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3DMAX will be starting their ESL Pro League Season 22 run without their main sniper, as Bryan “Maka” Canda takes time away to attend his brother’s wedding. Stepping into his shoes for the opening matches in Sweden is none other than Belgian AWPer Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom.

The French organisation confirmed the change ahead of their first match against TNL on 28 September, assuring fans that Nivera will link up with the squad before the tournament begins to ensure proper preparation. While temporary, the announcement left the door open for Maka’s return should 3DMAX progress further into the event.

A return to the CS2 stage for Nivera

For Nivera, this stand-in appearance marks only his second international Counter-Strike 2 LAN. His first came at the Skyesports Championship 2024, where he helped secure a top-ten finish.

The 24-year-old AWPer has had an up-and-down career. After retiring from CS:GO in 2021 to pursue VALORANT, he made his comeback to Counter-Strike in 2024. Most recently, he spent time without a team after FUT Esports signed the ex-NAVI Junior lineup in August. His last official match dates back to May this year under the Mousquetaires tag. Despite that, he has maintained solid numbers throughout 2025, averaging a 1.14 rating.

3DMAX’s Major hopes remain intact

Fortunately for 3DMAX, Maka’s absence won’t put their StarLadder Budapest Major invite at risk. The team currently sits eighth in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), comfortably inside the top ten. This means they’re almost guaranteed to begin their Major campaign in Stage 2.

Had they been further down the rankings, the timing could have been far more critical. Stage 1 results from ESL Pro League feed directly into the updated October VRS rankings, which decide who secures a place at the Major. But for 3DMAX, their spot is safe.

3DMAX roster for ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 1

  • Pierre “Ex3rcice” Bulinge (France)
  • Lucas “Lucky” Chastang (France)
  • Filip “Graviti” Brankovic (France)
  • Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro (France)
  • Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom (Belgium, stand-in)
  • Pierre “YouKnow” Marco (coach, France)

The squad enters EPL with promising momentum, having achieved top-eight finishes at PGL Bucharest 2025, both FISSURE Playground events, and the Esports World Cup. Fans will be eager to see how the addition of Nivera shapes the team’s firepower when they kick off against TNL in Stockholm.