G2 Eliminate 3DMAX with Confident 2–0 Win in IEM Cologne 2025 Group A Lower Bracket

G2 Esports delivered a clean 2–0 sweep over 3DMAX in the Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 at IEM Cologne 2025, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With this win, G2 advance to the Lower Bracket Final and move one step closer to the LANXESS Arena stage.

The match was decided in two maps — Ancient and Inferno — as G2 showed superior structure and individual brilliance throughout the series.

Map 1 – Ancient (13:8 G2)

3DMAX opened the series on the front foot. bodyy set the tone early with two aces, helping his team build a 4:2 lead. However, G2 adapted quickly. Led by huNter-, who made decisive pushes and led the team through aggressive plays, G2 took control of the half and never looked back.

They won 11 of the final 13 rounds to close the map 13:8. The shift in tempo was palpable, with G2 dictating the pace and shutting down any attempt from 3DMAX to recover.

Map 2 – Inferno (13:6 G2)

Inferno started evenly, with both teams trading rounds up to a 6:6 tie. But once again, G2 turned up the pressure after the side switch. Their CT side was nearly flawless — not allowing a single round in the second half.

With crisp utility usage and well-timed rotations, G2 shut down 3DMAX’s attacks and sealed the series 2–0 with a dominant 13:6 finish.

Standout Performers

• huNter- (G2): Led from the front, combining smart reads with impactful entries and clutch moments. His presence on both maps was key to G2’s success.
• bodyy (3DMAX): Opened Ancient with two aces and brought early momentum, but couldn’t carry the team through the rest of the series.
• Lucky (3DMAX): Showed solid mechanics and contributed on both maps, especially on defense, though his impact was limited due to the team’s overall struggles.

G2 now move on to face their next opponent in the Lower Bracket Final of Group A. A win there will earn them a spot in the playoffs at LANXESS Arena. With huNter- in top form and the team clicking across all roles, G2 remain a serious contender in Cologne.

3DMAX, on the other hand, exit the tournament after a promising start on Ancient but ultimately couldn’t maintain their level against one of the event favorites.

IEM Cologne 2025 is held in Cologne, Germany, from July 23 to August 3. Stage 1 features a double-elimination group format (July 23–25), followed by Stage 2 and the Playoffs in LANXESS Arena. The tournament boasts a $1,000,000 prize pool, with $400,000 for the champion, $180,000 for second place, and $80,000 for third.