The MongolZ crush paiN at the start of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

The matchup between The MongolZ and paiN Gaming became one of the most one-sided series of the opening day at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026. After losing their opponent’s map pick, the Mongolian squad completely took over the series and confidently secured the next two maps to claim a 2–1 victory. With this win, The MongolZ advance to the 1–0 bracket, while paiN drop to 0–1.

Map veto:

1. paiN removed Ancient
2. The MongolZ removed Anubis
3. paiN picked Nuke
4. The MongolZ picked Mirage
5. The MongolZ removed Overpass
6. paiN removed Inferno
7. Dust2 was left over

Nuke (13:7 paiN)

The Brazilian side started aggressively on the T side, putting together a five-round streak. The MongolZ managed to slow down the tempo and respond with a series of rounds to close the first half in a tie. After the side switch, The MongolZ won only the pistol round on the T side and failed to establish control, eventually conceding Nuke 7:13.

Mirage (13:1 The MongolZ)

On Mirage, the Mongolian squad left no chance for paiN. Starting on the T side, The MongolZ controlled the game from the very first rounds and closed the first half with a dominant 11:1 lead. The second half was short, as paiN failed to mount a comeback and suffered a crushing 1:13 defeat.

Dust2 (13:2 The MongolZ)

The decisive third map ended in another dominant performance by The MongolZ. The first half was entirely controlled by the Mongolian players, who secured a 10:2 lead. After switching sides, the game did not last long, as The MongolZ comfortably closed out Dust2 13:2.

Match MVP

The best player of the match was newcomer cobrazera, who finished the series with 98.7 ADR and a 1.50 rating.

The MongolZ confidently move forward in the 1–0 bracket, while paiN continue their run at 0–1. PGL Cluj-Napoca runs from February 14 to February 22, featuring 16 teams competing for $225,000 for first place, with a total prize pool of $1,250,000.