The third Swiss round of ESL Pro League Season 23 – Stage 2 delivered two decisive results as 3DMAX defeated FUT 2–0, while Natus Vincere secured a clean 2–0 victory over B8. 3DMAX produced one of the more surprising results of the day by shutting down FUT across two maps, while NAVI relied on structure and individual form to comfortably dispatch B8 and stay in the race for playoff qualification.
Path through the tournament
The results significantly impact the Swiss standings.
- With the victory, NAVI improve to 2–1, putting them one win away from playoff qualification in Stage 2.
- 3DMAX also move to 2–1, keeping themselves firmly in the playoff race after their convincing win over FUT.
- Meanwhile FUT fall to 1–2, meaning their next match will be an elimination series if they want to keep their tournament hopes alive.
- B8 also drop to 1–2, entering the same must-win bracket heading into the next round of ESL Pro League.
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3DMAX 2–0 FUT
3DMAX delivered a controlled performance against FUT, winning both maps with strong mid-round discipline and consistent individual impact.
Dust2 — dominant start (13–5)
The series began on Dust2, where 3DMAX immediately established control. FUT struggled to find openings on their T side as 3DMAX repeatedly shut down mid and long control. Bryan “Maka” Canda and Pierre “Ex3rcice” Bulinge consistently won opening duels, allowing 3DMAX to dictate the pace of the map. FUT never managed to stabilize their economy and the French squad quickly closed the map 13–5.
Ancient — resistance but same outcome (13–11)
The second map Ancient proved far more competitive. FUT found more success early and managed to keep the scoreline close through aggressive mid control and better trading. However, 3DMAX maintained composure in the crucial late rounds. Several strong defensive holds prevented FUT from completing their comeback attempt, allowing 3DMAX to secure a 13–11 victory and complete the sweep.
Match statistics
Player of the Match — Bryan “Maka” Canda
Across two maps:
- 30–22 K-D
- +2.51% swing
- 74.8 ADR
- 81.0% KAST
- 1.18 rating
The victory pushes 3DMAX to a 2–1 record in the Swiss stage, while FUT drop into the elimination bracket.
NAVI 2–0 B8
Natus Vincere followed with a composed victory over B8, controlling the series through superior structure and stronger individual performances.
Mirage — explosive opener (16–14)
The series started on Mirage, B8’s map pick. Despite the map choice, NAVI quickly established control through aggressive mid pressure and confident site executions. B8 managed to keep the score close with several individual plays from npl and kensizor, but NAVI’s experience in late rounds proved decisive as they secured the opener 16–14.
Inferno — complete control (13–7)
On Inferno, NAVI looked far more comfortable. Their defensive setups shut down B8’s attempts to take banana control, while coordinated retakes prevented the underdogs from converting several post-plant situations. NAVI steadily built a lead and eventually closed the map 13–7 to secure the series.
Match statistics
Player of the Match — Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy
Across two maps:
- 37–27 K-D
- +4.34% swing
- 77.4 ADR
- 78.0% KAST
- 1.32 rating
B8 showed flashes of potential but struggled to match NAVI’s structure across the series.
VRS impact
The results also brought several changes to the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
- 3DMAX gained valuable ground in the rankings after their victory over FUT, earning +28 VRS points and climbing further in the standings.
- FUT, meanwhile, suffered a −20 VRS point drop, weakening their position as the race for Major qualification continues to tighten.
- Natus Vincere slightly improved their ranking after defeating B8, gaining +6 VRS points.
- For B8, the loss resulted in a −6 VRS point decrease, pushing the team further away from the teams currently fighting for higher positions in the standings.
Community and team reactions
Teams quickly reacted to the results on social media following the matches. FUT acknowledged the defeat with a short message to their opponents:
GGWP @3DMAXGaming
3DMAX celebrated the victory while highlighting their MVP of the series:
Everybody played very well! But the number one today is @Makazinn
Meanwhile B8 confirmed their drop into the elimination bracket after losing to NAVI:
We drop to the 1–2 bracket. GGs to @natusvincere
NAVI also commented on their victory, emphasizing their strong CT side on the final map:
Everything went smoothly on the CT side of Inferno — we close out B8 13:7 and move to the 2–1 bracket.
With the Swiss stage entering its decisive rounds, the upcoming matches will determine which teams secure playoff spots and which will have their EPL Season 23 run cut short.
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What comes next
With the Swiss stage entering its decisive rounds, every upcoming match will carry major weight as teams continue fighting for the final playoff spots at ESL Pro League Season 23.
