French powerhouse Vitality clinched their second CS2 Major title overnight, defeating underdogs The MongolZ in Austin on June 22–23, 2025. With this victory, following their 2023 Major win in Paris, Dan “apEX” Madesclaire and his team have capped off a historic first half of the year.
A Rapid Comeback After a Rough Start
It took three intense hours and three fiercely contested maps to get it done. Down 5–13 on Mirage — The MongolZ’s map pick — Vitality rallied with style: 13–3 on Dust2, then 13–6 on Inferno. The comeback was all the more impressive given the crowd’s clear support for The MongolZ, the tournament’s Cinderella story and breakout team.
“We knew we could do it,” an emotional apEX said post-match. “After that horrible first map, I’m so proud of the team.”
With this third Major title, apEX strengthens his legendary status in Counter-Strike history.
A Dream Season: Seven Events, Seven Titles
This latest triumph cements what many already suspected: Vitality is the team of 2025. Since January, the “bees” have won everything — IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League, BLAST Open Lisbon, IEM Melbourne, BLAST Rivals, IEM Dallas, and now the Austin Major.
Seven titles in a row. Thirty straight BO3 wins. Only the legendary Ninjas in Pyjamas have ever gone further in CS history.
Vitality’s incredible run also earned them an ESL Grand Slam, a prestigious reward for teams that dominate across multiple events in a single season.
ZywOo MVP Again – mezii and flameZ Celebrate Their First Major Wins
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut continues his jaw-dropping 2025 season with yet another MVP performance — his seventh straight MVP this year. That brings his tally to 20 MVPs in Big Events and 27 overall, pulling even further ahead of his eternal rival s1mple (21).
ZywOo’s stats were once again off the charts: a 1.58 rating in group stage, 1.33 in playoffs, and a 1.81 CT-side performance on Dust2 that helped Vitality rebound from an early map loss. His 1v2 clutch in Round 2 on Inferno was a key turning point and helped seal the win.
With 7 MVPs in 7 events, ZywOo ties device’s record for most MVPs in a calendar year — and sits just one short of s1mple’s all-time record of 8 MVPs in 2021. At mid-season, the French phenom is making a strong statistical case to become the greatest CS player of all time.
This Major was also a milestone for William “mezii” Merriman, who became the first UK player to win a Major, and for Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, who now adds his first Major trophy to his résumé.
The MongolZ: A Breakthrough Despite the Loss
Once seen as promising but shaky under pressure, The MongolZ exceeded expectations this time around. After taking down FaZe Clan (short-handed) and paiN Gaming in the playoffs, they made a strong statement by winning the opening map in the grand final.
Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold, often criticized for underperforming in arenas, stood out with several crucial clutches, keeping his team alive despite the onslaught from Vitality.
A Second Major for Vitality — Are We Witnessing a New Era?
Two years after lifting their first Major trophy at home in Paris (2023), Vitality now claims their second and solidifies their place among the greatest lineups in CS history. With apEX’s leadership, ZywOo’s unstoppable consistency, and strong performances from new teammates, the French squad is making waves.
“You’re looking at the best team of 2025 — it’s official,” said apEX.
The only question now: how far can this team go?
Vitality may have just laid the foundation of a new era. Now, it’s time to prove they can sustain it.
Credits : BlastTV.