3DMAX has announced Nabil ‘Nivera‘ Benrlitom will stand in for Bryan ‘Maka‘ Canda at the start of ESL Pro League Season 22.
Due to a family commitment, Maka is unable to compete in the opening matches of the Counter-Strike 2 tournament, which begins on September 28th, 2025.
In an announcement, Nivera will become 3DMAX’s AWPer while Maka attends his brother’s wedding. The statement also reveals that Nivera will join the roster before the Pro League begins, ensuring the best preparation ahead of its first match against TNL.
Nivera has spent the last month on the sidelines after FUT Esports signed the former NAVI Junior lineup in August. His last official match took place in May during the Glitched Masters 2025 open qualifiers.
The announcement does imply that Maka will be returning to the starting roster if 3DMAX makes it to the latter stages of the tournament.
The appearance of Nivera on the 3DMAX starting roster is the second time he has competed at an international CS2 LAN event. The AWPer made his debut at the Skyesports Championship 2024, where he scored a top-ten placement. Notably, the player retired from competitive Counter-Strike in 2021 to enter the VALORANT scene. However, in 2024, he made his return to the esport.
3DMAX’s all-French roster has shown signs of potential in several high-profile events throughout the year. Despite a top 14 finish at FISSURE Playground 2, top-eight placements at PGL Bucharest 2025, FISSURE Playground 1, and the Esports World Cup have kept 3DMAX in Major contention.
Will 3DMAX Qualify For The Major?
Currently ranked eighth in the September Valve Regional Standings (VRS), 3DMAX isn’t at risk of missing out on qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major.
Missing out on a Major place could’ve been a factor if the team was lower down the leaderboard, as Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 22 will count towards October’s VRS, which is being used to determine which teams will compete at the Major.
Thanks to its place within the top ten, 3DMAX is set to begin its Major campaign in Stage 2.
