Team Vitality proved its dominance in the Counter-Strike 2 scene after an electrifying final against Falcons at the IEM Melbourne 2025. Despite a strong start with a 13-2 win on Inferno, the French squad faced unexpected challenges.
The match intensified as Falcons secured Dust II with a 16-12 victory. Vitality bounced back by taking Train 13-9 but had to rally from behind after losing the first half. Falcons responded by winning Mirage 13-10, pushing the final to a decisive fifth map.
An Epic Showdown on Nuke
The grand finale unfolded on Nuke, where Falcons initially dominated the first half. However, Vitality launched a fierce comeback, leveling the score and forcing the match into overtime.
Key moments of the final:
- Inferno: Vitality wins 13-2
- Dust II: Falcons wins 16-12
- Train: Vitality wins 13-9
- Mirage: Falcons wins 13-10
- Nuke: Vitality wins 22-20
Vitality clinched the title after a nail-biting 22-20 overtime victory, securing a place in esports history.
Vitality Conquers the ESL Grand Slam Season 5
This IEM Melbourne triumph carried extra weight, as it awarded Vitality the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 and a $1 million prize. The ESL Grand Slam honors teams that win four ESL events within ten tournaments, including mandatory victories at major competitions.
Vitality’s championship wins:
IEM Cologne 2024
IEM Katowice 2025
ESL Pro League Season 21
IEM Melbourne 2025
More about the ESL Grand Slam can be found on ESL’s official page (rel=”nofollow”).
French President Macron Congratulates Vitality
Emmanuel Macron celebrated Vitality’s achievement, emphasizing the pride they bring to France. He praised them through a heartfelt message on Twitter:
“With their Grand Slam, Vitality elevates France to the top of esports and makes our colors shine. Congratulations to the entire team!”
Previously, Macron had shown support for esports by advocating for their inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and by congratulating Ceb from OG after winning The International.