The playoff stage at PGL Bucharest 2026 kicked off with a hard-fought quarter-final between MIBR and 3DMAX — and it was the French squad who came out on top. After a three-map battle, 3DMAX secured a 2–1 victory, eliminating MIBR and advancing to the semi-finals. In a series defined by momentum swings and adaptation, 3DMAX once again proved their resilience, while MIBR’s run came to an end despite a strong showing throughout the tournament.
Path through the tournament
3DMAX’s journey at PGL Bucharest 2026 has been one of the most impressive in the tournament:
- Started 0–2 after losses to FOKUS
- Defeated Voca (2–1)
- Win B8 (2–1)
- Eliminated PARIVISION (2–0)
- Defeated MIBR (2–1) in playoffs
From near elimination to the semi-finals — a full comeback story.
MIBR, meanwhile, had a solid run before falling in playoffs:
- Win vs BC.Game (2–1)
- Win vs EYEBALLERS (2–0)
- Loss vs Astralis (0–2)
- Win vs Legacy (2–1)
- Eliminated by 3DMAX (1–2)
Despite the loss, MIBR showed clear improvement throughout the event.
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MIBR vs 3DMAX — a series of adjustments
This was a classic playoff matchup where each map told a different story.
Inferno — MIBR strike first (13:9)
MIBR opened the series with confidence on Inferno. Their T side looked structured and well-prepared, with effective executes and solid mid-round calls. They controlled key areas of the map and consistently punished 3DMAX’s defensive setups. Despite some resistance, 3DMAX couldn’t find enough impact, allowing MIBR to take the early lead.
Ancient — 3DMAX respond (16:13)
The second map turned into the turning point of the series. 3DMAX stepped up significantly, showing better coordination and stronger individual performances. The game remained close throughout regulation, but in crucial moments, the French side showed more composure. In overtime, 3DMAX took full control and leveled the series.
Nuke — confident decider (13:9)
On the deciding map, 3DMAX carried their momentum forward. They looked more confident in their rotations, cleaner in trades, and sharper in key duels. MIBR struggled to maintain consistency, especially in late-round situations. Closing the map 13:9, 3DMAX completed the comeback and secured their place in the semi-finals.
Lucky leads the charge
The standout player of the match was Lucas “Lucky” Chastang, who delivered a strong and consistent performance across all three maps:
- 53–45 K-D
- 78.6 ADR
- 1.22 rating
He was a key factor in both comeback maps, providing stability and impact in crucial rounds. Also contributing:
- misutaaa (1.19 rating)
- Maka (1.17 rating)
3DMAX once again showed a well-balanced team performance.
VRS implications
- 3DMAX +12 points — further strengthening their position
- MIBR -12 points — slight drop after playoff exit
The result keeps 3DMAX firmly in the conversation for higher-tier contention.
Team reactions
MIBR reflected on their elimination with a composed message:
Unfortunately, we couldn’t close out the match against 3DMAX and ended our run at PGL in the quarterfinals.
The team showed solid improvement over the last few days and we had some good results. Now it’s about staying focused, training harder, and coming back stronger.
3DMAX, on the other hand, celebrated their progression:
Semis secured, good to find our identity again, work’s paying off — Lucky
Momentum vs missed opportunity
This match perfectly highlighted two narratives. 3DMAX continue their incredible rise — from 0–2 in Swiss to the semi-finals. MIBR, while showing growth, fall just short of a deeper playoff run. As the tournament moves forward, 3DMAX are no longer just a surprise — they are a real contender.
