Team Vitality has etched its name into Counter-Strike 2 history by claiming the coveted ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title. Clinching this prestigious achievement at IEM Melbourne, Vitality secured their fourth ESL-sanctioned tournament victory within a year. In a thrilling Grand Final showdown against Team Falcons, Vitality showcased mental fortitude and strategic mastery to seize one of the game’s greatest honors.
Let’s dive deeper into how this historic moment unfolded and why it cements Vitality’s dominance in CS2’s evolving competitive landscape.
Team Vitality’s journey to the ESL Grand Slam
The path to Vitality’s ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title was paved with consistency and excellence across the globe. Their triumphs at IEM Katowice, the ESL Pro League Season 21, the BLAST Spring Final, and finally, IEM Melbourne, encapsulated a year of relentless dominance. Notably, these victories were achieved without a single series loss at IEM Melbourne, a testament to the roster’s impeccable form throughout the tournament.
Led by in-game leader Dan “apEX” Madesclaire and star AWPer Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, the team’s chemistry and resilience proved too much for their opponents. Their victory not only secured the coveted $1 million prize but also marked them as the fifth team in CS history to claim an ESL Grand Slam.
ZywOo’s record-breaking MVP title at IEM Melbourne
One of the standout narratives from IEM Melbourne was ZywOo’s exceptional performance. Widely regarded as one of Counter-Strike 2’s finest talents, ZywOo clinched his 24th MVP title — the most by any player in CS2 history. His brilliance during the Grand Finals, particularly in the nerve-wracking double-overtime decider map against Team Falcons, elevated Vitality above the competition.
ZywOo’s dominance wasn’t just limited to flashy highlights; his consistency in clutch rounds and unwavering composure under intense pressure were key factors behind Vitality’s victory and the securing of the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title.
Team Falcons push Vitality to their limits
While Vitality ultimately prevailed, the Grand Final clash against Team Falcons was anything but one-sided. Falcons pushed Vitality to a thrilling double-overtime on the final map, displaying growth and determination that captured the audience’s attention. Even though they fell short, Falcons’ performance marks them as a rising contender in the elite CS2 scene.
This epic battle at IEM Melbourne added another layer of excitement to the competitive CS2 narrative and underscored that while Vitality reign supreme for now, the competition is heating up.
DearBBall collaboration: celebrating victory in style
Following their ESL Grand Slam triumph, Vitality launched an exclusive merchandise line in partnership with DearBBall. This collaboration celebrates the team’s historic moment with limited-edition apparel that reflects their journey to glory. The move not only rewards fans but also expands Vitality’s brand footprint following their success at IEM Melbourne.
Victor “Neo,” President of Team Vitality, expressed pride in both the competitive achievement and the opportunity to share their legacy with fans through this special apparel collection.
What’s next for Vitality after IEM Melbourne?
Vitality’s journey doesn’t stop with the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title. Their next challenge lies at IEM Dallas, scheduled to start on May 19, 2025. As champions with massive momentum behind them, all eyes will be on Vitality to see if they can continue their era of dominance.
With ZywOo in peak form, apEX’s leadership, and their well-rounded roster, Vitality enters IEM Dallas as heavy favorites — but the battle-hardened CS2 landscape ensures no victory will come easily.
Frequently asked questions about ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title (FAQ)
What is the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title in Counter-Strike?
The ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title is awarded to a team that wins four ESL-sanctioned top-tier tournaments within a year. Team Vitality achieved this feat in the 2025 season.
Which tournaments did Vitality win to secure the Grand Slam?
Vitality won IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League Season 21, the BLAST Spring Final, and IEM Melbourne.
Who was the MVP of IEM Melbourne and how many MVP titles does he have?
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut won his 24th MVP title at IEM Melbourne, making him the player with the most MVP awards in Counter-Strike 2 history.
Who did Vitality defeat in the IEM Melbourne Grand Final?
Vitality defeated Team Falcons in a dramatic Grand Final decided by a double-overtime map.
What is special about Vitality’s partnership with DearBBall?
To celebrate their ESL Grand Slam victory, Vitality collaborated with DearBBall to release an exclusive line of merchandise, commemorating their historic achievement.
Sources to this article
- ESL (2025). Team Vitality wins IEM Melbourne and secures ESL Grand Slam Season 5.
- HLTV.org (2025). ZywOo claims 24th MVP award after Vitality’s IEM Melbourne triumph.
- CS2 NewsWire (2025). Exclusive: Vitality x DearBBall collaboration following ESL Grand Slam title.
