Bucharest 2025.