Monday, June 22, 2026
Home Blog Page 43

GTA 6 PC Version Targeting February 2027 Launch, According to Former Rockstar Employees

Following years of immense hype and anticipation within the gaming community, Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the most awaited video games of all time, is finally set to make its debut later this year.

While the release window of Grand Theft Auto 6 has already been confirmed by Rockstar Games, there’s still one catch that some gamers might not be aware of.

Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have confirmed that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on November 19, 2026, for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, no confirmed launch date has been given regarding the PC release of the title, leaving PC players uncertain about when they’ll be able to get their hands on it.

GTA 6 PC Release Date Reportedly Revealed by Former Rockstar Employees

Earlier today, insider “DetectiveSeeds” shared a new claim that may point to a potential PC release date for GTA 6.

According to his X post, multiple former Rockstar employees have reportedly claimed that the PC version of GTA 6 is targeting a February 2027 release.

“All stated this timeline could shift, but Take-Two and Rockstar wanted to get the game out before end of fiscal year,” the post reads.

Note that the insider has not provided any evidence to substantiate these claims. Additionally, while he has been accurate about certain leaks in the past, he has also been wrong on several occasions, so the aforementioned leaks should be taken with a grain of salt.

Should this leak turn out to be true, however, PC gamers may not have to wait much longer to enjoy the highly anticipated title on the platform.

For the same reason, many gamers are expressing skepticism about this claim, as this move wouldn’t make much sense for Rockstar, which has historically released PC versions of its major titles well after their console launch.

Singapore to Host the First BLAST Premier Open CS2 Event in 2027

Singapore is set to host the first BLAST Premier Open event in 2027, the tournament organizer has confirmed.

The upcoming CS2 event, set to take place in March 2027, will see 16 elite CS2 teams competing on LAN for a shot at the lion’s share of a whopping $1,250,000 USD prize pool.

It will mark the third BLAST event to be held in Singapore, following the incredibly successful BLAST Premier World Final 2024 and BLAST Dota Slam Singapore 2025.

Prior to the first BLAST Premier Open 2027, the Lion City will also host the second CS2 Major of 2026 in November.

“Singapore has already proven to be a standout destination on the global BLAST calendar,” BLAST said in a statement. “The sold-out BLAST Premier World Final 2024 marked BLAST’s debut in Southeast Asia and welcomed passionate fans from across the region and beyond, while BLAST Dota Slam Singapore 2025 further demonstrated the city’s ability to host premium esports arena events at scale.”

BLAST has also revealed that the frequent flier programme will be scrapped starting in 2027, and it will be replaced by acceptance fees. At BLAST Open Singapore, teams will share a $400,000 acceptance pool, translating to $25,000 per team if distributed equally.

Alongside this, we will also see changes to the overall format, with the key changes including the following:

  • The number of teams was reduced from 32 to 16.
  • The entire event is to be played on LAN
  • Open Week 1 to move to a hotel/studio LAN environment
  • More regional open qualifiers across the year
  • An additional week of play was added to the overall season

The BLAST Premier Open Season 1 2027 is scheduled to kick off on March 15, 2027. The event will feature two weeks of competitive CS action before coming to an end on March 28. Fans will be able to catch all the action live on the official Twitch and YouTube handles of BLAST.

Jonathan’s New Org Page “BlackHeartOnTop” Hits Fastest 150K Followers in Esports

Indian BGMI star Jonathan Amaral has once again shown his massive fan following as his new esports organisation’s Instagram page, BlackHeartOnTop, reached 150K followers in record time within the esports space. Check all details of the Jonathan new esports org.

The milestone comes even before the official announcement of the organisation, which is set to be revealed on April 12, 2026.

Massive Fan Support Before Official Reveal of Jonathan new esports org

The hype around Jonathan’s new organisation has been building for the past few days. As soon as the Instagram page blackheartontop went live, fans quickly started following it, pushing it to 150K followers at a rapid pace.

This shows the strong influence Jonathan has in the BGMI and Indian esports community. Even without revealing the full details, the response has been overwhelming.

A Big Move After GodLike Exit

Jonathan recently confirmed that he is moving on from GodLike Esports and is starting his own esports organisation.

This marks a new chapter in his career, as he transitions from being a star player to building his own brand and team in the competitive scene.

BlackHeartOnTop Reveal Set for April 12

The official reveal of BlackHeartOnTop is scheduled for April 12, where fans are expecting full details, including BGMI roster announcement, team vision and branding, and future esports plans.

The early traction on Instagram already suggests that the launch is one of the most anticipated moments in BGMI esports this year.

Read More: KRAFTON India Brings Phoenixtra X-Suit in BGMI, Dark Raven Returns

Record-Breaking Growth in Esports Space

Reaching 150K followers at such speed highlights Jonathan’s unmatched popularity. In esports, building this kind of audience even before an official launch is rare, making this a record-setting moment within the scene.

Jonathan continues to prove why he is one of the biggest names in Indian esports. With BlackHeartOnTop already gaining massive attention, all eyes are now on April 12 to see what he brings next.

KRAFTON India Brings Phoenixtra X-Suit in BGMI, Dark Raven Returns

KRAFTON India has introduced a brand-new premium cosmetic update in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), bringing the all-new Phoenixtra X-Suit along with the return of the popular Dark Raven X-Suit. The update focuses on giving players more ways to showcase their in-game identity and progression.

Phoenixtra X-Suit Brings Advanced Features

The Phoenixtra X-Suit is one of the most advanced X-Suits added to BGMI so far. It comes with multi-stage upgrades, evolving forms, and a transformation-based design.

Players can unlock unique features such as a mount-style glider, high-quality animations, and upgraded visual effects as they level up the suit. The final form offers a completely enhanced look, making it one of the most premium cosmetics in the game.

Dark Raven X-Suit Makes a Comeback

The Dark Raven X-Suit has returned to BGMI, bringing back one of the most iconic and fan-favourite outfits. Known for its dark theme and stealth design, the suit features winged effects, custom emotes, and unique kill effects.

Due to its limited availability in the past, Dark Raven has remained one of the most demanded X-Suits among players, especially those who missed it earlier.

In BGMI, X-Suits are no longer just cosmetic items. They have become a way for players to show their journey, experience, and status in the game.

From lobby showcases to in-game moments, these outfits help players stand out and express their progression over time.

Read More: KRAFTON India Brings Back M416 Glacier in BGMI with Limited-Time Cricket League

How the X-Suit System Works

Both Phoenixtra and Dark Raven follow the X-Suit progression system in BGMI. Players start by unlocking the base version and then upgrade it gradually.

  • Base suits are unlocked using UC spins
  • Upgrades require more spins and participation
  • Higher levels unlock emotes, animations, and kill effects
  • Final forms offer the most premium appearance
  • Higher tiers have lower drop rates, making them rare
  • Limited-Time Event Now Live

Players can access both X-Suits through limited-time events in BGMI. The event uses a spin-based system, where luck and continued participation play a key role in unlocking and upgrading the suits.

With Phoenixtra offering a fresh design and Dark Raven making a much-awaited return, this update is expected to attract strong interest from the BGMI community.

KRAFTON India continues to focus on identity-driven gameplay by introducing high-quality cosmetics like Phoenixtra and bringing back fan-favourites like Dark Raven. These X-Suits are not just about looks but also about showing progress, rarity, and in-game status.

Ninjas in Pyjamas Putting Swedish Staff on Notice as Operations Reportedly Move to Abu Dhabi

0

Ninjas in Pyjamas may be leaving Sweden behind.

Swedish newspaper Expressen has reported that NiP has put all its Swedish staff on notice of termination. The move follows the organization’s deepening ties with Abu Dhabi, where NiP Group has already established its global headquarters. According to the report, NiP is considering moving its full operations overseas to the UAE capital.

NiP Group CEO Hicham Chahine told Expressen: “We are currently reviewing parts of our operational structure as part of our broader international operations. This review includes planned changes related to certain roles and functions. No final decisions have been made and the relevant process is ongoing. We continue to maintain existing esports-related facilities and activities as part of our operational structure.”

What Is Reportedly Happening

The Swedish staff was notified during a meeting at the office in Stockholm. The organization, which already maintains its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi, is reportedly planning to run its entire operational business from the United Arab Emirates.

An internal email sent to NiP employees stated that the Swedish office would only continue to exist for training camps before competitions.

Union negotiations are now set to begin in Sweden.

Nothing is finalized. But the employees have been placed on notice, and the direction of travel is clear from internal communications.

The CS2 Team Does Not Want to Move

One of the more significant details in the report concerns the Counter-Strike roster.

Sources told Expressen that NiP tried to convince the players in the Counter-Strike team to move to the United Arab Emirates, but the proposal was rejected.

The reasons cited are practical. Playing CS2 at the competitive level requires low-latency connections for scrimmages against European teams. Abu Dhabi offers worse ping conditions and makes travel to European events more difficult compared to being based in Sweden or another European city.

NiP’s CS2 roster situation is particularly notable given that, as covered on TalkEsport, NiP and several other major names have been absent from recent top-level Major competition, reflecting the pressures organizations face under the current VRS system.

The Abu Dhabi Deal Behind the Shift

This move is the direct consequence of a major financial agreement NiP struck with Abu Dhabi.

NiP Group announced a five-year landmark agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), where ADIO will support NiP’s expansion in the region through financial and non-financial opportunities valued at up to $40 million USD over four years. A portion of this was allocated to the establishment of NiP Group’s global headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The deal is conditional on precedent and specified performance milestones, including qualitative and quantitative KPI and revenue targets.

NiP Group is listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker NIPG. The organization was originally founded in Sweden in 2000 and became one of the most recognizable names in Counter-Strike history. NIP Group was formed in 2023 through a merger of Ninjas in Pyjamas and Chinese digital sports group ESV5, which includes mobile esports firm eStar Gaming.

The Bitcoin Pivot Driving the Strategy

The Abu Dhabi relocation is happening in parallel with a major shift in what NiP Group actually does as a company.

Under CEO Hicham Chahine’s leadership, NIP Group scaled from zero to 11.3 EH/s of Bitcoin mining capacity in under six months, establishing the company as one of the fastest-growing public miners globally and the largest in the MENA region.

NiP Group mined approximately 151.4 Bitcoin worth roughly $14.5 million during its initial three months of mining operations from September through November 2025. The company has framed this as a second growth engine running alongside its entertainment and esports portfolio.

The resources required to run Bitcoin mining at that scale are significant. The esports.net report noted that the organization has become more involved in crypto mining, with its resources moving increasingly in that direction. The investment from Abu Dhabi makes it natural for the company to operate closer to where its investors are based.

NiP’s Abu Dhabi partnership and Bitcoin expansion represent a significant transformation from the organization’s origins as a purely esports-focused Swedish club, as covered in TalkEsport’s EWC 2026 Club Partner Programme coverage, where NIP.eStar is confirmed as one of the 40 selected clubs for the Esports World Cup.

What Happens to the Esports Teams

NiP still has esports teams in League of Legends’ Chinese LPL, alongside European CS, Brazilian Rainbow Six, and other multinational teams across Rocket League, Apex Legends, FIFA, and more.

These teams will likely be unaffected, as they operate in various other regions.

The organization has also been confirmed as part of the Esports World Cup Club Partner Programme for 2026, which offers up to $1 million in funding per club for operations, logistics, and marketing activities.

The operational changes in Sweden do not appear to affect the active rosters directly. The concern is more about what happens to the org’s long-term commitment to esports if its revenue and identity continue to shift toward Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure.

For full context on how NiP Group’s financial trajectory has developed, the organization’s official statements on the Abu Dhabi deal are available at NiP Group’s corporate site. The original Swedish reporting on the staff notices comes from Expressen.

For broader CS2 ecosystem coverage this season, check TalkEsport’s IEM Rio 2026 opening matchups breakdown.

FAQ

Is NiP shutting down its Swedish office? Not officially, and not yet. NiP Group CEO Hicham Chahine confirmed the Swedish office will remain open, but only for tournament preparations and boot camps. All Swedish staff have been placed on notice, but final decisions have not been made.

Why is NiP moving to Abu Dhabi? NiP Group signed a five-year deal with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) worth up to $40 million over four years. The deal included establishing NiP Group’s global headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and the organization’s growing Bitcoin mining operations are based there.

What did the NiP CS2 team say about moving? According to Expressen, the CS2 roster rejected the proposal to relocate to Abu Dhabi. The main concerns were ping issues for online scrimmages and increased travel distances for European events.

What is NiP’s connection to Bitcoin mining? NiP Group entered Bitcoin mining in mid-2025. By the end of 2025, the company had scaled to 11.3 EH/s of mining capacity and reported mining roughly 151.4 Bitcoin in its first three months of operation, valued at approximately $14.5 million.

Will NiP’s esports teams be affected? The esports teams in CS2, LPL, Rainbow Six, Rocket League, Apex Legends, FIFA, and other titles are expected to continue operating. The changes reported primarily relate to the Swedish corporate staff and office structure, not the competitive rosters.

KRAFTON and Neptune Launch ‘Flick’ Global Game Dev Challenge: $5 Million Support Pool Open to Indian Studios

0

Indian game developers now have a direct route to global publishing.

KRAFTON and South Korean game developer Neptune jointly announced the launch of the Flick x KRAFTON Casual Game Challenge (Season 1) on April 10, 2026. The programme is open to developers and indie studios worldwide, including India, and offers a total support pool of up to $5 million.

The challenge also marks the official debut of Flick, Neptune’s dedicated hybrid casual publishing label.

What the Programme Offers

This is not a simple contest with a cash prize at the end. The structure is built as an end-to-end publishing pathway.

Teams selected in the first phase receive a seed marketing budget for CPI (Cost Per Install) testing, letting them measure growth potential using real market data from the earliest stages of development.

Top-performing titles then become eligible for publishing deals. The minimum guarantees are:

  • Up to $200,000 for hybrid casual games
  • Up to $100,000 for hyper casual titles

There is also a pre-publishing track designed for early-stage concepts. This track gives developers room to refine and scale their ideas before committing to a full launch. Both finished games and early prototypes are eligible for entry.

Applications open on April 21 and close on May 18. Final selected developers will be announced in July 2026.

How Entries Are Evaluated

Unlike traditional game development contests, submissions in the Flick challenge are assessed on real-market performance, not just creativity.

Selected entries are evaluated on three key metrics: cost per install (CPI), early playtime, and user retention. This data-led model reflects how modern mobile game publishing decisions are made, and it gives developers an early read on whether their game has genuine growth potential before any major investment is made.

Seunghyun Kwon, Head of Game Business Division at Neptune, said: “With Flick, our goal is to move beyond conventional publishing models and create a scalable, data-driven ecosystem for discovering global hits. By combining real-market validation with early-stage support, we are enabling developers to build with confidence, iterate with clarity, and ultimately compete on a global stage. Our partnership with KRAFTON strengthens this vision, bringing together deep publishing expertise and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of game creators.”

What Flick Is

Flick is Neptune’s hybrid casual game publishing brand, announced as one of the company’s three core growth pillars for 2026.

The name reflects a philosophy: that a publisher’s precise, well-timed support, applied to a small but strong idea, can change what that idea becomes in the market. Neptune plans to use the brand to expand its hybrid casual game publishing operations globally.

Neptune was founded in 2012 and listed on KOSDAQ in December 2016. Its subsidiaries include mobile game developers PlayHard, NCROQUIS, EK Games, Prettybusy, and Fantome, as well as PC game developer Nimble Neuron. The company’s major titles include Infinite Stairs, Cat Snack Bar, Rumble Heroes, and Eternal Return. Neptune also operates an AdTech division with platforms including AD(X) and AdPie.

The hybrid casual segment, which blends the simplicity of hyper casual formats with deeper progression mechanics and combined IAA and IAP monetization, has been growing rapidly in the global mobile gaming market. Flick is Neptune’s attempt to build a sustainable pipeline within that space.

What This Means for Indian Developers

For Indian studios, the programme provides access to global publishing infrastructure, early-stage funding, and a structured pathway to international markets, without needing to already have a global network in place.

The announcement arrives as India’s game development ecosystem continues to grow. KRAFTON India has been investing in local studios through initiatives like the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), which provides financial support in the range of $50,000 to $150,000 per team along with mentorship and access to tools. The Flick challenge complements that work by opening a separate, performance-driven route to global publishing for mobile game developers at any stage.

KRAFTON India has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports, and technology since 2021. The Flick programme adds another layer to that commitment, specifically focused on the hybrid and hyper casual mobile game categories.

For more on KRAFTON’s broader India strategy, the KRAFTON India development pipeline coverage on TalkEsport outlines how the company is positioning itself for long-term growth across gaming and publishing in India.

How to Apply

Developers interested in the Flick x KRAFTON Casual Game Challenge can find full details and submit applications at the official website: flickdifferent.com.

Both finished games and prototypes in development are eligible. The challenge is open globally. Teams of any size can enter.

The timeline is: applications open April 21, close May 18, and final selections are announced in July 2026. For more context on how KRAFTON India is approaching the gaming and investment landscape in the country, see the KRAFTON India investment fund launch story on TalkEsport.

FAQ

What is the Flick x KRAFTON Casual Game Challenge? It is a global game development programme launched by KRAFTON and Neptune on April 10, 2026. It is designed as a full publishing pathway for hybrid and hyper casual mobile games, not a one-time contest. The total support pool is up to $5 million.

Who can enter the Flick challenge? Developers and indie studios worldwide, including India. Both finished games and early-stage prototypes are eligible.

When do applications open and close? Applications open on April 21, 2026, and close on May 18, 2026.

What are the minimum guarantees for selected titles? Up to $200,000 for hybrid casual games and up to $100,000 for hyper casual titles.

How are entries evaluated? Selected games are assessed on cost per install (CPI), early playtime, and user retention, based on real market testing data.

What is Flick? Flick is Neptune’s dedicated hybrid casual game publishing label, launched in 2026 as one of the company’s three core growth pillars. It is designed to help developers discover, validate, and scale mobile games for global markets.

Where do I apply? At flickdifferent.com.

FACEIT Issues Over 151,000 Bans Due To Toxicity Over the Past Year

Over 151,000 bans have been issued to FACEIT players over the past twelve months due to toxicity alone, the platform announced.

According to an X post from the official FACEIT handle, a total of 151,682 players have been banned from the platform since March 2025 due to toxic behavior. 

The post further states that weekly bans on FACEIT are up 169%, and it comes as a result of additional staff being hired as well as players utilizing the newly implemented report system to provide more context and match evidence to the support team.

These bans include instances of severe text or voice chat abuse, griefing, and unsportsmanlike conduct in general.

Prior to this, FACEIT had shared the statistics of bans involving cheaters. According to data shared by the platform, a total of 541 bans were issued by the FACEIT Anti-Cheat over the course of January and February 2026, with the majority being due to AI and DMA cheats.

For years, Valve’s relatively lenient moderation has cemented the reputation of CS2 as one of the most toxic gaming communities on the internet. Although the devs have introduced a series of measures to tackle the problem in recent years, fully curbing toxicity has remained a challenge, largely because of the game’s enormous player base.

Fortunately, it appears that FACEIT, the biggest third-party CS2 matchmaking platform, has been taking increasingly strict measures to combat this ever-increasing toxicity problem.

The surge of toxicity-related bans on FACEIT is certainly welcome news for players on the platform, well, for the majority of them, at least.

The rate of these bans is only expected to accelerate as time goes on, ultimately making FACEIT a far more welcoming experience for players across the platform.

For the First Time in CS History, PGL Singapore Major 2026 Will Feature a 3rd-Place Decider

For the first time in the history of Counter-Strike Majors, the upcoming PGL Singapore Major 2026 will feature a third-place decider match, the tournament organizer confirmed today.

The third-place decider is set to take place on the final day of the event, just ahead of the best-of-five grand final game.

According to PGL, the addition of this extra matchup is intended to add more meaning to the event’s concluding day, giving teams one final opportunity to secure a podium finish and end their Major run on a strong note.

Alongside announcing this historic format change for the final CS2 Major of the year, PGL also confirmed that it will use the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) from November 2 to determine participating teams, giving teams ample time to earn the points they need for qualification.

For the uninitiated, the PGL Major Singapore 2026 is set to be the first CS2 Major to ever be held in Southeast Asia. Scheduled to take place from November 24 to December 13, the event will feature 32 elite CS2 teams from throughout the globe competing for a whopping $1,250,000 USD prize pool.

The final four days of the event will be played in front of a live audience at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

CS2 fans who are unable to attend the event in person will still be able to catch all the action live by tuning into the official Twitch or YouTube handles of PGL.

Astralis Secures PGL Bucharest Semi-Finals

Astralis has locked in their spot in the PGL Bucharest Semi-Finals after beating JW’s EYEBALLERS 2-1. The second reverse sweep of the day saw Astralis struggle to get going in the first map, followed by back-to-back dominant performances that will now put them in the semi-finals contest against 3DMAX.

VETO

  • EYEBALLERS removed Overpass
  • Astralis removed Anubis
  • EYEBALLERS picked Mirage
  • Astralis picked Ancient
  • Astralis removed Dust2
  • EYEBALLERS removed Nuke
  • Inferno was left over

Map 1: Mirage; Pick: EYEBALLERS; Winner: EYEBALLERS

Astralis’s poor start to the game saw EYEBALLERS dominate for the better part of the first half, a half they managed to make competitive by securing 5 rounds before switching sides. EYEBALLERS took control of the game as they moved on the defense, and while Astralis did threaten to push the game to OT, EYEBALLERS managed to stay on top to push the game over the line.

Map 2: Ancient; Pick: Astralis; Winner: Astralis

Starting on the offense of Ancient, Astralis’ attack delivered poor results. Following the poor half, Astralis’ defense turned the game around, having won 7 rounds in a row, which helped push the game to overtime. EYEBALLERS won 1 round in each half of OT saw Astralis cruise through to the final map of the series.

Map 3: Inferno; Pick: Decider; Winner: Astralis

Following a tough map, Astralis dominated on the defense to start Inferno, as EYEBALLERS were not allowed to have anything more than 2 rounds. Without giving away any room for a comeback, Astralis managed to win back-to-back rounds in the second half to close out the map with a dominant performance to finish the game with a 13-2 scoreline. The new additionRyu, stood out as the best player with 20 kills to take Astralis to the semi-finals of PGL Bucharest.

Astralis will be facing the French side 3DMAX, who, on their day, can beat even the top sides. Unless the Danes are prepared to handle the unpredictable nature of 3DMAX, we might have a big upset in the semi-finals.

3DMAX Elimiantes MIBR to Reach PGL Bucharest Semi-Finals

The French dark horses 3DMAX has reached the semi-finals of the PGL Bucharest 2026, outlasting MIBR with a reverse sweep in a 3-map thriller. An unconvincing display on the first, followed by a show of resilience in the second, and a confident close in the final map, saw 3DMAX make it to the Semi-Finals.

VETO

  • 3DMAX removed Mirage
  • MIBR removed Dust2
  • 3DMAX picked Inferno
  • MIBR picked Ancient
  • MIBR removed Overpass
  • 3DMAX removed Anubis
  • Nuke was left over

Map 1: Inferno; Pick: 3DMAX; Winner: MIBR

Winning the pistol set the Brazilian side up for a strong start, but 3DMAX managed to convert the first gun round, giving the French side a lead before MIBR got back on the board. Winning all the remaining rounds in the half, MIBR managed to end their opponent’s pick with a 9-3 lead. Both teams traded rounds early on to kick off the second half, with 3DMAX winning a streak of rounds, cutting the map close before MIBR pushed it over the line with a 13-9 scoreline.

Map 2: Ancient; Pick: MIBR; Winner: 3DMAX

Starting on offense of their own pick, MIBR managed to keep 3DMAX at bay as they edged out the first half with a narrow lead. Replicating the scoreline, 3DMAX managed to get 7 rounds to push the game to OT, where they pulled ahead with a flawless performance on their offense and went on to secure that one round in the second half to edge out the map with a 16-13 scoreline. Lucky, with 1.37 IR, managed to stand out as the most impactful player who took 3DMAX to the final map of the series.

Map 3: Nuke; Pick: Decider; Winner: 3DMAX

Starting with a pistol win on the offense, 3DMAX secured an early lead before MIBR built into the game later in the half to take the lead before switching sides with a 7-5 scoreline. Starting on their defense, 3DMAX managed to recover and went on to put up a streak of rounds to take the lead away. Having managed only 2 rounds on their offense, the Brazilians paved the way for 3DMAX to cruise past them with a 13-9 scoreline. AWPer Maka stood out as the best player for 3DMAX, who not only stood tall in the defense but also proved to be instrumental in the offense to keep the game competitive.

As they secure a stunning victory, waiting for them in the next round of play is Astralis, who have been the best team in this event so far. If they are to take down the Danish powerhouse, things are looking hopeful, and one might argue that they might secure their first trophy of the year.