A new stage of the global season begins in Bucharest. 3DMAX and SAW will open PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 in the Swiss Stage, and this match will be the first real test of form for both teams after the autumn break. At stake is not only an opening victory but also valuable Valve Regional Standings points, which determine each team’s chances of qualifying for the next Major.
PGL MASTERS BUCHAREST 2025 — THE START OF THE AUTUMN SERIES
The PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 tournament takes place from October 26 to November 1 in Romania’s capital. Sixteen teams will compete for a total prize pool of $1,250,000. The format includes a Swiss Stage (Bo3) and Single Elimination playoffs, with a Bo5 final.
The winner will receive $200,000, while teams finishing in the top 8 will earn VRS ranking points. This is the first major LAN after a series of regional events and marks the beginning of the battle for the title of main contender for the Winter Major.
read more
HEAD-TO-HEAD — A TENSE RIVALRY
Recent encounters between 3DMAX and SAW have leaned slightly in favor of the Portuguese side: SAW have won 3 of their last 6 matches, with another going into overtime.
In February this year, they met at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, where SAW triumphed on Dust2 (16–14) and Nuke (16–13). However, in the previous season, 3DMAX controlled the series at ESL Challenger, taking two straight victories.
This matchup has become a classic European Tier-2 rivalry — SAW’s positional discipline and stability against 3DMAX’s fast, aggressive playstyle.
CURRENT FORM
- 3DMAX — the stability of the French school.
The French lineup currently sits in the top 10 of the HLTV world ranking (#10) and continues to show steady improvement. Over the last three months, 3DMAX hold a 67% win rate, with victories over Liquid, fnatic, and Virtus.pro.
Maka remains the team’s star with a 1.04 rating, while Ex3rcice and bodyy consistently maintain over 70% KAST. Under YouKnow’s leadership, the team executes tactically structured play, excelling in Bo3 series, with a focus on early-round control and mid-round pressure.
- SAW — experience and analysis.
The Portuguese team is ranked #42 in the world but maintains strong performance in local tournaments (73% win rate). Team leader story averages a 1.22 rating and 80.1 ADR, showcasing exceptional consistency with the AWP.
Support from MUTiRiS and aragornN helps SAW maintain map control, while krzy plays a crucial role in post-plant situations. The team focuses on precise execution and steady pacing, though they struggle to adapt against aggressive opponents.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics for the past three months (3DMAX | SAW):
- Dust2: 53% | 71%
- Mirage: — | —
- Inferno: 80% | 25%
- Nuke: 65% | 92%
- Train: 38% | 67%
- Overpass: 33% | —
- Ancient: 20% | 60%
Predicted veto:
3DMAX will likely ban Ancient, as usual, while SAW are expected to remove Inferno, a map the French use for fast-paced attacks.
Expected picks:
- 3DMAX: Nuke or Inferno
- SAW: Dust2 or Ancient
A potential decider map could be Train, where both teams have similar stats (38% vs 67%) and comparable play structures in positional rounds.
KEY DUELS
- Maka vs story — an AWP duel where the French veteran meets the Portuguese sniper in top form.
- bodyy vs MUTiRiS — a battle for map control between two IGLs with similar styles but different decision-making speeds.
- Ex3rcice vs aragornN — a defining entry clash that could set the pace of the series.
read more
PREDICTION
3DMAX show stronger positional stability and are better adapted to the LAN environment. Their performance on Nuke (65%) and Inferno (80%) makes them favorites in a Bo3. SAW can create difficulties thanks to their strength on Dust2 and Nuke, but their retake instability and average pistol round win rate could cost them the series.
A tight match is expected, but the discipline and coordination of 3DMAX give them the edge.
Predicted score: 3DMAX 2–0 SAW
