Look Sports Media – Team Vitality’s legendary win streak extended to an impressive eight consecutive trophies after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over TheMongolZ at the BLAST Austin Major. The European powerhouse showed their dominance, leaving no doubt about their current position at the apex of the Counter-Strike professional scene. While TheMongolZ mounted a surprising challenge early on, Vitality’s experience and skill ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The road to the Grand Finals wasn’t without its bumps. Both finalists had relatively smooth starts, qualifying directly for Stage 3. However, neither team enjoyed a flawless run. Vitality suffered an unexpected upset against Legacy in Stage 1, while TheMongolZ dropped matches to Furia and FaZe Clan in Stage 3 – a FaZe Clan they later avenged in a decisive 2-0 Quarterfinal victory. TheMongolZ then dominated paiN Gaming in the Semifinals with a clean 2-0 sweep. Vitality, meanwhile, had a tougher time against MOUZ, dropping Map 2 before securing a 2-1 win.
The Grand Finals itself was a rollercoaster. TheMongolZ stunned Vitality in Map 1, delivering a dominant performance on Mirage that left commentators describing the loss as "humiliating" for the reigning champions. However, Vitality’s response was swift and brutal. They utterly dismantled TheMongolZ in Map 2 (13-4 on Dust 2), showcasing their trademark aggression and tactical prowess. Map 3 followed a similar pattern, with Vitality securing a 13-6 victory on Inferno, despite a late pushback from TheMongolZ. This victory also marked a historic moment: British player William "mezii" Merriman became the first British Counter-Strike Major champion.
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Despite the loss, TheMongolZ’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. As the youngest team and the first Asian team to reach a Major Final, they showcased the burgeoning talent emerging from minor regions. Their run, along with the strong showing from teams like Lynn Vision, served as a clear message: the dominance of European teams is no longer guaranteed.
Both Vitality and TheMongolZ have already qualified for IEM Cologne via the VRS Global Standings. Vitality, the defending IEM Cologne champions (2024), will be looking to retain their title, while TheMongolZ will be eager to continue their upward trajectory. The Play-Ins begin July 23rd, with both teams entering the Group Stage on July 26th. A rematch between these two titans is highly anticipated.
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