Liquid has secured a place in the ESL Pro League Season 21 playoffs by defeating 3DMAX with a 2-1 score. This result allowed the North American team to finish the group stage with a 3-2 record, which guaranteed them a place in the next stage. 3DMAX, who had a chance to qualify for the playoffs, failed to beat their opponent and leave the tournament with a final score of 2-3.

The course of the match

First map - Inferno (13-11, Liquid)

The match started on Inferno, which was the peak of 3DMAX. The French team started confidently, winning the pistol round and securing the advantage in the first draws. However, Liquid quickly leveled the game, and the first half ended 7-5. After switching sides, 3DMAX managed to get closer to their opponent, but in the decisive rounds, Liquid demonstrated an individual advantage and closed the map 13-11. Ultimate became the MVP of this map, finishing the match with 20 frags, ADR 98 and a rating of 7.8.

Second map - Ancient (13-6, 3DMAX)

On Ancient, 3DMAX took control of the game. They perfectly implemented their tactical plans, dominating most positions. Liquid lost many important duels, which led to a quick 13-6 victory for 3DMAX. The best player on the map was Ex3rcice, who recorded 25 frags, ADR 136 and a rating of 9.1.

Third map - Anubis (13-4, Liquid)

The decisive map of Anubis was a demonstration of Liquid's full control. They dominated from the start and left 3DMAX no chance for a comeback. Ultimate was particularly outstanding, as he again showed a high level of play and made 17 frags. Liquid finished the game 13-4 and secured a place in the playoffs.

Key players of the series

• MVP of the series: Ultimate (47/33 K/D, ADR 87, rating 7.1)
• EVP of the series: Ex3rcice (47/43 K/D, ADR 87, rating 6.3)

What's next.

With this victory, Liquid qualify for the ESL Pro League S21 playoffs and will continue to fight for the main trophy and a share of the prize pool. For the team, this is a chance to prove their competitiveness in the international arena. 3DMAX, on the other hand, is completing its journey in the tournament. Despite several bright victories in the group stage, they failed to gain a foothold among the best. Now they have to review their game and work on their mistakes before the next championships.

Group stage results for the teams

• Liquid (3-2 ) - won against FURIA (2-0), Eternal Fire (2-0), 3DMAX (2-1), lost to Falcons (1-2), MOUZ (0-2)
• 3DMAX (2-3) - beat Eternal Fire (2-0), Falcons (2-1), lost to Vitality (0-2), TheMongolz (0-2), Liquid (1-2)

This result allowed Liquid to continue their way to the playoffs, while 3DMAX became one of the teams that left the tournament.