3DMAX Crushes BC.Game to Secure IEM Kraków 2026 Top 16 Spot
The French CS2 esports team, 3DMAX, delivered a stunning performance to defeat BC.Game in a commanding 2-0 series on January 29, 2026, securing their place in the Top 16 of the prestigious Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026. With only seven rounds surrendered across two maps, 3DMAX proved their strategic prowess and individual skill on the Counter-Strike 2 stage.
Dominance on Overpass and Anubis
BC.Game's choice of Overpass as the opening map seemed to backfire as 3DMAX took immediate control. Utilizing precise utility management and strong anti-eco tactics, the French squad closed the map with a decisive 13-3 scoreline. Moving to Anubis, 3DMAX maintained their momentum, dismantling BC.Game’s setups and finishing the map 13-4, securing their 2-0 victory.
Key players like Lucas “Lucky” Chastang stepped up for 3DMAX, tallying an impressive 24-8 kill-death ratio on Anubis. His flawless opening duel record and multi-kill rounds disrupted BC.Game’s attempts to gain traction. Teammates Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro and Bryan “Maka” Canda consistently applied pressure, ensuring 3DMAX dictated the pace throughout the series.
BC.Game Struggles Against Aggression
Despite fielding CS2 superstars like Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Denis “electroNic” Sharipov, BC.Game couldn’t match 3DMAX’s relentless aggression. While there were brief moments of brilliance, BC.Game struggled with poor timings and an inability to convert crucial rounds, ultimately falling short against the disciplined French side.
The Bigger Picture: IEM Kraków 2026
IEM Kraków 2026 is part of the highly respected Intel Extreme Masters circuit, a major highlight in the Counter-Strike 2 esports calendar. Taking place in Kraków, Poland, the tournament features elite and rising teams battling on LAN for prize money, prestige, and VRS (Valve Regional Standings) points, which are critical for Major invitations.
The tournament’s Stage 1 format uses a double-elimination, best-of-three structure. Teams in the upper bracket enjoy a safety net, while lower bracket matches are high-stakes elimination games, making early wins crucial for success. BC.Game, who previously defeated Legacy in the Play-Ins, now faces a tougher path in the lower bracket after this loss.
CS2 Betting Insights with CS2bet.io
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What’s Next?
As 3DMAX advances to the Top 16, they’ll face even tougher opponents in the next stage of IEM Kraków 2026. Can they maintain their dominant form and make a deep run in the tournament? Stay tuned as the action unfolds in one of the biggest Counter-Strike 2 events of the year.