3DMAX crushed Rooster (2:0), while HEROIC confidently defeated M80 (2:0) in the second round of the group stage at ESL Pro League Season 22. The next challenge for both is a head-to-head clash that will determine the group favorite, while Rooster and M80 have found themselves on the brink of elimination and will play in a survival match.
ESL PRO LEAGUE S22
ESL Pro League is one of the main regular tournaments in CS2. Advancing to the second stage of the groups guarantees teams valuable points for the ESL world ranking and a chance to reach the playoffs. For 3DMAX, this is an opportunity to secure their place in the world’s top 15, while HEROIC are fighting to restore their elite status after difficult months.
3DMAX VS ROOSTER — 2:0
- Overpass (Rooster pick) — 13:10 for 3DMAX. The French team closed the map thanks to the consistency of Ex3rcice and bodyy.
- Inferno (3DMAX pick) — 13:3 for 3DMAX. Complete domination from the French; Rooster had no chance in any aspect of the game.
Player of the match — Pierre “Ex3rcice” Bulinge
- K-D: 29–18
- ADR: 75.9
- Rating 3.0: 1.36
Impact: key entry kills and consistency in decisive rounds that set the tempo for the series.
HEROIC VS M80 — 2:0
- Dust2 (HEROIC pick) — 13:4 for HEROIC. The Danes outclassed their opponents with no chance, taking 8 rounds on defense.
- Overpass (M80 pick) — 13:9 for HEROIC. A more competitive map, but HEROIC’s individual skill decided the outcome.
Player of the match — Simon “yxngstxr” Boije
- K-D: 33–23
- ADR: 97.0
- Rating 3.0: 1.51
Impact: the most consistent player of the series, closing both maps with an aggressive playstyle and high precision.
ANALYSIS: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE TEAMS
- 3DMAX. The French roster confirmed their status as one of the group favorites. They demonstrated balance in play and consistency in teamwork. The next match against HEROIC will be a test of their ability to compete with more experienced opponents.
- HEROIC. For the Scandinavians, this victory relieves the pressure after a string of failures. The team showed roster depth and flexibility in their map pool. The matchup against 3DMAX is a chance to prove they can still contend with top-tier teams.
- Rooster. The Australian lineup looked helpless against 3DMAX, especially on Inferno. Now they face a survival match against M80, where defeat would mean elimination.
- M80. The American team showed resilience on Overpass but ultimately lost out in individual skill. Their next match against Rooster will be their last chance to stay in the tournament.
UPCOMING HEAD-TO-HEAD CLASHES
3DMAX vs HEROIC. The central match of the round, which will determine the group favorite. Both teams look ready, and the result may depend on which side better uses its key strengths — HEROIC’s discipline or 3DMAX’s aggression.
M80 vs Rooster. A survival match. Both teams are 0-2, and defeat will send one of them home. M80 have greater individual skill, while Rooster may rely on unexpected decisions.
