The MongolZ secure ESL Pro League Season 23 playoff spot after defeating 3DMAX

The MongolZ secure ESL Pro League Season 23 playoff spot after defeating 3DMAX

The MongolZ claimed a hard-fought victory over 3DMAX to secure a place in the playoffs of ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2, overcoming the French squad 2–1 in a tense best-of-three series. The Mongolian team opened the series with a win on Dust2, dropped Ancient in a one-sided fashion, and ultimately sealed the match on Inferno to confirm their advancement to the next stage of the tournament. 

The match showcased a mix of aggressive play, clutch moments, and costly mistakes, particularly in the deciding map where several critical rounds slipped away from 3DMAX despite favorable positions.

Dust2: The MongolZ take the early lead

The series began on Dust2, where both teams adopted an assertive style from the opening rounds. Neither side managed to build a substantial lead early on, resulting in a closely contested first half. The MongolZ eventually found the edge thanks to their ability to consistently secure opening duels, which helped them control the tempo on the Terrorist side.

Despite strong individual performances from 3DMAX players, the Mongolian side maintained their composure in key moments and closed the map 13–10, taking the first step toward a playoff berth. 

Ancient: 3DMAX respond with a dominant performance

3DMAX quickly struck back on Ancient, delivering one of their most convincing performances of the series. Lucas “Lucky” Chastang played a crucial role in establishing momentum early, leading the French side to a commanding Counter-Terrorist half.

Once the sides switched, Pierre “Ex3rcice” Bulinge helped maintain control as 3DMAX’s offense dismantled The MongolZ’s defenses. The French squad closed the map comfortably with a 13–4 scoreline, leveling the series and forcing a decisive third map. 

Inferno: Missed opportunities cost 3DMAX

The deciding map on Inferno proved to be the turning point of the series. Although 3DMAX often looked like the stronger team throughout the map, they repeatedly failed to capitalize on favorable situations.

The MongolZ gained an early advantage in the first half largely thanks to impactful Deagle rounds during low-buy situations, allowing them to steal momentum and build a narrow lead. Later in the match, a crucial moment occurred when 3DMAX lost a 2v2 situation against opponents armed only with armorless USPs — a mistake that significantly shifted the balance of the game.

Taking advantage of those costly errors, The MongolZ closed out the map 13–10 to win the series and secure their spot in the ESL Pro League playoffs. 

Key performers and statistics

Although the series ended in defeat for 3DMAX, Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier stood out as the best performer statistically. He recorded the highest rating in the series and led the server in kills, highlighting his impact despite the loss.

On the winning side, Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch delivered a strong all-around performance and finished with a positive kill-death differential across the three maps. Contributions from teammates such as Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar and Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren also helped stabilize The MongolZ during key moments of the match. 

Implications for ESL Pro League Season 23

With this victory, The MongolZ secured a place in the ESL Pro League Season 23 playoffs, continuing their strong run in Stage 2 of the tournament. The competition features 16 teams battling for advancement, with only half progressing to the playoff bracket. 

Meanwhile, the defeat pushed 3DMAX into the 2-2 pool, meaning their fate in the tournament will now be decided in a final elimination match. The French team showed moments of strong form during the series, particularly on Ancient and large parts of Inferno, but their inability to convert key rounds ultimately proved decisive.

A growing rivalry

The result also adds another chapter to the developing rivalry between the two teams. The MongolZ have previously defeated 3DMAX in high-profile events, including a 2–1 victory at the Esports World Cup 2025, demonstrating their ability to edge out the French side in tightly contested series. 

With momentum on their side and a playoff spot secured, The MongolZ now shift their focus toward the knockout stage, where they will face some of the strongest teams in the world as they attempt to extend their run in ESL Pro League Season 23.