This is one of those matches that could look close on paper, but under the surface, the cracks show up fast. Welcome to EGamersWorld, we continue to follow the action at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 where teams like 3DMAX and paiN are still swinging for Stage 3. One is slipping fast, the other is looking like a team one BO3 away from a rebuild.
How the bookies view it: 3DMAX favorite
One key detail makes me lean toward the French side—they’ve already beaten two dangerous opponents at this tournament: FaZe and G2, while paiN only managed one, and that was FURIA.
Despite the narrow scorelines and some big losses, the books are leaning toward 3DMAX. HLTV has them at #16 compared to paiN’s #22, and their recent Bo3 wins over FaZe and G2 show they’re dangerous in series play—even if their best-of-ones were shaky. paiN, meanwhile, have been losing most of their Bo3s and haven’t shown much stability across full series.
3DMAX form. What result can be expected from 3DMAX
3DMAX have had one of the most volatile but promising runs at the Major so far. Their 2-0 over FaZe was clean, and the upset over G2 in a Bo1 caught attention. But then came the Vitality blowout (2–13) and a razor-thin 14–16 against NAVI. If they avoid early momentum loss, they’re a solid Bo3 squad.
- bodyy
- Maka
- Lucky
- Ex3rcice
- Graviti
They have a balanced roster with Graviti stepping up in mid-rounds and Maka hitting impactful AWP shots when it matters. Most of their wins came when they started on CT side, but they’ve shown they can close T halves too if given space.
paiN form. What result can be expected from paiN
paiN are grinding through the Austin Major without any real momentum. Their only win in Stage 3 came against Nemiga, and it wasn’t convincing—just a narrow 2–1. Losses to Spirit and G2 were both blowouts, and they fell flat against Virtus.pro earlier in the tournament. Even their 2–0 over Lynn Vision came down to clutch rounds.
dgtbiguzeradav1deuSnqzsnowOverall, they’re sitting at a 27.8% win rate over the last three months, with recent 0–2 exits at Astana, Melbourne, and Bucharest dragging them down.The current lineup of dgt, biguzera, dav1deuS, nqz, and snow lacks the same spark as past iterations. skullz and zevy are gone, and while biguzera remains a solid in-game leader, the firepower just isn’t there. nqz shows flashes, and dgt brings LAN experience, but the team’s T sides still collapse without early map control. Their playbook often runs dry after the first timeout, making them easy to read in longer series. Without a massive individual performance, it’s hard to see paiN pulling off a Bo3 win at this stage.
Recent head to head: 3DMAX edging it
These teams haven’t played a ton of official maps against each other recently, but in the few times they’ve met, most notably in online qualifiers and scrims, 3DMAX have had the edge. Not by landslide scores, but enough to show better structure and late-game composure.
Players to watch: Maka and nqz
Maka has been 3DMAX’s most consistent performer over the past month, especially on maps like Nuke and Overpass where his AWP can dominate slower teams. On the paiN side, nqz is the only one posting above-average ratings in lost matches. If he doesn’t carry, they don’t win.
Probable map picks
This is where 3DMAX’s flexibility gives them the edge. They’re comfortable with an Overpass pick and have solid numbers on Inferno and Vertigo. paiN usually tries to dodge Overpass and prefers Ancient or Mirage, which could play into 3DMAX’s hands.
Which maps does pick and ban most often 3DMAX?
3DMAX consistently bans Anubis first and picks Overpass when available. They also look solid on Vertigo and sometimes float Nuke if it makes it through the ban phase.
Which maps does pick and ban most often paiN?
paiN auto-bans Overpass and often pick Ancient or Mirage. They avoid Vertigo when possible and don’t look comfortable on Nuke either.
Anything else catch the eye?
paiN are on a brutal travel and match schedule. Since April they’ve played at four international events and never placed higher than 13–16th. Their map pool hasn’t improved across all that time. Meanwhile, 3DMAX’s bootcamp heading into the Major is paying off—they’ve tightened rotations and improved utility damage on CT side. That matters over three maps.
Predicted result of the match
In terms of short-distance, on Austin Major 2025, form and momentum, 3DMAX clearly have the edge over paiN. Looking at the bigger picture, the French team has LAN experience and a young, ambitious core aiming for victory. They see paiN as a chance to stay alive at the Major, and paiN can feel that pressure. That’s why I believe 3DMAX are the rightful favorite—and they’re going to win.
With better structure, stronger individual performers, and a map pool more suited to this matchup, 3DMAX should win this. paiN’s only real shot is if nqz and biguzera go off across all three maps, but that hasn’t happened in a while. Expect 3DMAX to take control early and punish mistakes mid-round—something paiN has been full of in this event.
Predicted Winner: 3DMAX
Legacy
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