In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Team Vitality secured their first-ever IEM Katowice championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over defending champions Team Spirit.
The French organization showcased their dominance throughout the series, winning decisively on Dust2 (13-6), Nuke (13-5), and closing out the series on Mirage (13-11).
Dominant Performance Throughout the Series
The grand final began with Vitality asserting their authority on Dust2, where they systematically dismantled Spirit’s defense. The French squad’s coordinated executes and superior firepower proved too much for the defending champions to handle. ZywOo’s exceptional AWPing on the CT side shut down multiple Spirit attempts to breach the bombsites.
On Nuke, Vitality’s map pick, their dominance continued as they showcased tactical prowess and individual skill, securing a convincing 13-5 victory. The addition of Robin “ropz” Kool proved instrumental, as Vitality maintained their perfect record on Nuke since his arrival. The Estonian star’s lurking plays created countless opportunities for his teammates.
The final map, Mirage, provided the most competitive gameplay of the series. Spirit showed signs of life, pushing Vitality to their limits, but the French squad’s experience and composure prevailed in the crucial rounds, securing the championship with a 13-11 victory.
Image via ESL.
Team Effort and Key Contributions
While many expected the final to be a showdown between star players ZywOo and donk, it was Vitality’s cohesive team play that made the difference. The French organization demonstrated they were more than just a one-player team, with strategic gameplay and superior positioning proving to be the key to their success.
Image via ESL.
Looking Ahead: Vitality’s Future in Counter-Strike 2
This victory establishes Vitality as a strong contender for team of the season. The addition of ropz has transformed the team’s dynamics, with ZywOo himself acknowledging the impact after the quarterfinals:
“Since ropz joined the roster, we feel really free. New roster, new dynamic in the team. You can see ropz has a lot of experience on stage. He is really calm, you don’t feel any pressure with him, you know you can win any round with him. He’s so special, because you can see the experience he has.“
Final Thoughts
The championship victory at IEM Katowice 2025 not only adds another prestigious title to Vitality’s trophy cabinet but also signals their emergence as a dominant force in professional Counter-Strike 2, ending Spirit’s reign as defending champions in emphatic fashion.
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