The final day of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 began with a battle for pride and prestige. SAW defeated GamerLegion 2–1 (4–13 Overpass, 13–11 Inferno, 13–8 Nuke) to secure third place — the best international LAN result in the history of Portuguese Counter-Strike. The series became a symbol of endurance, determination, and growth for the team throughout the tournament.
Road to the Third-Place Match
Both teams entered this matchup after emotionally draining semifinals. SAW had fallen to Legacy (1–2) despite a strong performance on Inferno, while GamerLegion suffered a crushing defeat to Aurora (1–13, 1–13) — one of the most one-sided series of the entire event. For both sides, this match represented a chance for redemption and an opportunity to close the tournament on a high note.
Map by Map
- Overpass — Total Control by GamerLegion
The series opened with dominance from the Europeans. On their map pick, REZ and PR dismantled SAW’s defense, combining for an incredible 89 kills. The Portuguese squad couldn’t adapt to the fast pace of their opponents, and GamerLegion cruised to a commanding 13–4 victory to take the lead.
- Inferno — The Portuguese Comeback
The second map told a completely different story. Despite a rough start, SAW rallied and fought their way back to a 13–11 win, led by a brilliant performance from story, whose AWP control was exceptional, and by aragornN, who held crucial positions with stability. The defining moment came in Round 25, when Ag1L won a 1v2 clutch that broke the opponent’s economy. From there, SAW maintained control and tied the series 1–1.
- Nuke — SAW’s Finishing Statement
The decider showcased the maturity and composure of SAW. After losing the pistol round, the Portuguese quickly took control thanks to sharp mid-round calls from Ag1L and well-coordinated rotations. story delivered a phenomenal game, posting a 1.39 rating and winning nearly every key duel. GamerLegion, on the other hand, looked drained and disorganized. Their lack of communication, weak entry duels, and missed post-plant opportunities allowed SAW to close the series 13–8 and secure the bronze medal in Bucharest.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — João “story” Vieira
- K–D: 50–38
- ADR: 82.7
- KAST: 77.4%
- Rating 3.0: 1.39
story was the driving force behind SAW’s success. His composure, timing, and proactive playmaking made the difference in key moments. His performance on Inferno and Nuke was a perfect blend of mechanical precision and tactical awareness — a true display of leadership and confidence.
Team Reflections
SAW ended their PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 campaign on a high note. Wins over Liquid and GamerLegion, along with a close semifinal against Legacy, confirmed their readiness to compete among the elite. Their structured approach and emotional stability make SAW one of Europe’s most promising teams.
GamerLegion, despite the loss, showed resilience and individual quality. REZ (1.24) and PR (1.29) were the team’s standout performers, but issues with mid-round coordination and closing advantages proved costly. Still, finishing Top 4 marks a solid achievement after a turbulent period for the roster.
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Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
- SAW: +38 pts → 1570 → 1608 pt (rise to #15)
- GamerLegion: –13 pts → 1586 → 1573 pt (drop to #18)
The result significantly boosted SAW’s position in the global ranking, bringing them closer to a potential direct Major invite. GamerLegion, meanwhile, lost some ground but remain within RMR contention.
SAW claim the bronze medal at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, defeating GamerLegion 2–1 in a hard-fought series. This was more than just a third-place match — it was a milestone for Portuguese Counter-Strike, proving that persistence and teamwork can elevate a once-underrated region to international recognition. For GamerLegion, the tournament served as both a test of resilience and a lesson for the future.
SAW leave Bucharest as a symbol of discipline, faith, and unity — closing out the most successful year in the team’s history.
