An intense clash awaits us between NAVI and 3DMAX in the main stage of ESL Pro League Season 22. Both teams come into the match in solid form: NAVI, fresh off their championship run at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, look confident and cohesive, while 3DMAX continue to surprise with victories over top-tier opponents. It’s a battle of experience versus ambition, where every map could prove decisive.
How the Bookmakers See It: NAVI — the Favorites
Bookmakers unanimously favor NAVI, who enter the match in excellent form after winning StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025. Analysts highlight the team’s stability, deep map pool, and strong in-game chemistry, making them the clear favorites in a bo3 series. At the same time, 3DMAX maintain their reputation as a dangerous underdog, capable of putting up a real fight thanks to their recent wins over top teams. Still, most predictions suggest that NAVI should take the match, likely with a 2–1 scoreline.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect
NAVI approach the main stage of ESL Pro League Season 22 in top shape. Over the past three months, the “Born to Win” squad has played 44 maps, winning 26 of them, and in September claimed the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 title — reaffirming their status as one of the leading teams this season. The roster shows consistent play, adaptability against various opponents, and strong individual form across the board.
- NAVI lineup: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, NAVI have secured four wins — against Aurora, Passion UA, and twice versus NiP. Their only loss came to Team Falcons, though it did little to undermine their overall positive trajectory. The team currently looks sharp both tactically and mechanically.
Current Form of 3DMAX: What to Expect
3DMAX continue to solidify their image as a dangerous and unpredictable team. Over the past three months, the French squad has played 60 maps, winning 33 — a solid ratio that reflects both progress and occasional inconsistency.
- 3DMAX lineup: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
In September, they competed at FISSURE Playground 2, finishing only 12–14th, but bounced back strongly in the first stage of ESL Pro League S22, finishing 3–5th. Their recent run has been impressive — four wins in the last five matches, against FaZe, ENCE, Heroic, and Rooster, losing only to FURIA. These results indicate that 3DMAX are well-prepared and confident heading into this phase of the tournament.
NAVI’s Map Pool
NAVI, traditionally strong in structured bo3 series, are expected to start by banning Dust2, a map they rarely play despite having a decent win rate. Their first pick will likely be Inferno — a consistent choice with a 70% win rate, where they demonstrate excellent coordination and control over tempo. For the second ban, NAVI are likely to remove Ancient, as it’s one of 3DMAX’s comfort picks and could pose a real threat. This veto order should give NAVI a strong strategic advantage and early control of the series.
3DMAX’s Map Pool
3DMAX, on the other hand, usually avoid Mirage, where NAVI perform well, so it’s expected to be their first ban. Their primary pick should be Nuke — one of their strongest maps with a 62% win rate and a well-structured game plan on both sides. In the second veto phase, they’ll likely ban Overpass, a map where NAVI often slow the game down and exploit their tactical depth. That would leave Train as the most probable decider, a battleground where both teams are confident (NAVI 100%, 3DMAX 60%), setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, NAVI and 3DMAX have faced each other twice.
- The first encounter came at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 (bo1), where NAVI narrowly claimed victory 16–14 on Inferno.
- The second meeting took place at the Esports World Cup 2025, where 3DMAX took revenge with a 2–1 win — claiming Nuke (13:11) and Inferno (13:9), while losing Ancient (10:13).
These results suggest that both teams know each other’s playstyles well, and the edge will likely come down to map preparation and execution.
Prediction for NAVI vs 3DMAX: ESL Pro League Season 22
We can expect a tense and competitive battle — NAVI come in as the stronger and more consistent team, but 3DMAX have proven they can upset the best when they dictate the pace.
Given the current form and statistics, NAVI remain the favorites, most likely to win 2–1. Their depth, composure in late rounds, and overall map versatility should give them the upper hand. However, 3DMAX are capable of taking a map — particularly if they manage to execute their plan effectively on Nuke or Inferno.
Prediction: NAVI to win 2–1.
