3DMAX enters the PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 matchup as the favorite after a series of confident victories and strong performances at major tournaments. SAW, on the other hand, will aim to prove that they can compete with a more experienced opponent. Ahead lies an intriguing clash where the map pool and individual player form will play key roles.
Bookmakers’ Perspective: 3DMAX as Favorites
Bookmakers see 3DMAX as the favorite in this matchup. The team has been showing consistent form, a stable game against top-tier opponents, and a well-prepared map pool that allows them to adapt to any rival. Their recent results at major tournaments confirm a high level of individual skill and teamwork. SAW, while capable of putting up a fight, looks less convincing compared to 3DMAX’s current shape, making the French team the primary contender for victory.
3DMAX Current Form: What to Expect
3DMAX approaches the PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 in excellent form. Over the past three months, the team has played 80 maps and secured 44 wins, showing stability against opponents of various levels. In September–October, 3DMAX performed at ESL Pro League Season 22, reaching the top 8, and impressed at the CS Asia Championships 2025, finishing second — one of the best results in this roster’s history.
- Roster: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
Their recent match record looks convincing: four wins against Liquid, fnatic, Virtus.pro, and Lynn Vision, and only one loss to Legacy. This streak highlights solid communication, a deep map pool, and strong confidence in their play. Based on these results, 3DMAX appears to be the clear favorite in the upcoming match.
SAW Current Form: What to Expect
The Portuguese team SAW has been performing steadily but without major breakthroughs. Over the past three months, they’ve played 45 maps and won 28 — a decent record, though lacking standout achievements. In October, SAW competed at Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025, where they reached the top 8.
- Roster: MUTiRiS, story, Ag1l, krazy, aragornN
In their last five matches, SAW claimed three wins (against Marsborne, JiJieHao, and Gentle Mates) and suffered two losses (to 9INE and ENCE). The team performs well against lower-tier opponents but struggles against stronger ones. To stand a chance against 3DMAX, SAW must find the right balance between aggression and caution to compensate for the individual skill gap.
3DMAX Map Pool
3DMAX boasts a wide and balanced map pool, allowing them to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. They most frequently ban Mirage, where they feel least confident. When choosing maps, 3DMAX takes a pragmatic approach, aiming to capitalize on the opponent’s vulnerabilities.
Their most likely pick is Inferno, where they have an impressive 81% win rate over 21 maps. They are also strong on Nuke (61%) and competent on Dust2 (50%). However, Ancient looks like a weak point, with only a 27% win rate.
Expected bans and picks: 3DMAX bans Mirage, picks Inferno, likely removes Train in the second ban phase, and feels comfortable on Dust2 if it becomes the decider.
SAW Map Pool
SAW traditionally bans Mirage, just like 3DMAX. They also tend to avoid Inferno, where they have only a 25% win rate, making it an unlikely pick. Their strongest map is Nuke, with an impressive 92% win rate, often chosen as their go-to pick. SAW also performs well on Dust2 (71%) and Train (67%), forming the core of their map arsenal.
Expected bans and picks: SAW bans Mirage, picks Nuke, avoids Inferno in the second ban phase, and will be ready to play Dust2 as the decider. The likely map pool for the series: Inferno (3DMAX pick), Nuke (SAW pick), and Dust2 (decider).
Head-to-Head
In the past six months, 3DMAX and SAW have not faced each other. This adds an element of unpredictability — both teams lack a clear read on the opponent’s tendencies, so the opening rounds may resemble a “feeling-out” phase. However, 3DMAX’s recent experience against top-tier teams could play a decisive role.
Prediction for 3DMAX vs SAW — PGL Masters Bucharest 2025
3DMAX’s current form, especially after finishing second at the CS Asia Championships 2025, looks far more convincing. SAW are stable but haven’t yet shown the level required to compete evenly with top-20 teams. Expect 3DMAX to capitalize on their strongest maps (Inferno, Dust2) and control the pace of the series.
Prediction: 3DMAX wins 2–1
