Team Vitality, the vibrant French esports organization, has carved its name into history in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO). However, their journey to the top wasn't a single, glorious march but a path paved with resilience, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Early Beginnings
Team Vitality's story starts in 2013, founded by Fabien Neo Devide, a French entrepreneur with a passion for esports. Initially focusing on League of Legends, the organization quickly expanded to other games, including CS: GO in 2014.
Their first foray into the CS: GO scene wasn't particularly successful, with the team failing to make a significant impact. However, these early years were crucial for building the organization's infrastructure and establishing its brand identity.
The Happy Era
A turning point arrived in 2016 with the acquisition of Vincent "Happy" Schopenhauer, a veteran French player known for his aggressive playstyle. Happy, alongside teammates like Nathan "NaproK" Schmitt and Richard "shox" Papillon, brought a new level of firepower and experience to the roster.
This iteration, dubbed "Happy's Crew," achieved moderate success, qualifying for major tournaments and occasionally reaching the playoffs. While they didn't consistently challenge the top teams, they showcased glimpses of the potential that resided within the organization.
The Danish Shuffle
In 2018, Team Vitality made a bold move, acquiring the Danish trio of Emil "Magisk" Reif, Peter "dupreeh" Bech Madsen, and Danny "zonic" Sørensen from Astralis, arguably the greatest CS: GO team at the time.
The "Danish Shuffle" sent shockwaves through the esports world. Some skepticism surrounded the decision, questioning how these established stars would integrate with the existing Vitality core.
The Arrival of apEX and ZywOo
Despite the initial doubts, the gamble paid off spectacularly. In 2019, the arrivals of Mathieu "apEX" Herbaut and Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut complemented the addition of Danish firepower. apEX, a seasoned rifler, brought leadership and strategic prowess, while ZywOo, a prodigy with unmatched in-game sense and aim, quickly established himself as a generational talent.
This new Vitality roster, a blend of French experience and Danish firepower, became dominant. They reached the finals of multiple major tournaments, including the prestigious ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018 and the Intel Extreme Masters XVI—Katowice Major 2019. While they fell short of the championship trophy in those events, they consistently challenged the top teams and etched their name among the CS: GO elite.
Team Vitality's journey to becoming CS: GO champions is a story of determination and skill. Although their rise to the top of the esports world was not without challenges, they have emerged as a dominant force through hard work and strategic play.
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The Pinnacle of Success
The wait for the elusive major title finally ended in 2020 at the IEM Katowice Major. Vitality, led by the brilliance of ZywOo, who was crowned the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP), defeated Natus Vincere in a thrilling grand final. The victory cemented their place in CS: GO history and marked the culmination of years of strategic planning, player development, and unwavering dedication.
Team Vitality's journey since the Katowice Major has been one of maintaining its top position. While it hasn't replicated that major title win, it has consistently remained a top contender, reaching the playoffs of numerous major tournaments and challenging for championships.
Recent Success
Team Vitality extended its dominant streak by defeating FaZe Clan at the BLAST Premier: World Final 2023. In a rematch of the BLAST Premier: Fall Finals earlier that year, the French club swept the competition to finish the year as the best team in Counter-Strike esports.
However, their success was halted as Team Vitality was eliminated from the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 on the third day of the playoffs. They still have a bright future ahead, thanks to their talented players.
Final Thoughts
As the CS: GO scene continues to evolve, Team Vitality remains a force to be reckoned with. With a talented core and a proven track record of success, they are poised to continue challenging for championships in the future. The organization's unwavering commitment to excellence and its focus on fostering young talent suggests that Team Vitality's legacy in CS: GO is far from written.
