The ESL Pro League Season 22 quarterfinal brings us an intriguing clash between 3DMAX and Falcons, two European powerhouses heading into the playoffs with very different stories. Falcons enter as heavy favorites after a dominant run through the group stage, while 3DMAX — one of the most consistent French rosters of the year — look to continue their surprising playoff push after eliminating G2 and Natus Vincere in recent weeks.
Head-to-Head — Falcons Hold the Slight Edge
Historically, Falcons and 3DMAX have been evenly matched. Across their last three encounters, 3DMAX lead 2–1, having taken victories on Dust2 (13–2) and Ancient (7–13) back in Season 21, while Falcons claimed a narrow 13–11 win on Inferno.
Despite the small sample size, this matchup has always been close — both teams share similar map pools, and their individual duels often decide the outcome.
In terms of rankings, Falcons sit at #7 in the world, while 3DMAX are #10, marking this as one of the most competitive quarterfinals of the event.
Group Stage Path — Opposite Routes to the Playoffs
- 3DMAX — The French Resurgence
3DMAX’s rise over the past months has been nothing short of impressive. Under Pierre “YouKnow” Marco, the French squad rebuilt its identity around structure, discipline, and a balance between experience and young talent.
Their journey through ESL Pro League has been filled with statement victories:
- 2–0 vs G2
- 2–1 vs NAVI
- 2–0 vs FaZe
Despite losses to MOUZ and FURIA, 3DMAX’s win rate remains solid at 57.1% over the last three months, and their map pool has become a genuine strength — particularly Inferno (73%) and Nuke (64%), where their coordination and trading excel.
Maka, the team’s primary AWPer, has been key to their recent form with a 1.06 rating, 72.2 ADR, and a strong 73% KAST. Alongside bodyy and Lucky, his consistency in mid-rounds has stabilized 3DMAX in clutch-heavy games.
- Falcons — Star Power Meets Structure
On the other side, Falcons are arriving in top form. Led by legendary coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, the team is on a 3-match win streak and has defeated elite opponents such as MOUZ, NAVI, and Astralis in recent weeks.
Their last three months show a 73.3% win rate, with dominant performances on Ancient (100%), Nuke (85.7%), and Mirage (60%).
Falcons’ power lies in the blend of superstar fraggers and structured mid-round control — m0NESY and NiKo provide the firepower, TeSeS and kyxsan offer reliability and flexibility, and kyousuke rounds out the core with utility efficiency and support.
m0NESY, in particular, continues to be the engine of the roster with a 1.21 rating, 79.2 ADR, and 75.4% KAST, maintaining elite form across all map types.
Current Form & Key Factors
- 3DMAX — Resilience and Tactical Cohesion
3DMAX have built momentum through perseverance and preparation. Despite lacking star names compared to their rivals, the French squad thrives on teamwork and mid-round adaptability. Their recent wins over NAVI and FaZe showcased the team’s ability to read opponents and punish mistakes through smart utility usage and well-timed aggression.
Their challenge against Falcons will be to limit m0NESY’s impact while exploiting opportunities in late-round scenarios — areas where bodyy and Ex3rcice excel.
- Falcons — The Momentum Favorites
Falcons, meanwhile, look sharper than ever. After minor setbacks in September, they’ve bounced back with strong discipline and improved CT setups. NiKo’s rifling precision, TeSeS’s consistency, and zonic’s tactical influence have turned the roster into one of the most balanced in CS2.
Their strength lies in early-round dominance and map control — a potential nightmare for teams like 3DMAX that rely heavily on trading and retakes.
Map Pool & Veto Prediction
Map stats (past 3 months Map Win %) — 3DMAX / Falcons:
- Inferno: 73% / 43%
- Nuke: 64% / 86%
- Train: 50% / 60%
- Dust2: 46% / 33%
- Ancient: 46% / 100%
- Overpass: 40% / —
- Mirage: — / 60%
Predicted vetoes:
- Falcons will likely remove Dust2, a volatile map that doesn’t fit zonic’s structured system.
- 3DMAX are expected to ban Mirage, where Falcons’ aim-heavy style could dominate.
Likely picks:
- 3DMAX: Inferno — their best and most reliable battleground.
- Falcons: Nuke — the team’s comfort pick with one of the best CT sides in the world.
- Decider: Ancient — both teams have experience here, but Falcons’ 100% win rate gives them a psychological edge.
Key Duels to Watch
- Maka vs m0NESY — The AWPer duel could define the series. Maka’s measured, position-based playstyle contrasts sharply with m0NESY’s hyper-aggression. If Maka holds his ground, 3DMAX have a real shot.
- bodyy vs NiKo — A clash of experience and explosiveness. bodyy’s calm anchoring against NiKo’s entry aggression will be crucial for defensive setups.
- Ex3rcice vs TeSeS — The battle of consistency; both players often decide rounds with multi-kills and crucial trades.
Prediction
This matchup combines tactical depth and star power. 3DMAX are disciplined, well-prepared, and capable of pulling off upsets — but Falcons have too much firepower and momentum to ignore. Under zonic’s leadership, their map control and mid-round synergy are on a higher level.
However, 3DMAX’s strong Inferno and Nuke performances mean this won’t be a straightforward sweep. Expect tight scorelines and clutch-heavy rounds throughout.
Predicted score: Falcons 2–1 3DMAX.
Falcons should advance to the semifinals, but 3DMAX will make them fight for every round — a battle of strategy, nerves, and pure aim awaits.
