Look Sports Media – Vitality has emphatically reclaimed their throne in the Counter-Strike world, dismantling Falcons in a dominant 3-0 victory at the ESL Pro League Season 22 Grand Final. The win marks a crucial return to form for the squad after a series of near misses, solidifying their position as a top contender heading into the final stretch of the year.
After a blistering start to 2025, which saw them secure an unprecedented seven consecutive tournament wins and a record-breaking 30-match win streak, Vitality had experienced a mid-year slump. Despite consistently reaching the latter stages of tournaments, they struggled to convert their strong performances into championship titles, most notably falling to G2 at BLAST Open London after squandering a match-point advantage.
However, Vitality showcased their renewed dominance on Sunday, dispatching Falcons with convincing scorelines of 13-10 on Inferno, 13-9 on Train, and a decisive 13-5 on Dust 2. While Inferno initially posed a challenge, with Falcons securing a respectable six rounds on the Terrorist side, Vitality’s in-game leader, Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, orchestrated a masterful second half, dismantling Falcons’ strategies with calculated precision.
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The remaining maps proved to be one-sided affairs, as Falcons’ tactical shortcomings became increasingly apparent. Their T-side approach lacked the necessary depth and variation, allowing Vitality’s defense to consistently anticipate and shut down their executes. On the other hand, Vitality’s offensive prowess was on full display, particularly on Dust 2, where they secured a commanding 10-2 lead on the T-side, effectively sealing Falcons’ fate.
Falcons’ struggles were compounded by individual errors and questionable role assignments. Young star Maksim "kyousuke" Lukin often found himself out of position, attempting overly aggressive plays that backfired. Furthermore, the decision to place Nikola "NiKo" Kovač in an unfamiliar role to accommodate another star player raised concerns about the team’s overall structure and balance.
The pressure is now mounting on Falcons’ coach, Danny "zonic" Sørensen, a five-time Major champion, to address the team’s tactical deficiencies and instill a more cohesive approach. Unless Falcons can quickly find a solution, they risk becoming a team of individual talents unable to compete at the highest level.
Vitality’s victory serves as a timely reminder of their enduring strength and resilience. Despite facing increased competition and scrutiny, they have consistently performed at a high level, reaching the semi-finals of every tournament since the summer player break.
As Counter-Strike heads into the crucial run-up to the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Vitality’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. With renewed confidence and momentum, they are poised to make a deep run at the Major and potentially solidify their status as one of the greatest teams in Counter-Strike history.
Looking ahead, apEX has reiterated his ambition to win 10 events this calendar year, matching Astralis’s record. With eight titles already secured, victories at IEM Chengdu (Nov 3-9) or BLAST Rivals Hong Kong (Nov 12-16) would put them within striking distance of achieving this remarkable feat at the Major.
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