Inner Circle bests 3DMAX at BLAST Bounty Season 1 to continue upset trend

Interior Circle has continued the pattern of upset outcomes at BLAST Bounty Season 1 2026, defeating 3DMAX within the Spherical of 32.

The Ukrainian group scored a 2-1 victory over the all-French roster to guide its place within the Spherical of 16.

After unveiling its roster simply 4 days earlier than the match, Interior Circle headed into its opening match as clear underdog towards a 3DMAX facet armed with a wealth of expertise at high-profile occasions.

Interior Circle kicked off Historical on the entrance foot, securing eight attacking rounds within the first half. Though 3DMAX closed the deficit with 4 consecutive offensive rounds of its personal within the second half, the underdogs halted any momentum with a string of defensive holds to shut out a 13-9 win.

3DMAX responded on its map decide, Nuke, with Bryan ‘Maka‘ Canda topping the scoreboard with 33 eliminations to his title. After 24 rounds, either side had been inseparable, forcing time beyond regulation to find out the winner. Three defensive spherical wins in time beyond regulation made the distinction for the French facet, which took Nuke 16-13 to stage the collection.

Mud II was a one-sided contest, with Interior Circle displaying spectacular defensive prowess within the first half to earn an 8-4 lead. Even through the second half, the Ukrainian assault was greater than able to breaching by any 3DMAX defence, successful 5 offensive rounds to seal a 13-6 map win and a 2-1 collection victory.

The outcome continues the pattern of shock outcomes through the on-line closed qualifiers. Earlier, EYEBALLERS eliminated FaZe Clan on the occasion’s opening day, whereas Monte knocked out NAVI on day two.

After ending second on the CS Asia Championships 2025, 3DMAX struggled to capitalise on its momentum. The group managed solely top-16 placements throughout three consecutive Tier 1 tournaments to finish 2025 with additional sub-par showings.

Following elimination from BLAST Bounty, 3DMAX’s busy begin to 2026 continues at IEM Kraków 2026, because it seeks to rebuild momentum with the IEM Cologne Main approaching.