An exciting showdown awaits at ESL Pro League Season 22, where G2 will face 3DMAX in a crucial match for a playoff spot. Both teams have shown solid form throughout the tournament, but now the stakes are much higher — a place among the elite. G2 enter the match as favorites, while 3DMAX will aim to prove that their recent success was no coincidence. This promises to be a series where experience and consistency clash with ambition and the desire to exceed expectations.
Bookmakers’ View: G2 as Favorites
Bookmakers see G2 as the favorites in this matchup, highlighting their experience and stability as the key advantages. Analysts note that the team has a deeper map pool and generally performs better in best-of-three series. 3DMAX, despite their recent impressive wins, remain the underdogs — expected to put up a strong fight but unlikely to cause an upset.
G2’s Current Form: What to Expect
Over the past three months, G2 have played 64 maps, winning 37 — a sign of solid but not dominant form. In the last month, they participated in FISSURE Playground 2, finishing 5th–8th, and successfully advanced through the first stage of ESL Pro League Season 22, ending in the top 8.
- G2 lineup: huNter-, malbsMd, HeavyGod, SunPayus, matys
From their last five matches, G2 claimed three victories — against FURIA, ENCE, and Fluxo, but fell to Team Vitality and Team Spirit. This shows that G2 handle mid-tier teams well but still struggle against top-level opponents.
3DMAX’s Current Form: What to Expect
The French side 3DMAX have played 65 maps over the past three months, winning 35. The team consistently competes in online tournaments and doesn’t shy away from strong opponents. At FISSURE Playground 2, they finished 12th–14th, and in the current ESL Pro League, they advanced through the first stage, placing top 5.
- 3DMAX lineup: Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, bodyy
In their last five matches, 3DMAX secured three victories — against NAVI, FaZe, and ENCE — an impressive run against top-tier teams. Losses to FURIA and MOUZ revealed some inconsistency, but the team’s potential remains clear.
G2’s Map Pool
G2 consistently avoid Nuke, which they are likely to ban first. Their strongest map is Inferno, with a 73% win rate and frequent selection as their primary pick. Dust2 is another strong option, with an identical win rate and a structure that suits their tactical style.
Mirage is used less often due to lower efficiency, while Ancient tends to cause problems and will likely be avoided. If the series goes to a decider, Train could be a favorable choice, as G2 display solid and balanced play there, especially in clutch situations.
3DMAX’s Map Pool
3DMAX also tend to ban Nuke, so it’s unlikely to appear in this matchup. Their strongest map is Inferno, boasting a 71% win rate and consistent control over the pace of the game. Although Nuke is often in their pool, it will likely be avoided here due to the matchup disadvantage.
Ancient might become a strategic pick if 3DMAX aim to exploit G2’s weaker spots. Should the match go to a third map, Train seems the most likely decider — both teams perform decently on it, promising a tense and competitive finish.
Head-to-Head History
In the past six months, G2 and 3DMAX have faced each other three times, with results being relatively close:
- IEM Dallas 2025 — G2 won 2–1 (Nuke 9:13, Dust2 13:9, Inferno 13:3).
- BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 — 3DMAX took the win in a bo1 (Nuke 13:5).
- IEM Cologne 2025 — G2 claimed a convincing 2–0 victory (Inferno 13:6, Ancient 13:8).
Overall record: G2 — 2 wins, 3DMAX — 1 win. The advantage is small, but G2 looked significantly stronger in their most recent meeting.
Match Prediction: G2 vs 3DMAX — ESL Pro League S22 Playoff Battle
The clash between G2 and 3DMAX for a playoff spot at ESL Pro League Season 22 promises to be intense and hard-fought. Both teams have shown solid form, but G2 appear more consistent thanks to their deeper map pool and experience on big stages. 3DMAX can take a map if they start strong, but over a best-of-three series, G2’s structure and discipline give them the edge.
Prediction: G2 win 2–1.
