Team Vitality have returned to the top of Counter-Strike 2 with a statement performance at ESL Pro League Season 22, sweeping Falcons 3–0 in the grand final to claim their first title in four months. The victory not only ends a rare dry spell for the European powerhouse but also reignites their chase for a record-breaking year under captain apEX.
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Vitality Relentless Run to the Title
Vitality’s road to the trophy was anything but smooth, with intense clashes against FURIA and FaZe Clan testing their resilience in the playoffs. Yet when the grand final arrived, there was no sign of hesitation—just a confident, composed team firing on all cylinders.
The French-led squad looked disciplined and dominant across every map, outclassing Falcons in both execution and composure. From start to finish, Vitality dictated the pace of play and rarely allowed their opponents to find a foothold.
flameZ Ignites in the Grand Final
The spotlight of the final shone brightly on Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, who delivered one of his best performances in a Vitality jersey. The Israeli rifler was unstoppable across all three maps, earning Player of the Map honors on both Inferno and Train.
By the end of the Grand Final match, flameZ boasted 62 kills, a +21 K/D differential, and a 1.60 rating, with a masterclass performance that earned him the MVP of the match.
Depth and Discipline Across the Roster
While flameZ stole the headlines, the rest of Vitality’s roster played their roles to perfection. William “mezii” Merriman found his rhythm on Dust2, providing stability and impact when it mattered most. ZywOo was his usual calm, clinical self, while apEX and mezii managed the tactical tempo that kept Falcons guessing.
For apEX, this title carries extra meaning. The veteran in-game leader has openly spoken about his goal of securing 10 trophies in a single year, a feat that would surpass Astralis’ legendary 2018 run. Vitality now stands two titles away from that target, with IEM Chengdu, BLAST Rivals Season 2, and the upcoming StarLadder Major in Budapest still to play.
Falcons Fall Short but Show Promise
Despite the 3–0 scoreline, Falcons displayed flashes of the potential that brought them this far. Their path to the final demonstrated discipline and improvement, but inexperience and lack of composure at key moments cost them dearly against a team as seasoned as Vitality.
Still, their progress signals a bright future if they can refine their mid-round coordination and closing ability.
What This Win Means for Vitality
This victory marks a crucial turning point for Vitality. After a streak of top-four finishes but no trophies, they finally got another one to their name. The win silences critics who doubted their form and reestablishes them as one of CS2’s most complete rosters — combining firepower and chemistry.
Vitality’s focus now shifts to consistency. With momentum restored and their confidence high, the black-and-yellow are poised to finish 2025 as the undisputed kings of Counter-Strike.
