3DMAX is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with ENVY, according to French outlet LaSource. Sources say an agreement between the two parties could be confirmed soon.
This story matters because it would end months of uncertainty for 3DMAX’s Counter-Strike roster. In addition, it would give ENVY a ready-made lineup to relaunch its return to the game after a long absence.
ENVY’s Long-Awaited Comeback
ENVY, formerly known as EnVyUs, has deep roots in Counter-Strike. The American organization won a Major title at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca in 2015 with a largely French roster. However, ENVY has not fielded a Counter-Strike team since 2020.
Owner Mike “hastr0” Rufail reacquired the ENVY brand from OpTic Gaming in early 2025. Since then, he has repeatedly said he wants to bring the organization back into Counter-Strike. As a result, interest in signing a competitive roster has grown steadily throughout the year.
Why 3DMAX Is Available
3DMAX’s current roster includes Bryan “Maka” Canda as in-game leader, alongside Lucas “Lucky” Chastang, Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier, Jeremy “Kursy” Gast, and Filip “Graviti” Branković. Pierre “Ex3rcice” Bulinge remains with the organization but is currently benched, while Damien “wasiNk” Dufour serves as head coach.
Despite this experienced lineup, 3DMAX has faced serious financial problems. The organization has reportedly accumulated close to €2 million in debt, including around €1,500,000 in unpaid salaries owed to current and former Counter-Strike players. Streamer Sébastien “KRL” Perez first raised concerns in September 2024, when he flagged more than €25,000 in delayed payments.
CEO Stéphane Pons later confirmed the payment issues in a February interview with LaSource. He stated that the club was working on solutions to stabilize its finances. However, legal proceedings have since been initiated, and the outcome remains unclear.
As a result, 3DMAX’s roster has spent several months searching for a new organization. Two previous deals fell through: one with Spanish organization Team Heretics, which collapsed in early May, and another with an initiative led by French content creator Cyril “CyrilMP4” Soudant.
ENVY Emerges as the Frontrunner
Interest from ENVY was first reported in May 2026. Since then, other organizations, including OG, Heretics, TSM, and Luminosity Gaming, have also been linked to 3DMAX’s roster. According to French insider Guillaume “neL” Rathier, speaking on the podcast Croissant Strike, ENVY is currently the furthest along in negotiations, whether for the full roster or a smaller core of players.
Meanwhile, ENVY recently posted a tribute to its former French CS:GO roster on social media, which fueled further speculation about an imminent return to the game.
What Comes Next
If finalized, the deal would resolve one of the longest-running transfer sagas in the French Counter-Strike scene this year. For 3DMAX’s players, it would offer financial stability after months of unpaid wages. For ENVY, it would mark a long-anticipated comeback to top-tier Counter-Strike, built around an established roster rather than a rebuild from scratch. No official announcement has been made by either organization at this time.
