In the group stage of the ESL Pro League Season 21 Play-in, we are set for an interesting clash between 3DMAX and HEROIC. 3DMAX are showing confident gameplay, but their inconsistent results in previous tournaments raise questions. HEROIC, currently undergoing a rebuild, are eager to prove their strength after a disappointing start. In this article, we will analyze the current form of the teams, the potential map pool, and provide a prediction for the match outcome.
Current Form of the Teams
3DMAX approach this tournament in good form. Their average event rating over the past month is 6.1. In the IEM Dallas 2025 qualifiers, 3DMAX once again demonstrated a strong start, winning their first two matches and securing a spot in the main tournament. At the recent PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, they started well but failed to reach the playoffs, performing consistently but not enough to compete for top positions. In the first match, they sensationally lost to TYLOO, which shocked everyone.
Date
Team
Score
Opponent
March 2
3DMAX
2 - 0
Mindfreak
March 1
3DMAX
0 - 2
TYLOO
February 18
3DMAX
0 - 2
SAW
February 17
3DMAX
1 - 2
Eternal Fire
February 16
3DMAX
2 - 0
MIBR
HEROIC are currently undergoing a roster rebuild and recently held a bootcamp to prepare for the tournament. After the break following IEM Katowice 2025, the team participated in two online qualifiers for BLAST and IEM Dallas 2025. In the latter, they defeated Astralis in the lower bracket final, securing a spot in the main tournament. The team's average rating over the past month is 6.2. In the first match, HEROIC lost to SAW, who were playing with an updated lineup.
Date
Team
Score
Opponent
March 2
HEROIC
2 - 0
Housebets
March 1
HEROIC
1 - 2
SAW
February 20
HEROIC
2 - 0
Astralis
February 11
HEROIC
2 - 0
Metizport
February 11
HEROIC
2 - 1
BIG
Map Pool
3DMAX will likely first ban Mirage, as they traditionally avoid this map and hardly play on it. As their pick, they might choose Inferno, where their win rate is 75%, or Anubis, which they may use considering the opponent's weaknesses.
The strongest maps for HEROIC are Mirage (75% win rate) and Anubis (57% win rate), and they also have decent results on Dust2 (52% win rate). A likely ban will be Inferno, which they haven't played for 38 matches in a row, and possibly Train as a second ban, as they also haven't played this map since its addition.
Map
HEROIC Winrate
M
B
Last 5 Matches (HEROIC)
3DMAX Winrate
M
B
Last 5 Matches (3DMAX)
Train
0%
1
1
L
100%
2
8
W
Mirage
79%
19
2
L W W W W
0%
0
41
FB FB FB FB
Inferno
0%
0
36
FB FB FB FB
76%
25
2
L W W W L
Ancient
54%
26
8
L L L L
38%
29
6
L L W L W
Dust II
56%
18
11
L L W W
70%
20
8
L W W W L
Nuke
50%
18
10
L W L L W
38%
21
12
W W L L L
Anubis
61%
18
9
W W W L W
57%
23
3
L L W W L
Match Prediction
The match promises to be intense, but HEROIC appear to be the favorites. Despite inconsistent results, their experience and individual player skill give them an advantage.
Prediction: 2-1 in favor of HEROIC
ESL Pro League Season 21 takes place from March 1 to 16 in Stockholm, Sweden. 24 teams are competing for a prize pool of $400,000. Follow the schedule, match results, and tournament progress at the link here.
Comments