3DMAX defeat FUT 2–0 and move closer to the ESL Pro League S23 playoffs

The French squad 3DMAX secured an important victory over FUT Esports in Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 23. The series ended 2–0, bringing 3DMAX closer to a playoff spot, while FUT now find themselves one step away from elimination. The match was played on Dust2 and Ancient, where the French side capitalized on their strong T side and secured key rounds in crucial moments.

Map veto:

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

The match began on 3DMAX’s map pick, Dust2, where the French team dominated the first half thanks to an aggressive T side, winning the majority of rounds. After the side switch, 3DMAX maintained their advantage and closed out Dust2 with a convincing 13–5 victory.

On their own map pick, FUT performed better but still failed to secure the win. They held a slight 7–5 lead in the first half, however 3DMAX once again proved stronger on the T side. The French squad completed the comeback and secured Ancient 13–11, closing the series 2–0.

Match MVP

The best player of the match was Maka, who finished the series with a 1.18 rating.

With this victory, 3DMAX improve their record to 2–1 and will secure a playoff spot if they win their next match. For FUT, the situation is more difficult — they now fall to the 1–2 bracket, where a loss in their next game would eliminate them from the tournament.

Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 23 takes place from March 6 to March 10, featuring 16 teams competing for playoff spots. The remaining eight teams will share a total of $185,000 in prize money.