IEM Rio 2026 Day 6

Heat. Heat. You will be happy. Heat. Heat. here with Fallen. You don't need any introduction. And we're going to talk about was going to say one of your favorite maps. Is Overpass one of your favorite maps? Yeah, would say so. like Rupus lot. Where does it fill in all time for you? After train overpass. Okay. should have done train with you then. The Rup. Well, we're on overpass now. This is where on the CT side, are you just letting the players call the openings based off of the flow of the game once you get past the opening game plan? Yeah. So, would say that this role here for the rifle on think at least on CS GO, it was the position with the most opportunity for higher rates in every single position in the game. Sure. Like the rifling position is one that really can do lot on the map and it gives you opportunities to be playing well. And would say that his job is literally ch knowing how to play effectively different areas. So there will be rounds where you want this rifle to be effective on this area like he's going to be aggressive. He's going to have some plays sometimes as two, sometimes as three, even as four. Sometimes spirit will bring four players here if they know the other teams are going to play big game. He needs some options being aggressive on font aggressive on playground. think that secondary way of playing it is just really blocking the fertility in the beginning of the round is going to be throwing smoke here to make sure that they don't know what we're doing, right? Sometimes this smoke molly combo is going to be just for faking it. Sometimes he's going to be playing around it. So he want to be throwing this lot of times because then they cannot really read him cuz if you only throw this when you're going to use it, people are like, "Okay, he's coming, right?" Sure. So you he has his own game and then think there's secondary game where they're going to pair up, for example, on toilets aler plus rifle or even on this part of the map. But think that most of the time it's all about this rifling understanding which kind of pressure the other team wants to apply and which kind of things that he can punish for example. Okay. So for example know that Yakinar is going to be looking for what our opponents are doing when they go and he's going to be trying to understand where he can have impact where he can punish something and then everything that's happening here sometimes is going to bring Yuri back to So the less aggressive they are, for example, if you go more like VP old style or Jame and Flame and playing super passive and they don't really care that you're going to come then you normally have this Alper playing retake mode, the rifle is going to take as much as he can. They're going to throw defensive smoke and then you don't really need the retake guy to be much on because they're playing so passive that they can play more 3B, you know. So this rifling position when he's playing more passive or playing for example here on long passive it gives you indication from when this guy has to come up to or sometimes you can also think like think they're going to take out this map and go back to so you stay so we don't really have only two players on you know okay yeah let's say you're doing more passive setup like this is this type of thing that you are happy to turtle up across the map kind of like nuke where you're giving lot of map space or is this type of thing where like we want to in this scenario have short control so that we can flank handcuff connected behind. personally think that the passive game on overpass is more suitable, but there are teams and I've seen think that on tier two even more they're much more challenging, right? They're going to be taking space. This dual is going to be taking short together looking for kills. And mean it's great if for catching the lurker off guard or getting 54, then of course it's worth it. But also think that if the other team is playing high level, you're going to get punished lot doing those things. And then that's where think turtling up is little bit better. But eventually, think that best case scenario, you know how to play both. But think team should be playing passively first cuz otherwise you're not going to get there. No fundamentals if you don't have the the passive stuff down. 5v4 T-side overpass. How confident are you in round win then? Because it's still very CT sided map. Off of one pick, are you like 70% of the time we should be converting that? Like what do you think? think know it's hard to put numbers on it, but yeah, would say that if you find this queue on the on the rifle, there's two ways the cities can think. One of them is instantly rotating towards and going for threeman defense where they're going to even push up stuff more or even gamble on but that's going to be not played too much on my opinion anymore because the cities already know that the pressure have been applied on and they know that the know that you rotating So sometimes people are just going to say I'm going to solo the DPA, you guys stay 3B. and hope for them to go And then if you are trying to be smart as terrorists, it's going to say, "Okay, they're coming towards Let's go And then if you don't have due diligence or if you just think it's normal round if you go 53 on and then it's it's normal. The rifle kill on doesn't really matter, right? If the players on are playing well, if they get multi kills, then the death on doesn't really matter. So, you know, it's it's not too easy to to understand what's going to happen after this first kill. And think short presence is important on this moment. So the same way that sometimes you are capturing some control over and you want to have lockers, you want to have long on some situations you want to take look on short. You want to make sure that you have it. think nowadays on CS2 CTS doesn't really stay here much because the positions that you can stay here are not too strong anymore. Back on the days you could stay on top of this rail here, right? You watching monster like this TV position. This position is not so great anymore on this game because of the the high of the really. Okay. Yeah. It's not as good as it was before. So, you know, nowadays I'm still checking for this short area to give me more reasons to go or open up the map, but feel like it's already giving up to you anyway. But still, think it's crucial for us. Okay, got queue on open up short again. So, they have to be scared of and then you can think of end game. And then it's pretty much like all the other maps and all these gamble gambling decisions that the cities can take. But yeah, overpass you can't really do much of fakes as well. don't feel like this map is too great to be faking, go back faking. It's hard to play like that, too. feel like one of the things that is good for though is like the seessaw. So, not like full on like let's throw nades and then we'll just rotate cuz they're obviously going to beat you on rotation, but it's just about like putting the pressure and then taking space. Putting the pressure and taking space because like if you do have all con control, short control, and bathrooms on the T-side, just like having short on this two, it's it's over. You have everything you want. Yeah. So like you can as you're pressuring you can have guy searching short to either catch rotations or see if the site's empty, right? That's one of the things in the modern game that super key is is your lurks knowing when to be active enough. Yeah, that's very micro decisions that micro timings, micro understandings where they might have gone for 3A. have to check it. It's worth to go for this one one or 2v1. But yeah, it's we have word in our team that's we call it Pinocchio. Pinocchio. Yeah. And basically we're trying to sell lie, you know. So, for example, if we kill this guy on and know that there's chance they can go rotated to sometimes I'm going to tell the players we're closer to Pinocchio so they understand like have to apply little bit more pressure however can in order for them to be little bit more convinced that it's and then this is the micro timing for the players, you know, cuz they they're doing the the lie. They're selling the lie on the other side. And then the lurkers have to capitalize that, okay, this is this is this is all they can do, you know, they're going to communicate. I'm done. Like, this is all can do. And then then you have this opportunities to be going for those kills. It's it's important keyword. Interesting. Something like that. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Well, cool. Thank you for giving us some of your thoughts on Overpass. That's it. It's good map. It's hard to play on pugs though, but it's good map competitively. Yeah. Just don't play it on pugs. It's hard problem solved. It's hard. Counter Strike in Rio is truly well and alive. And we have just witnessed something magnificent in the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro. Heat. Heat. It's fallen. Who can and does draw first blood? Coup with pistol. The Kimbo down the middle. my goodness. He just got it. He got both. He got both on the knife. Three on three. Cold Three shots to the face and is it. my goodness. He actually hit the can't believe that one. His footsteps shut down. OG need the plant. Thanks to he fake. He's gone for it. Zyu takes the chases. He doesn't have chance to escape. Zu hits his head and finds two. Three play on the fade. Need more shatters. Cloud9 with one magazine is the ace as well. leaping one tap nonsense. and Dary slaps him out of the server. That's not too out of ammo. This has gone little closer than maybe it ever needed to be. man. And that's quick turn. Wonderful one. Need another arrived. Now he's on the bomb now. Molly and think it looks like he've done it. He can get him but caught in the back. He nearly dies right then and there. And they know he can't slow it down. He has to keep going. They could even let him survive if they wanted. on shot. One more would be great. Find him. no way. It's been an uneven fight still. Vitality is doing everything they can. Zoo three. what close. And now they got to win the fights. And while Snappy still dueling comes with what the hell found ready for it misses that opportunity but won't make the same mistake again back is but it leaves Okay, another out of Ecodox. Can he really be Fanatics here? Kicker. Wow, what head shot. He has to hold back exposed and Kicker can play the time has cucumber as he gets the clutch. Outsiders up to 15. James to come up clutch. Fnatic need this round. James the one to deny if he can get one. And both of them outsiders call upon the wizard for some magic. And inside the site, holds it off. they get murdered by Hobbit. The kill. We've got this push in. We've got smoke. We've got cover, but we've also got to hold the murd of all. There he is. Well, you better check your corners. Dexter yet again survives. He does it every time. Dexter fights another. No more Cloud9. Huge comes down. and Yabi into one-on-one. Save it. What head shot to take him down. Yo, come on. Nice shot. think if you're on the spirit side, Kaden looking long way. but he flicks and takes down. Magic says unbelievable. And now Chopper, he's got him. one versus three. An unbelievable clutch. trying to get time in case come in. They're doing it alone. denied by some guy. And now we get into the one one. Bit versus drop. Bomb on the other side of that jump. Bit got the info and nails the shot. Na'Vi's resources. He's restricting them. Now's going to have chance with the 10 making that money baby looking to save right about now. Simple dead bit following up onto and it's with huge round and now Yuri needs multi kill. They throw themselves at him around the corner and Yuri decimates the opposition. Bells are going off but drops on relenting. He just won't give up. they've done it. They go into the semifinals. This is completely unexplored territory for all five members of Mount Outsiders. Give them an inch. They will absolutely take mile. Nor is absolutely ready on the other side. great triple spray down. Toros is still here. He's going to get that. And through the smoke finds Norwood and another one. He probably There's presence in the bomb site, but the clutch is on. Going to try some wizard pressure. He's still going to go for it. He picks up the no. Out of his will game. Frozen is ready. And that Glock is doing tremendous damage. This probably the end of the retake. And it's one versus two now. And he's playing this awkward angle taking down Exertion. If they pick him again, Frozen's on the other side. He will steal it away from them. Counter Strike has traveled the world and today is day for Brazil. One match away from grand final matchup no one saw coming. But this victory will not come easy. Heroic the capacity to make their own and break hearts simultaneously. Takes down Kerato. pulls down his trigger has dropped two. can they get that bomb down? He's missed his chance on the or but still hits it as the bomb comes in. don't believe it. Queserato catches him on the edge of it. Down no this round has to be diffused. It's over 16-6. And now the fights are taken. It's quer again denies. Last to find. All bodies dropping. Yi gets two. my goodness. God damn. That was close to ridiculous. Out the door. Blunting Yuri. Big frag back out of Shush. Can the 1 v3 manifest and back to turn. Outstanding. One of Furia separated from the Canadian. Kaden finds three. He'll take it by force. Heroic. are off to the grand finals of IM Rio 2022. grand final that starts on Mirage. These two squads, both greater than the sum of their parts, bare knuckle brawling for major title. We've got the honor of telling you the story as it unfolds. No one knows where this one goes. Chad's going to be whole lot of fun. Kaden about to make lot of impact on this rush. They're throwing bodies into the side and Kaden's just swatting them away. Mosquitoes get out. Coming flanking the flankers who flanked Yabby. How has he got this gap? Both dead. Yabi impactition. He is holding it. and he doesn't he doesn't expect it. Saves them. What round. Yi through. Will find the bomb here. Yeah, that's big from Tess. Round defining. Knife out. Kick as soon as you cross into his line of fire for this first map. Highly competitive as grand final should be. can't wait to crown champion later today. Here it comes with four. May have spotted it. Frag. Yabi delivers. What turn around for the map in this grand final. Easy peasy. Lemons are squeezed. It's outsiders up on the first map. Heroic crumble. This isn't like any other game. This is your opportunity to win major grand final and join the elite. It's our World Cup. This is the tippy top of our mountain right here. This is every Counterstrike player's dream. It's map two, baby. Grand finals. We crown new champion today to break through maybe bouncy SMG. Yeah, exact breaks into the site. little bit of hope and it's smashed by Flip. We'll jump for the info. Gets it safely now as he looks and Yabi tries to play the game. Jane confirms basic takes the round. Outsiders will make you work for everything. You cannot relax. They're talking about ghost stoms. You never know where Jam is going to be with the AWP, but the assumption has to be he's somewhere. Finally, Als Dan and Jame been chasing this dream. They got the right pieces and now they got piece for the trophy cabinet. We've got 18 majors, 55 names inscribed and today we make it 60 with outsiders victory and crowned your champions of my embryo 2022. Hello guys. Crazy summer, right? How you doing, bro? You're brother. Couldn't go anywhere without people asking for pictures. Yeah, same. Wait, you guys are fans? First major win and I'm even more motivated. don't know what Jill was talking about. Same, brother. Boys, not going to lie, it feels we can do no wrong. We're blessed. We're unstoppable. So, what do you guys think? No. No. Done. It's Porsche 911. Done. Done. He knows what he's just done. The big in Brazil. First quarter final here in the Janess Arena and the first time these two teams will be taken to this very stage. Let's get it on. Yeah, but watch there's more cuz Zyu's here and opens the door. Keito, what's going on? Zyu. the triple dig. Look at the damage, destruction, hopes, and dreams of nuke win. Fading away with that not ready for this. Grimboes on the diffuse. On the diffuse. Creo saves big clank cleanly. That's quad kill in the round. Just as the flash party, he finally apex double. Deagle the nade. And now Zyu. look at the clutch up. Comes down to half. Beautiful read of this. Zyu. He closes with style and vitality securing it in two. Just like that. Big not going to be happy with that one considering the form they found. And stepping onto the stage. The individual seemed awake and aware. Heroic versus Furia. It felt destined. Furia want revenge versus the team that cut short their journey last time they were in Rio. In this moment, Furia know it. Guns get swapped around. The captain looks to try and do it for Kaden. The captain capable in the clutch. The man that's standing safes in him behind him. Kaden and leads by example puts up kill. He needs more. It's now just Yuri. They can damage on the stick, but Yuri pokes his head out and the sharpen bangs of Furia steal that pistol round. Yappy doesn't activate in time. down left in the clutch. Playing with the hearts, playing with the minds, but he can't take it. Heroic close this out. They're going to the semifinals. They don't let Furia rise up and battle their demons. They become the big bad. They embody it in Rio de Janeiro. The last time Na'Vi walked out on this stage, they were left alone against the voices of thousands. But that changes now, right? They are the heroes against heroic on their quest for vengeance in Rio de Janeiro. The vector sends him back in. He is closed. To take all the glory, they fight him every step of the way just for relentless aggression. SPL having to do it alone and what around from the rookie. steal play out of Perfecto. He walked through You know, you've got safe passage. Get it planted, but it's on it. What way to go into OT. Now scramble bodies down into the side. They've got to. They've got no other choice here. crew making plays in the 2v2 as they rise to the occasion. Resilient throughout by the heroic squad to make this the map that it was now just simple sun and massive plays got to be made. Heroic can feel this. One man left to stop them. And the heroic tide washes over Na'Vi. They wanted vengeance and they now have the chance to get it. And quick head shot. Exile. Naughty kill again. Look at the aggression. Shirro wants to keep him trapped. And he's missed his first. SP with head shot and flourish. It's Shirro to secure it. Cloud9. Maybe Magis has got it in him. Can he inject some Rex? That's no. Does find one. the trick disappears. You know, Hobbits. Soul in the wound. Magis has an opportunity. Play the numbers. Hold on to that advantage as long as you can. An extends it. Great play in the end of things. Okay. It all comes out in the wash. Spotting, spraying, delivers Nap alone. Isolated an overpass is on the way cuz Vitality one versus four on the AK-47. That's the perfect head shot. He's laying beautiful exile on these jiggles. That's the first fight he's looking for. And does just to distract takes engagement. He gets another one. No, no, no. Doing it. Only exile remain fall apart and Vitality sail to the grand finals of Rio. It's time to bring the In this gorgeous corner of the world today, we will bear witness to the beating heart of competition that every single fan of Counterstrike lives for. grand final with two teams at their peak. grand final that feels too close to call. The sweet Counter Strike adrenaline that we all love. Let's get into it, shall we? Knocked out. Quite the man to lose all three. We know what he can bring to this table here. Him and Zyu sh heroic. No survivors. No second chances. It's Zyu and Dri. Now Shush on this defense over this. But that's exactly what Shush wanted. Zu and Magis ready to defend and they lay down the pain. Mags for these stage games down could be anywhere. Martine flanking. They're getting desperate right now. Running smokes and running guns for Kaden closes the gap. Two on two. Kadia with phenomenal round. And there's no questioning that this guy wants the redemption of dry fight. How does Apex win that battle and Apex unreenting that hero gun that he bought fights them? You risk everything you've got. You need this round. You need this win. there's gap. He sees one. Rowing back your business. There might be no time. There's no way. And this is Vitality running it over the line. Sure as the pyramids themselves face is eternal and Vitality have overcome those demons. The star arrives. The veteran players carry them through. Your champions in IM Rio. It's team Vitality. Rafa really making history. Absolutely phenomenal. And Ace is the champion of the Intel Extreme Master World Finals. Storm still not quite done. He is going to take this fight though. 3 seconds left. Last two rounds of Flash's got it started well for ESC. And this is massive move for But he's not content with just nex and it's all done. trolling quick. Unbelievable. Rogue with four shar victory over classic. And they did it again in the round. Give it up for your Intel Extreme Masters World Champion. The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL in partnership with Intel, Acer Predator, and DHL. It's Championship Sunday at the Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026. Later today, the race for the gold bars is truly on as Vitality take on Spirit in that coveted grand final. Not before Falcons face Faria in our third fourth place decider where I'm going to go bother Yakinda for few words ahead of this series. Yakinda, welcome back to the arena. know it would be an understatement to say it's been an emotional weekend for you guys. Can you just tell me some of the emotions you've experienced? Yeah, mean honestly like in my don't know like 8 10 years of of of career, this was the craziest arena I've ever played in. and honestly the guys were telling me like, it's going to be crazy. It's going to be crazy." Well, was like, "Well, how crazy going to be?" Yeah, it can be very crazy honestly. yeah, I'm we're just super grateful for even having this opportunity to play in front of such crowd against such an opponent. And honestly, even though we lost we didn't feel necessarily that bad after after the loss because at least we put fight and it was just details that kind of decided the outcome. Obviously, it's bittersweet moment, right? Because this is the last time Fner will be playing tier one event in front of home Brazilian crowd. just want to ask you, we always talk about his impact upon the Brazilian scene and the wider scene as well. How has he changed your career? this this guy's probably one of the most heartwarming teammates I've ever played with. not only leader inside the server, but also outside of the server. He's just like an great example of what player should be. feel like many people idolize him and look up to him. And that's completely right because career that fallen has had is something that people strive for and many many of many of people cannot even reach the same heights as Fallen and the the things he's done for for the game and for Brazil is honestly puts him on legendary player lists of all time. 100%. Just one final question. Obviously going up against Falcons in this third place decider. What do you make of them and their trajectory at the moment? Yeah, mean we we've been practicing lot against them lately and we felt that they're very very very good and they they beat Vitality in the group stage which honestly kind of it's little bit surprising because all the rumors with the Carrian thing and whatever but we know how how good they they can be and honestly we don't know the outcome of the of this match how it's going to happen and everything. We're just grateful for for having this opportunity to play on the stage again. And hopefully Falcons are going to enjoy it lot lot as well because think even though every everybody was against Vitality yesterday, think for them it's also great and cool experience. Thank you so much for your time as always. Good luck. Hey Damian, we're doing little vibe check. Hi. How are you? I'm good. Excited to play again. what is the mood in the team after that yesterday's loss obviously we have to talk about it bit yeah mean it's not the best we would have liked to win and play the play the final of course but today we have another chance another chance to play in this arena in front of this good crowd so we're excited to play again this is exactly what want to ask because you're not playing only against Furia five players on the server you're playing against thousands of people in the arena this is lifetime experience do you agree do you feel the buzz yeah of course mean I've played in this arena once before and not against Furya But even when Pury is not playing, the games here are crazy. So can imagine how it is when Pury is playing. And this crowd, feel like they will want to make you give up like after slow start, after you lose couple of rounds in row, they will obviously boo you. What you as captain will do to not let that happen in in Falcons. think we just need to stay calm and be prepared mentally for this. It's going to be hard game. think FA is good team and of course the crowd is going to help them lot. So, it's just about as you said, not giving up, staying calm, and just keep doing what we're doing. Let's do that. Always lovely to talk to you and good luck. See you on the stage. Masters Falcons. Hey, hey, hey. Heat up here. Keep it up. Let's kick off the show. Hey, keep it quiet. can slap the engine. been through the fire, man. I'm told it like without doubt the most important third place decider yet. Furia still on home soil and still with one more swing on this very stage. up against the Falcons on their last dance as well. It's not just Fallen in his final outing in Rio de Janeiro, but Falcons on the edge of roster change. So, it's rumored and still with something to prove, think, here on this very stage. Won't be easy. Uphill battle. Falcons had the crowd cheering for them in their last matchup, but today it's very clear. Furia home favorites more to do and still looking for their second win since 2022 against Na'Vi. Yeah. And you know, while we're talking of kind of the firsts for squad like Vitality in the final, the idea that they could be the first team to win backto-back grand slams, this is series kind of all about lasts. Pixan last outing. You see them hyping him up, trying to have him switched on, full focus heading into this third place decider. It really did feel like, you know, Bucharest all over again for the Falcons in the sense of the performance we're getting out of Kixson in that group stage, right? Going out with an absolute bang, wall up against Vitality to put Falcons in that semiinal. Great to see Kixan putting himself on the map. But here in Brazil, fallen unfinished business. Would certainly be nice to end on somewhat of high after falling short yesterday against the world's best. Yeah, think it's kind of nice as fall and almost addressing it directly, saying these third place deciders, it's where lot of teams just never want to find themselves. But this one today is all about going out there, ending on high, playing some good CS. So that will be the goal. Don't have one of these lame dark third place deciders. Both squads want the victory. You know what's exciting, right? Want to talk about the veto. We've actually got Furia picking into Dust 2 today. Yeah, right. They floated against Vitality. We thought that was ballsy. We thought that was crazy. Ancient was one thing, but willing to take on Vitality 44 and 4. Well, that was something else. So picking it against the Falcons making more sense. It's map we've seen Falcons have struggles on, but it still shows that Fury have something in store. And I'm looking forward to seeing what that's going to be. If you're confident enough to play it against the Undisputed, then what can you do against the Falcons today? Mirage map 2, Nuke Decider, bound to be banger potentially all three. Yeah, fans of these maps have been eaten very well across all of Rio. Right. This has been consistent map pull that you've had in these playoff games. Fair place decider no exception to that rule. Couple of players worth keeping an eye on as we go into this one. Midoi would love to feel like he's turned it around from the slow performance in that semi. The idea going out with something here at the end of Fallen's Tale in Rio. And so, hey, pressure is off for everybody. Let's just have fun. T-side start here for Furia. Plenty of grenades and Falcons all the same. Double jewelings. Careful, Kasuk. These tunnels have eyes, so hopefully he's able to get the spot off. doesn't risk at all on that push. Looking like mid to be here for Furia. Lot of guys out through the lower tunnels have the util to launch into one as long as they don't lose Yuri. They've at least stemmed this cat aggression beating it back. It's now Kickan trying to take next contact out through middle. He's got Tess here alongside him. Little header for Tess blocks that CT smoke from coming down. than in Brazil that's kind of ruffled Furious feathers here. like the the call. It's given them so many options to change their mind and go back. But mean Yinda walks out long with his knife in hand knowing this position is clear as Tessa's back in the bomb site still with some utility and 40 seconds for Furia to make up their mind. Well, that will be decided with the entry in middle. They can meet Yakinda here. Tessus has no idea Yakinda's crept in. good turn around. deal with him, but won't get any more excited than that. It's Furia starting things off with bang. big 3K out of Serato kicks. Surely not. Well, no saving here. Let's go in the 1 v3. mean, it's always tempting. Just go for it. You got nothing to say. You got nothing to lose in 1v2. Come on, kickstand. Double cap. Found the first but can't quite convert. Queserato. Four kills and pistol here for Furia. really like what they were doing there. They left so many options open. They had two sets of utility. They played it nice and slow, reactive, trying to find out the stack and then Yakinda found the gap and that just sent them perfectly into an split. Tess did all he could really in that position. But Furia quick trades and on the board early. We have the force from Falcons, scout from Monosy. If the Falcons you really hoping that Furia just walts in to this stag gone for this force taken the early gamble and got and so will Furia take the bait? Okay, Sorado still has all this room. it doesn't look like it. Looks like drop down into CT. That's up close with the 57 spot on Nico. What about him up close? This deagle never gets going. Fallen gets past it. One man left for the behold. It's Kicksan and he is on borrow time. Wrapped through middle. Fallen will find him. Bomb dropped back here in middle. That make things weird. Yeah, Kindar doesn't seem to think so. So Fallen's going to grab that bomb. Look to get out of there. my goodness. Nice shot from Monosy. Didn't even see the scope. Careful. Don't give him anything here. Fallen is low on that bomb site, but right above is Yurion as Monosy goes searching for an upgrade. He can just drop in. Simply done here for Furia. Little bit messy at the end, but no cause for concern. It's going to be an eco here for Falcons. As tempting as three kills might be for buyer, TT Dust play conservative. get those guns out. And AWP for Monacey, who has without doubt been standout player, number one rated of this event, even after the struggle that was that semi-final against Spirit, hasn't knocked him off his purge. Had great group stage. dear, not the start you were hoping for. Nico one dig through the long smoke and that deagle still has bit more to say. Smoked off gives rise to the mid to be. That's where this boost hopes to change things. At bare minimum, it's stopped the spillover from Furia. You know they're not out. Moloy ready for the boost. It's painful round right now. still on the side. Kicks in. Flash dodge is good reaction. Yuri's going to essentially win the round from position unless something goes astray. Fallen just trying to survive in the middle. But low health on two of these players. That kill for Yuri should have sealed this. Fallen refuses to give them way back in. And Tessa is on higher health takes the gun. Are they just going to peek through this molly? Yuri looks inquisitive but not wanting to throw away this free round here. Furia are converting three stars. okay. Couple of kills coming through there. Right at the end of the round, it won't matter. There's no time left. It ends up being expensive for Furia considering Falcon's come into it with no investment outside of couple of flashes. deagle, you'll take that. You save an AK, everyone for Furia dies, and now your guns get to come out. Tess says even with that saved AK could cause some problems for Fury. Really good rounds. mean, you know, to get impact for Falcons in terms of removing guns, that's five kills and three kills in their eco rounds. So, Furia ripe. Can Falcons break their money in this first gun? Set themselves off very well. Modo's orb is in play, but Fury will have nothing if they lose this one. Have really given themselves shot of controlling the early game. Furia with gap found and Nico this is so early he's just put gun on but don't think he's truly ready out mid mid to be smoke comes down they could just speed up if they want but Furia choose to pull it back Nico found as rotating rifler maybe scared of 2B right now and they would be right back right now out of Furia says backstab closing in. Midoi would be on the chopping block here. Feels like Tess has missed that timing and so Midoi gets chance to fire on the AWP. Backstab will get rumbled as well. They know about Tess now as he closes in from behind. Nice shot. Messi overran. Sight still taken ready for Tess, but he's going to put up another can't clutch up. Round wrestled back by Kickstand and Falcons are on the board. Money broken for Furia. mean, when you consider the room Fury had in that round, that's surprising victory here from the Falcons. Alloy cutting rotation. It's Monosy who buys all the time in the sight. Double kill with the AWP. Falcons realizing that was two split, but that AWP sometimes hits harder than just one player. Odyssey holds very strong. And Falcons up, they don't get out clean. They're not exactly comfortable. And that might tempt Fury in with another buy, but five rifles versus the one. Safe to say this is Falcon's opportunity at the start of Dust 2. map that has been somewhat difficult for them at times. on four loss streak right now. But you know considering the level of opponents these are the top teams in the world. Spirit Vitality, Furia and Na'Vi still does not bode well for Falcons in this first map. It's hit. You keep walking right in ahead of the util, ahead of that smoke. takes Kiasuka to swing out and keep things in Falcon's favor. Tess has been relentless with this long doors aggression and again it's looking to have big impact. He's missed this timing on the two players getting out through middle but chance to just pepper Queserado from afar. It's Yuri reopening the round. Bomb will make it in. Moloy 1 v2 clutch in front of him. good chance to shake off those stage nerves. Smoke down. crowd on his side and 1 v2 picks potent position. They've run it right in. Wow. No time to wait for the Falcons. They play that one very aggressively. They have all this util, but they don't waste their time with it. They just charge him down. Go together. Loving what Tess is giving us, right? This long's aggression, right? Maybe in some rounds it's prep. mean that round it's just the fact that you walked out with the AK and the bomb's been dropped so he knows there's no one back in Tawn but maybe realizing that in all of these rounds Furia have gone in very grouped setups they haven't had anyone holding the extremity is not the kind of orb to be sitting in T-spawn holding long doors and so big gap being found by Tessa something that Fury will have to watch out for in the rest of this halfkind's also the guy who's going to be like lurking out longs in the late round. So if you see him in the kill feed, some reassurance for Tess, good info. The Falcons have started all of these rounds. Double And this was always kind of the fear for Furia with those early couple of rifle rounds when they were up against the EOS being so expensive, right? You lose out on that first rifle and suddenly you you are in bit of strife. think Fury saw the trae trajectory of that smoke coming down from the aside. So they know that no one's throwing that from middle. Fury's going to walk out instead. dear. Nico ded cover there though. Monosy helps out. It's stylish little 360 as well. Nico in trouble, but his team have his back. no more ammo. mean, want to see that again from Odyssey. It's shame cuz Kickstand's already beaten with the phase audition tape, but man, that was stylish little 360 there. Bit of flare out of the monosy orb. Recovery very much in play here. Falcons level out at 3-3. And now comes the fall by from Furia Armalus and aggressive is Monosy. Tess by his side. Oops. That should get the orb to fire trust in Tessas falls back. Meanwhile, be hit. Last time we've really had anything resembling lurk here, even though it's just fake with util out on the long side will give bit of pause to these rotates. So, needed the bite to withstand this hit. And it crumbles after one. Maldoi watching just gets off the line. It's fine. Fallen does have this from the spawn side. Bare minimum. It's the info. Can't convert the kill. Tes providing back door. See Nico so late from the long side. That's because of the fallen fake there earlier. it's glancing blow onto Monosy. Volley's wasting time. don't know if Falcon's going to afford this. They've mollied themselves out of the tunnels. They can't go. There's three players up right now. Moving in quick. They need every kill and they need it clean. Backside hide for Yuri. He's one to the time. don't think Nico can get this. it's real close. millisecond short. That close molly to push Moloy off. feel like they had to go. They had to just take the trade kill. It comes down to mere second, but boy does it make the difference. Nico couldn't have got on that bomb faster. Even Furia don't look too satisfied about that round. Messi post. It's weird one where where both teams are kind of equally unhappy if Fury you don't like that it gets that close. You get into be almost as clean as possible. You know two for one opening like that usually enough to take very clean round. But sure they win it. And think you know for Falcons the disappointment is there cuz you get all the kills you're milliseconds away from the plot and you had plenty of time were it not for your own util. All right, bit of change of pace here potentially. You've got flashes getting set up for long take. Have had bunch of these slower rounds for Furia. Try and change that and get chewed up at the long position. Still, you saw lot of players in the kill feed. It's the case takes room out on Shore. Fury stay stuck in it long. They've not got the or alive. So, this is still difficult position. Fury will put that bomb down and Falcons are stuck in the mud right now. Are they even going to go for this? No kit. Not single bit of utility. And this kill will decide it. Modoy falls. chance opens up now for the Falcons. Maybe kit on body here. They start moving quick. They can't find it. Smoke retrieved from Kixon, but you've got to get past this cross. no. Serato caught with nades out. And so Fallen's got to do it. gave him run for their money. ready for all the fights he was given but couldn't convert on them. Feels like bit of choked post plant there for Furia. It's coming down really close again though and Falcons barely get it. Four kills for Kiuk. Massive round for him. mean Fury had the positions. think if Fallen stays on that box, he's going to catch that first player who's low instead. Queserata tries to flash for him. Rid as Falcons come around the corner. Fury trying to do too much it feels like in this round. Their positions were strong. They just needed one more kill to slow Falcons down instead. Fourth round found. And now you hero AK. It just still feels like you're you're you're brawling for that early control over the game, man. Like neither team set up in terms of the money. And so world kind of opens here as we get into the final couple of rounds of the half where where one squad really could just suddenly come out of left field and finish this in great position. You're both still feeling the the vulnerability of these early costly rounds. And it is feeling like Falcons might be that team AK lost in middle. Fallen has retrieved it. This is the lead up for grabs. Kyuk won't overplay his hand. Tessa's tempted. This is only Glock. So hopeless endeavor here for Fallen. Tess is in shop. Incredible form to start this one off. Lovely stuff. Three kills and yeah, the AK but no armor behind it. Flash temporary. My falls back and winning this round. far cry. Counterterrorists win. Falcons in control for the moment. And mean what's helping you out so much right now is just, you know, your kind of bite player and Kasuk always able to multi-kill whenever they've come to his bomb site. Tess out on the long side locking it down these, you know, two pivotal areas of the map just being helmed by two very strong individuals right now. That gives bit more freedom as well to guys like Monosy to make their moves. and here he is making one aggro play up in the top mid. Tried to keep pushing the boat out. Yakindar says, "No, one's enough." And that is very quick trade from Yakindar. Maybe could have expected more presence down lower from the CTS, but fearless trade and much needed here to keep the round alive for Furia. Limited utility. They have one smoke in this T-side right now, so you got to make really standard basic call and trying to fake out long right now. Tess isn't even in this position. He's gone all the way back round to cat as Falcons take space back. This will leave them in good position to retake if they play aggressive, but it's still going to rely on Kixson's hold in that bomb site. None is not enough. Yeah, we we talked about where the money's at. And so even one, you could have moment of pause here. If Kixan dies without doing anything, the round is off. There's the first retake starting to take shape in towards CT. That's where you look towards Fallen. nice flank. Tag on the cross. Poland in position that could unravel this retake. Drop down into the spawn. Timing missed. They did check for it as they turn from that flashbang. Still, it's only the one and done for Fallen. So, round very much on. Yuri tries to thin the herd. Bought down to 1 one. It's top performer Tess up against bottom of the board Moloy. And this is for control over Dust two. Tess closing in. Time's been problem in these retakes. So trying to put the pressure on. Tess takes them down peg and Falcons in control as that clutch comes through. Hey, what game for Tess we're getting right now. This is player we've seen who has had struggles in playoffs, struggles on stages. And sure, sometimes you can, you know, talk about the stars of this team definitely going missing when it matters, but the floor also is important. And Tess is raising it right now. 15 and five. Another clutch up for the Falcons. Another retake for the Falcons. Moloy on low health with no Kevlar. Opted for the AK over the AWP and it comes back to burn him. That is three posts, one out on this CT side. And on dust two, that is easier said than done. Six to four and Furia feeling the burn, forcing up with Galil's, two AKs, limited util, hope and dream. And this is the round you talked about, Harry, with Falcons being in the position to run away with this first half. There's an 84 up for grabs in this round. Yeah, for Furia, they've won one rifle round in this entire map thus far. And the round they won was that kind of one that they win out. They squeak out to time over at the site. So desperately need something to go right here. That's two smokes used on the cross. So now you've got to go. break on the smoke for Monosy. And that will slow the roll. Remember, they they don't really have the ability to wait here. Getting delayed by this util is big problem for Furia. Bomb on the back of Fallen even going back to clear long now. He's got to throw that across. You got two players in the sight. Kind of strung out from the rest of the team. This is really rough for Furia. They're dumping nades and Falcons have more of them as well. Molly and still available. might not even be required as Fury feel like they need to take fights here before getting the bomb down. That bomb's not even crossed. Fury moves in. Smoke fading soon. He's got to watch out cuz Nico's got him in his crosshairs. 1 v4 for Fallen. That one goes so wrong. Falcon's almost start to doubt as to whether or not it is this long play. Honesty was even going back trying to have glance into the tunnels thinking that there's got to be more to it than this. Can't have just been five guys out through long. And this might turn into the perfect final outing here for the Falcons. Everything going right. slow start, but recovering as soon as they hit the gun rounds, winning out some very difficult posts, making Fury look confused at times. And they're still making moves again. Back to back, pushing to the tunnels. There's only one man here. Hey, we we talked coming into this there kind of is bit of pride on the line for for both squads in this one. If you're falling into your last chance to to play in front of the home crowd, you don't want to go out on two losses in front of them in the arena. Likewise though, Kickan wouldn't mind one final dub in the Falcons jersey. And so this is Furia in threeon four trying to evade one rifle round half. Can't catch break, can you? Saw him jumping through. Bomb picked back up. But where are you going to go with it? Fallen on the smoke. And Falcon's utility has just been masterful on this CT side. Furia nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. Mony's looking into this position. Shadow helps him out and it's multi-kill to close out of Falcon's duo. Monosy and Nico. Everyone stepping up right now for the Falcons. For Furia, it's one rifle round in that entire first half. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Furia falls short in that first half. It's Falcons who seize the opportunity here in this third place decider. Pride on the line for the Brazilian squad and Falcons on their own last outing with their captain. Still have something to prove here in the Famasi Arena. semiinal did not go well for the Falcons. And so final harrah here on Dust 2. Not bad CT side at all. Still really waiting for Fury to show up in this third place decider. Midoi going lower. It's almost like he knew someone was around the corner. Here's Yuri with bit of cover from the site. Kicks out Monosy 2v4. Don't count them out. Mony's got reoke. That always causes big problem in this site. The tunnels might be nice, but think he just got the spot there. Yeah, shot in the back by Modoy. Monosy P250. Is there highlight brewing? Have to be. Came into this looking good. One tap for Monosy. They're closing in. Uh-oh. The ace clutch midair to shut him down. It's fallen. it was happening, wasn't he? Two bullets left. It felt like it was meant to be. and fallen midair saves the round for Furia. So, sigh of relief think on that pistol round. Both pistols go to Furia in this map. But don't think the conversions is guaranteed this time around when you consider bombard down might tempt Falcons. And yes, it does. Monosy AK Kasuk scout Falcon's put all in two here ready to face him on the jump up to out. Furia doing the Falcon setup against them. This high low crouch at the corner. Minder ready to swing. Wrong is entirely open. You don't really feel prepared to make that call, right? You have to signal it somewhat with these flashes. Uh-oh. AK. that's tap and half out of Monosy. Don't take this fight. It's not worth it. This is the best gun in the round right now. Also had guy slip the net, right? Make it past Monosy's cover on the cross. Now you've got Moloy in behind enemy lines closing in. Won't even need it cuz Queser gets them lined up. The flash came and they it didn't feel like they turned. Nico looked away for second. Body just giving us what he can. Two kills deep into this clutch. Some well placed shots, but that's enough. Midoi secures the round here for Furia. And so another conversion on the table here for Furia to grab. Should be low eco here for the Falcons. Furia five rifles. Nice flash play here along League round. Felt like we've seen Tess says this event always able to get one on the deagle. Not necessarily the first port of call when you think about the digs in this Falcons lineup. Nice damage nade. which is nice. You know, the these rounds can always get weird if you let them. And so, finding all that early HG. Queserato putting on shooting gallery out towards mid. No problems. And down to one round game. But look, this is the pistol round of the conversions. bare minimum this time. They're clean, right? You remember that first half, the pistols came at great cost to Furia, feeling like pirick victory in those first three rounds. right for reset heading into the first gun round. That's exactly what happened here. Each one cleaner than the last. Some money built up, but it's staying power on the CT side. my. It's in these rifle rounds that Furia was struggling. Shocking. Monosy didn't see anyone there, but that's the allow hits. And there's three players home back for Kiuk. You ready for even more? Yuri's just barreled through this smoke. gets in behind enemy lines. Three in the sight. They were so ready for that rush. That is the perfect read from Furia. Not even lurking around middle. And so yeah, you go through that smoke trying to avoid the close player. There is one more in the sight. And to be fair, how could Falcons have known that? Mony ran down middle without his own with the orb and spotted nothing. Fury perfect cross with the and perfect start to the round will secure their second gun round of the map. think if you give modesty one kill rounds on. He's really feeling it right now. nades will slow the roll still. That's info on two. Yeah, honesty backside player ready and waiting to take him down. The hops won't save him. The hops were nice though. Style points for Monosy in this game. He's hit 360. Two clean bunny hops into He gets chance to scope. You just know that's Monosy moment. His renewed form is great part of watching him this year. knowing he can potentially lead Falcons to victory, something they have not accomplished since he joined this roster, their last trophy being with Dexter MVP. Well, Mony has not been the problem. Safe to say even in that semi-final against Team Spirit, Mony was still the only positive player for the Falcons. top performer of the server right now alongside Queserato. But here's where Furia reach out and grab that lead. The power of converting your pistols very much shown in this game. Falcons have been the better team on rifle rounds, but Furia, the lead is right there. Aggression on your Kindar. no. Trying to feain that there's no push on the long doors with smoke lobbed in behind him. Tess says waiting for this exact move gets rewarded. He's seen it before. He wrote the book. Falcon's trying to get blood from stone right now. Make this eco sing. And they've got five smokes. Not only is an execute available, but if you get into that bomb site with decent trades, you can smoke off the doors and maybe win the round. Long push coming down for Fallen. Good info, but there's still only one player inside of this site. Yuri's got to be very careful. If he goes down for free, this could be big problem. Nice spray, but Nico Deagle spams him down. And there's the one for one in middle. Falcons looking like they might just pick up the Tech 9. Another one you want to be giving away if you're Fury. Now, decision to make. Do you want to go for this? You've had that early streak of clean rounds and so you've got money to fall back on. You might be really reluctant to let this round go without giving it look in. Maldeni seems interested weighing it up as well. kill is to be found quickly. Maybe just playing to deny here, right? Try and rip everything you can out of the round. it's going to be last second retake attempt right as Falcons think it's the save. No way. Nico had to hold on. And beautiful little one v2. Nico denies that cheeky last second attempt out of it from Fallen and Moloy. Yeah, that's good karma coming back to Nico after trying the very late retake back in that first half. of Fury who do the same thing against him hoping Falcons leave that sight but they do not. Nico rooted in place three kill round and saving that 1v2. The clock was already expired but he ensures it. Eco win here for the Falcons and that was Furia with lead up for the grab. Maldo gets his or out again. First time of this CT side. Pressure along smoke allows Falcons to cross into pit. Eyes on the corner. And that jump spot is good bait. It pulls them in. But miss shot for Moloy. And it costs you it cost you everything. Banger from Monosy right through the windshield. It feels rough because you know you know what Moloto is capable of when he's kind of at his best here in Rio though in these playoff games when he's been tested against the top orers right playing Zyu yesterday Monacey today has come up kind of woefully short through the molly little burn but arriving quickly is the Falcons do lot to complicate matters. It's fallen in case dropping the volley out from spawn. Even with that, still man down. The good thing is the bomb dropped here for Fury. It's down in spawn. Falcons have to fight their way out of this round right now. And there's only 20 seconds. You got to go really quick. Kickan trying to drop in gets him full blind. Going to be last second snatch and grab of the round. Need this kill out. for Nico and he's got it. Ice cold for Nico in this game. Back to back clutches now for the Falcons as well. Big moment from Nico and Monosy in this map of dust to map that has plagued Falcons in the last couple of events. Some one-sided losses against the world's best, including Furia in that in overtime back at Rotterdam. Right now, Falcon's having no problem winning rounds from very difficult positions. And Maldo, he's just been orked on across in this round. That's what the idea that this could be, you know, the the last or he gets to see in the remainder of Dust 2. It's to play at eight points of health. Short control taken very very quickly here for the Falcons. Gives him an option if they want just to pick up the pace in this round. No resistance thus far from the sight as utils getting juggled around onto your Kindar. Feel like we've just not seen as many aggressive plays from these couple of playoff games, right? Like very very passive positions often not getting more than one or two shots out in round. When we first saw him in Fury, the thing that was remarkable was how many shots he gets off with the AWP. Yeah, there were some misses in there. There were some whips, but you know, if you're getting mag out around, you're going to take some with you. Modoy yesterday was really punished by strong utility for Vitality and never really got going. Today is the same. And this round might not be up for him. Stuck on that bomb site. Double or rather single entry. Yakinda put low and full long control here for the Falcons. Molotoy will not be piece of this round. Nico might just sink the blade in the back of Yuri. Nowhere to go now. All right, Molo has been able to claim one back as has Yakindar. Enter Monacey though who's been real force of nature on this AWP. Smoke push for Yakindar can't even get the better of him. Monosy with the combat orb and Maldoi trying to save. Yeah, all you can do. Low health from that cross and Falcon's perfect split honestly just had so much impact across the map. Saw it early on, right? The kind of potential was there with your extremity players feeling really really solid. You were looking at Tess out towards the long doors. You were looking at Kasuk and some of these beholds that that kind of frees Monosy up hell of lot. And now he's carried that momentum through with him into the T-side. Been driving force behind these openers getting the tag off on the cross. Hell, even in the sight takes themselves. mean, you might expect it to become bit more about the rifle as Monosy still being the guy igniting everything for the Falcons. Yeah, some combat oring coming through in this game for sure. He's 22 and 14 and it feels like he's even better than that right now. Numbers don't even tell the full story. No exit kills, no EOS, pure rifle onrifle impact here from Monosy. And this really isn't how you want to go out if you're Furia. Like this would be whimper. The game is close, but it's only because of the pistol rounds and those conversions. Yeah, they've won two gun rounds in the whole map. They've lost to Tech 9 for spy on the Bomb site and they converted those pistols. It's not lot to talk One of the rifle rounds they won was, would say, more of throw from the Falcons than any stroke of genius out of Furia. Okay, Mony's been wounded earlier. We'll see if that holds him back in this round and if the rifers have to take command instead. Still kind of nervous cuz even though Monosy has been kind of the fire starter here for the Falcons, he's not the only one hitting. Nico's had some real clean moments. string of backto-back clutches as well just to make this pretty for the Falcons. There's the orb found as well. They know exactly where it is. That might just tempt you into the mid to be at this point. You don't need to go into Moloy right now. Falcon still get up. Catwall control knowing they've pushed him back. You're almost thinking as well, right? You've just seen the orb. He's revealed his hand so he's going to reposition. So maybe going where that orb just fired off from isn't as silly as it might feel. He's still going to have very hard round. Molago, he's on his own. No supportive flashes. Fear of the long side. And Falcon's grouped hard. Been waiting for big Mido round. could this be it? Two kills of the Moloto. The only gun in the round. Fallen. He's got two on the USP. This is not round that Furia was supposed to win or even be competitive in. The father and the son have snatched this one away from the Falcons. Shocking round to pick up at this point in the game. We are talking about this one being closed down nice and clean here for the Falcons. And Moloy saves the day from bottom of the server. Double kill. Fallen does the same with the USP. Surprised to see Falcons call right into Moloys AWP. Maybe scared of that stack, but it was Eco. It was flat USPS on the rest of the team. So, Falcons do call their way into danger there. They've kept the double or in play. Given it over to Kerato. man, I'd like to see last harra from Fallen's or on the stage, but Moloi's gone and maybe he'll have to go back and grab it. Fallen's moving quick. Bangers shot again from Monosy. Yakinda getting involved. Quer spotted as well. Well, they know about the presence of this double orb. Did grab that AWP out in middle. Go on, lad. And it might be in the right place from in the tunnels. Come on. One more time. Free block on the tunnel side. They're going to go back and clear this mid area out. Ali Fallen and the side of the map alone. Yuri hard committed to this mid clear. Knows he's got Tess boxed in for all time. Coming clear now. So come on Fallen. Blow our minds one more time. The red line ready to cut through Falcons on this hit. Monosy gets rid of him, but the rest of Furia pull up and get through. Shocking they are still here to be honest. round down now. Very winnable position from Furia in this first map of the series. Falcons are bottomed out. 2K player. They've got to take an Eco. This is going to come down to the final round of regulation, if not overtime. And Fury are starting to make more moves. Nice clear from Yuri. And Yakindar pushing into lower in these rounds. Getting very aggressive as well. Fury believing again. Warmed into this game. Kixson's had like nine deaths in row without kill. Kerado just chance to pad your stats here. bunch of pistols out in mid in this crossfire. The kill box is firmly centered around the Falcons. to no chance with these pistols tying us up late in the map. It's big 3K from Zato. 11 apiece and money still vulnerable for the Falcons. If Furia want to course correct, they were really struggling to find much here on Dust Two, but streak of three finally changing their fortune in these gun rounds. They could break Falcon's money and tee themselves up for win on Dust 2 after all. dear, Monosy on the mid shot. He fires into the smoke and Kato was just going to say what great game from him after yesterday doing it again on the stage showed up against Vitality but dead in one of these final rounds. Modoy spotted. He's going to go forward. Tess is already in the long doors and he is ready to receive 5v3 for the Falcons. All this hope for Furia starting to dwindle. At bare minimum, your money's fine. So, you can go for this threeon five. You can try and set this up to be threatening. Running the risk of just getting caught with util out in the open. They will find Nico out on the back line, but it's 2v4. They've got money. It's the AKs they might want to hold on to here. Like Fallen going for that 1 v4 against Vitality on Ancient. want to see Fur try this. There is almost nothing to lose. Yes, the AK's temptation, but at this point saving will not affect the economy, but Furia know it's probably not theirs. Walking away Falcon's map point on Furia's pick. Dude, just what time for Monosy to connect on that mid shot. You know, Querato hot hands across the entire map. been the real driving force behind Furia picked out of the all important round just trying to get to the bomb site and you know now that chance to break Falcons be the team on map point out the window you're looking for overtime Furia final timeout called here and final round of regulation to try and stay on the stage in this map it is their Pick Mirage up next and Falcons salivating at the prospect of ending this game clean. Two orcs purchased up in this round for the Falcons. Nico and Monosy. Nico or he's got the long spawn. He's got the best possible long spawn. So going to throw himself in there. Honesty also has the best possible spawn. So you're going to have two players looking for picks at the dawn of this round. That is the call for the Falcons. And if one of them connects, Fury are in trouble. and Nico will get given fight here out on Long. Yindar's already made it past the util forces him back. important to shoot just to hide the fact that the other might lead to you being bit more laxidasical with how you approach the tunnels. You're dead on that jump spot gives you enough reason for concern. They'll drop in molly and not be open to the line. So neither or finding success in that opening bout. Fury breathing little easier now that they haven't given anything away in this allimportant round. And now Kixson has to dig deep, right? He's had troubling game individually, but Falcons have still had some well put together rounds on this T- side. So he's got to call them out of this hole. They've got no info. Minute on the clock. Don't know where Furia have laid their hat. And so Falcon still with all the util they need to win this round. Have to put their pieces together and find an answer. Furia three strong. Modoy long corner. You just know you know where to expect Kerorado and Yuri in this type of round though, right? Feeling like standard opening. That's likely what they've kind of registered they're up against here. And so just dodge the two top performers, right? The guys that have been causing you all these struggles. You're going to come in with early attempt to get into this two players dropping spawn. Nico with key trade. And there's Molino dead on the long side. Kind knowing about goes cleared at the back of Goose, but not for long. Nico finds him. Is this the beginning of the end or is it wild 2v4 for the fangs of furia? Queserado opens with spam. Low HP on the next three players. Can't go slow. Setting yourselves up to go and try and fight for this short control. This could be real awkward. Flash to signal the approach. Two players out in the open. Both are shot away from certain death. They'll stop this retake with the flashes. get to better positions now. Falcons that much harder to get out of this spot. Yuri dead. First man facing Queser can't get it done. And this one is nailbiter. Going the full 24 rounds. When all is said and done, it's Falcons taking down Furia on Furia's pick of Dust 2. Yeah, no silly rounds for the Falcons. No throwaways, no man advantages given up. That was great game out of Nico. fantastic game out of Monosy and Tess who rip corded to start that CT side. Gun round merchants here. Falcons, they take Furious pick. Heat. Heat. This is an interesting one. How easy is it to tell something is off with your team? Because was talking earlier about how it's such an intimate thing with the five players plus the coach when it's live. But you can tell with like player's tone of voice or lack of communication or some that that something is wrong with an individual or the team or how how quick into game can you be like, like they're not in it today or this guy, he's not, you know, something's not clicking." Does for you that probably doesn't happen too often at the moment. it happened. Yeah. Yeah. Even another time get par vision some maps at PJ Cruz as well. Even though we we did the comeback but we found solution to the bounceback basically but it happened. Yeah. like remember it is in the quarterfinal for example against and okay we won 2 but we felt something was wrong like we won inferno but it was not that close but should have been closer than that and we had the talk between maps like guys we are not the best right now we are not playing super well just bad day or you know like what what do you chalk those things up to sometimes it's tough like don't know maybe it was also after four or five days off think for the cry final and yeah we were just well we we needed to each other basically because it's still cry final and you you have to make sure you you have to close the game and it was bit special and we won some stupid ones be honest and yeah you you can feel it basically we have team when you have game leader like Dan he wants energy he wants to feel the guys and after one to Byron can feel it it's something is wrong with the energy especially does he does his energy ever dip like sometimes especially second half of last year his individual form dipped little bit and then he was taking more risks to try and like it looked like he was trying to force things right cuz maybe the team wasn't doing what he wanted them to do or something like that but is his energy ever different yeah he also felt something was wrong you know some other players the energy was different or less confidence we we had one or two maps we didn't feel comfortable individually like train for example and there was map don't remember there was Maybe it was in fellow bit this time. what about now? What about now? No, cannot say anything. But yeah. so yeah, you you can you can feel it. It's really easy. But yeah, the problem he can have done sometime is yes. When he feels something is wrong, he will try to force moves bit more, bit more, bit more like we have to do something. So is the moment you need as coach to say no, we need to be something together. Because the problem with players when they lack of confidence they will try to to do hero play but individually and not good timing etc. So it means they are losing confidence or their feelings. So you need to adapt instantly and try to do something together as team. Hello everybody. Today we are here to do something special. Me and Fawn revisiting some of his great great great great memories in the pictures in photos. Maybe some bad ones there as well. Nice. Going down the memory lane. Let's see. what do you think about this one? this is Kaboom. Okay, so this one is nice. So, this one is 2014 if I'm not wrong. And this is the first CS Gold tournament went international. And to go for this competition, we used all the salary. We were saving money. think this was me, the twins, Lucas and Henny. Mhm. Fair. And still if I'm not wrong. And we were saving the money like we were receiving what $300 month and we're saving it like for five, six, seven months and we used all the money we had to go for this competition and also games academy here on the on the arms. There's project of classes was giving at the time and it was insane because when we said that we will use this money from the project to go for this tournament, it double up the subscriptions. People just wanted to help, you know. So it went from like 200 students for 400 students on that month and then were able to pay all the expenses and go for the tournament. That's very cool. the gamers academy thing. What? Like how do you how do you come up with this? the first first edition it was in 2010. call it falling academy. And my idea was my family was really struggling and wanted to keep playing and Counter Strike was not really be reality anymore in 2009 2010. And then was like need to figure out something. And then was playing deathmatch one day. There's guy called Diego Morgan. learned him later. met him later. and he asked me, "Can buy your Fire Gamers t-shirt?" was thinking about the classes and then said, "Instead of you buying my jersey, would you be up to sign up for some classes?" and gave him the jersey and he signed up for the classes. And then when saw that he was interested, was like, "Maybe more people are interested." And then decided to open up for other people to to to sign it up. And divided my daily schedule, right? I'm going to have six days from Monday to Friday. So that's going to be 30 students. And then sign it up like in day. And were you playing for team back then? was playing as well. Yeah. that's very cra that's cool. imagine you were sleeping like maybe six hours day, Yeah, was working lot. And then later made it Games Academy when decided to bring my teammates on the project. that's very cool. 2014, you're saying? Yeah, this one. The photo is 13, right? This one is 13. Yeah, memor is working so far. Okay, next one. I'm bald here. You know why I'm bald here? don't know. You friend of mine wanted to dry my, you know, change the color of my hair and she up. So, wait, wait, wait, wait. Like here. But is there picture with you with with the with the different color? She was trying to do it, but it didn't work. So, if you see here, I'm already losing my hair for sure. But it's even worse because right side and left side, we're doing this extremity. We're trying to to to make the blonde hair, you know. yeah. Yeah. So, it got me it got me bald earlier than expected. believe you look you you look very happy. What What What's that meant? think this one I'm playing with Steel. think this is it looks like CS tournament maybe. Or maybe it's kaboom premium as well. Wait, so you played 1.6 source CS CS GO 1 everything crossfire? play 1.5 initially 1.5 1.6 CS GO source source conditions there. We don't have competition. CS2 CS2 Crossfire. Crossfire assault fire. Yeah. Now, now they don't do this tournament in this area. MG. This is MLG. No, we sell one cattle 2015. okay. But this is qualifi qualifier. Okay. Blade, let's go with you. Who's been your favorite player over your entire time as coach to coach? Someone that's been like more coachable or receptive or because you you've had to deal with players like Simple. think Bit Bit was your Yeah. Yeah. Because it's always easier to coach young younger players. Okay. And this is what for example Kulio is showing now, right? That it's you can take people will listen to you. can take some lot of good players and build something from this and there will be no lot of resistance you know like not that can resist with your opinion lot like trying to go different direction so yeah think beat in that case we can say for sure before him was electronic okay when he was in flip side also was amazing experience because the way how he was making decision decisions in the game was unbelievable. mean when he moved to Na'Vi like this was his prime basically. Yeah, think this was by coaching aspect because you cannot coach lot simple. For example, he already like unique player he you can only maybe direct little bit like try to imagine he has an energy you can only like try to control it little bit like right left side right side or or so on. You cannot like change it completely. Okay. And yeah something by the way don't remember you said in gam there was mirror and it was also good experience to coach him okay he was always listening always trying to connect with you like to respond some in the same direction you know like you you feel connection basically where are those guys man brother we're sorry we're late what's up little bit. No, you're lucky this time. 10 to 15 minutes here in Brazil. We take it granted. You know, there's no big worries, but you guys are starting on good good fit. like it. like it. Today, I'm going to show you guys Janeo. We're going to go to the beach. I'm going to show you guys some kiperia. We're going to play some football, some sports on the beach. Also, I'm going to take you guys some restaurants. know you love. know you like the good food. And you guys are going to see how real Brazilian lives the daily life here. Let's go, guys. Let's go. Let's go. Now we're full gear. We're ready. It's time to start our day the beach. Insane. We have our view about the Brazilians, you know, easy outgoing, never angry, very fun, you know, very, very easy to get along. Easy to get along. Yeah. Yeah. Very, very good people and everything. But what for you is true Brazilians? think Brazilians can go through lot of hardships with smile in the face, you know, because the daily basis is not easy for most of Brazilians. And then we have beautiful country. You can see the beach like we have places to go where everyone is going to go around. well, get along well. But think it's the people. The people are just different. It's the fire inside, Yeah. It's like the way they the relationship, they get easygoing with everyone they meet on the street, you know, like they're going to treat you well. think the services as well. You go to restaurant, people are going to treat you super well regardless of who you are or which restaurant you are in. They're going to make sure you feel well accommodated. So yeah, think it's the Brazilian heart. Yeah. haven't met bad Brazilian except you. You're the only one. To really become full Brazilians, guys going to need to learn the Brazilian cuisine. Every single neighborhood they got some cyber coffees, you know, very popular. So before everyone had computers in their own home, they were going to those places to play games and after school so they get along there and then eventually because people are getting internet and computers on their own home those those those places closed but it was very very popular. So that's why lot of people are interested on games. It's actually interesting because in Eastern Europe the computer clubs or something people would play there because it's it's cold outside. It's it's raining it's cold you you can't do anything here. It's warm beach party party beer. Even the football players for example like lot of them that we see nowadays and they they have related contest like at some point on their childhood or they like 12 13 years old at some point they went for some place like that. That's why they love the game too. But yeah, understand they they always said that the Swedes for example is so cold that they they have to find something to do, right? But for us, think we just love the game. Yeah, that was it guys. You like the food? Yeah. Good. Thank you. You like the food? The belly is cool. Yeah, Brazilian food in Brazil is different, right? Told you guys better. Do you like the beach? You like the restaurant? So, what's next? getting getting Brazilian citizenship. Hello everybody. Today we are here to do something special. Me and Fawn revisiting some of his great great great great memories in the pictures, in photos, maybe some bad ones there as well. Nice. It's going down the memory lane. Let's see. like this one lot because of your facial expression. don't know. feel like you're very happy in this moment. Very happy. This is real 2022. I'm I'm DL Coug here, bro. Yeah. So, here wasn't playing on this competition on the playoffs and they gave me the honor to bring the trophy to the to the stage. Present it to the playoffs. Yeah. And that was amazing feeling. Amazing feeling. Couldn't feel part of it. Couldn't be happier. It went from one OPIG jail to the other one. You went to Jame. You went to Jame. was carrying it for Jame. He deserved it. Yeah. Nice action. Very cool. Shout out to Jame. That's very cool. that's good one. This is little bit newer. nice. Hell. Which term is that now? Because we woke up. Okay. So, it's plate as well. Plates. Changdu, right? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So, this is us new iteration of the lineup. Our assistant staff around us and we just won Changu. That was amazing. We won couple tournaments last year and it was very amazing because was fighting hard to put another core to the top and when you guys came in it finally clicked through. Yeah. Great. Thank you. This final Who do you play here? Vitality. Vitality trio. Yeah. Wow. We we played that was the ancient game. yeah. Well, how was like the ancient thing? Yeah. You remember we didn't expect an ancient to be open. We thought they're they're going to ban it, right? They should have banned it. They expect us to ban it and we decided to pick it because you know what we had to take risk and when when were shaking hands or doing interview on the before the match started went to Apex he came to me he were like said something along the lines well they really want to us over right we don't play the match like having fun as well he's like hell yeah he was actually shocked that was there too so yeah it was very nice and it paid off right yeah that's 1311 the match was going south. won clutch one. Remember one v2 on ancient, one one infernal. Yeah, it was couple. It was great game. So many pictures and memories and everything like Yeah. Does it warm your heart little bit? It warms. Yeah, definitely. It's very nice to see all those things. There is many more. played with so many great people. met so many great people and very thankful you know when moment of my life right now where look back to those things and it makes it all all worth you know changed the lives of my family changed my life help build community in Brazil and also you've changed lot lot of people's lives yeah so it was worth it was worth it going down the memory lane is always pleasure appreciate the opportunity guys placement matches set your starting point face it rating measures your impact as you climb the soft elo Reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10. Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO in activity. We're introducing face it rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level. Face it rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match taking into account the full situation. Season 8 launches April 22nd. Good luck and have fun. Heat. Heat. It's battle for finish on the podium. Third place decider right now. Falcons team in the lead. Hometown Heroes of Furia. Poland's final outing in Rio for this squad. Last chance to play in front of the home crowd. Doesn't want to end it on an Well, now it's to try and turn things around on Mirage. This is Falcon's territory. Hugo. Yeah, maybe more in store though for Fury. think they started pretty slow in that game. They were struggling on the gun rounds. By the end, we had some better moments, but Falcons came out swinging. No doubt about that. And it's the very map they took over team vitality back in the group stage. Some struggles against Spirit yesterday. Well, when Don Cat and Tai are playing like that, hard to beat. Falcons, are they up for the 2 and 0 or will they make meal out of this third place match? seen some good games out of Furia historically on Mirage, but as of late, it's been getting little bit shaky in head-to-head. The Falcons have started to win out. Furia won it four times in row. Now Falcons back to back. They go in for the quick hit in this pistol. It's going to get messy. All right, get that midair. Gets his on the drop down the ladder. What's Nico up to here? little smoke push and it's right as they leave. Gives him forward position. Monosy even with the bomb on his back takes that next fight on Yakindar. And now things get awkward for Furia. Bars allowed. They've got all the space back. Jungle can't take it. How instrumental pistol rounds were for Furia on Dust 2. Even then weren't able to close it out. Big reason as to why it was even close in the first place was the fact they won both of them. Well, here on Mirage, it all gets unraveled unless Fallen can clutch up. Won't be able to come through swinging. Instead, it's Monosy with big hattick. The kickstart map two. He was the guy we were talking about on Dust. He was the guy hitting hard, facilitating so much, doing so much for the Falcons. Honestly, making statement on the stage, it appears. Showed up in the groups. Top rated player. even kept it going in the last semi versus spirit but today masterclass from Mony 25 and 18 last map 112 ADR and 3k in the pistol to pick it up for the falcons fury force by up and scout on the side triple setup's low and Slow in control, not threat. Mckinda always going re- peaking window trying to gather information for Furia. This will be hard round to do so with 57. Just going to contain boost. be hit attempt. Chance to bail under with Tessa's at ramp. Right now he's left out of the action. May need to take that too cuz you're going into just gamble stack here from Furia to fake on draw anyone over. Ballen starting to take debate. Decides to hang around. Sticks to his guns with the triple lead. Can get rewarded for this first shot. Sails past. Learn to fear the fallen scout. run over the head of Moloy. There's the back stab. Deagle cuts down two. More that came from needed. It's Monosy stealing the show at every turn. Bailed them out of that so quickly. Double from Modoy. Gets himself an AK, but he was so blind. his teammates get wiped in the sight before he gets vision back. And so Falcons that looks very scary going into beast stack. They get out all the better. Fallen scout struggling to connect and queserato just exits or save here as like you said those important pistols for Fury. Those six rounds they got off the back of them back on dust or the first falls through their fingers. Right. Spark of last map was Queserato. Outfranked Monosy if you could believe it. Terrorists win. And it's very much that headto-head that this series is being centered around. mean, it's the floor being higher for Falcons that stood out. Thinking back to dust, sure kickan didn't exactly wow us, but outside of that, you know, everyone else had their moments, was pulling their weight. Hope we get at least, you know, Molotoy multi-kill would be great place to start, especially with Yuri and Queserato looking good. And you know sure for Ven it's case that he can't win in Rio anymore but don't want to go out backto back losses. It's more just the the fact that of what I've been saying yesterday and today and that Furia and Fallen not winning in this arena since that Rio upset in the 22 major. They took down Na'Vi the front runners for the major. They went on against heroic. They got, you know, battered come the third map and eliminated since that point. We've seen Furia in the playoffs multiple times in Rio de Janeiro back in 2023 and 2024. Both losing out 23 to heroic in the corners, 24 to Ma. They got smashed in that one. Fallen was there by that point. And now here in that final outing, more bad memories in Rio de Janeiro. It's not too late to save it. but not in this round. Bomb has planted. And do you get little nervous with just how integral these pistol rounds have been to Furia? Is this bad omen on Mirage? That's one. on the fall against them in this series so far. And it's pretty clean set of conversions out of the Falcons. Want to see something bold in this first rifle round. like the aggression that Furia bring to their CT side of Mirage. You know, you'll frequently see the Kindar Yuri down to get involved in palace pushes, ramp pushes, you name it, that side of the map. real propensity to to be active over there. Hell, even some of these aggro mid setups. wonder if you want to pull that into your first rifle round. You try and set the precedent early on to watch for the aggression, maybe look to slow down the Falcons little bit, or do you wait and see how they play this first rifle round? That's the decision that Fallen's having weigh up right now. Jump up ladder for Fallen. No one in the window, of course. Modo's orb in this first gun round. And it's deep in the apartments. Yuri getting flashed down on Ram. Falcons do get that mid control. Honesty. timing there. little awkward. Throws that flash. It ends up becoming Queserado highlight. Kasuk made it into the window, but needs something big from this backstab. Double kill. sight opened wide up by Kiasuk. Isa's going back to get it. might not survive the loss. Instead, he's taken one with him. 2v5 brewing. And they're not even looking to finish on this opened up bomb site. Bomb heading in through the apartments. It's fallen though. Seems like they do. They've realized which side he's gone to. Still luck is going to be impactful, but Kuk hoping that Fury would expect that bomb to go away. Going to leave him out of the action. It's essentially Modoy Vesses right now. Kuker tries to bait them into rotating 20 seconds. Modoy can save this round. You just shouldn't expect him here. You see Fallen out there in mid thing. The side's empty. MOI. Nice easy denial. 2v5 denied and Furia on the board. Very scary. Excellent triple kill for Queserato. Awkward timing as Monosy throws flashbang and he comes out with three kills. case Serato Kosuk getting behind them. Held his shot for as long as he could in this arena, but still not going to amount to the round here for Falcons. Furia on the board in their first fall by Counter. There's more of this aggression. Yuri taking Palace early on. He's at least been down to get up to his usual tricks here. An aggression into ramp in that first gun round. This time an early Palace clear, but Falcon's matched this with slow palace take. well aware the moves that Yuri likes to make. This will give it away as well. Flash on the ramp. Falcons are going to hear that. They know where Yuri is. He could just walk all the way out. Let Moy scope up and find that pick. Case Dorado dead and they know one more is in the sight. It's Moloy who would have been question but throws out smoke to block Palace. Falcons have decision to make. They'll call it off. from Midoi down here in connector. Knows he's got player trapped on the left hand side. He's building BA finish. 30 seconds left. Bomb still in palace. Midoi trying to force this fight ahead of time. Throw the timing off. Kasuk survives. Will he be enough to cause problems? Yes. Now Yuri in at the ramp side. Fallen taking up position out here in the spawn. This is low econ round. Falcon's dangerously close to winning it. Time bomb. The cover have fallen out from the spawn side causing you problems. No safe route to get the bomb planted. Got to deal with one of these players if you want to get it down. Stick in the smoke won't get denied and Yuri gets overran. Fallen, what's he got for us? First kill in the 1v3. Looking for the next man in the sight. kicks down with the jump scare. Hounds him down on the deagle. Got to say the fundamentals for Falcons looking really nice right now. They're not panicking in these scary moments, right? These are positions that we see Falcons throw away and choke historically with this roster, but really, really calm in that 3v2. That's hard spot to be in. They've got pressure from both sides. They've got 15 seconds. The bomb is trapped in the corner. teammate throws smoke out on the bomb site, covering ramp with the two rifles, ignoring spawn and letting Kixon get that bomb down. Falcon staying very composed in these difficult scenarios. They dip back on Dust as well. Something to be said for that here as Falcons aren't getting caught up in easily loable situations. think the only bad round in this series for Falcons has just been the one where they on dust two go into the molotoy or on the eco and you know it's still somewhat forgivable. It's certainly doesn't feel like radar moment. Falcon's clinical right now just walking up and Yakinda has no idea. Yeah, blindsided off to rough start. 0 and six can he provide any hope? dropping that smoke going to give them room to pass and Monosy even drives one in through the back. Modoy can't retrieve that orb. It might just have to be save here for Furia. Or on short chance to go and grab it. Bomb has planted. Hang around. See if anything's presented once this smoke fades. walks in. No one's looking, but yeah, gun picked up. That's enough to walk away. Furia take their spoils from Ranks to Riches on this Eco, but Falcons find 5-1 lead. very dominant start to this game. Furia yet to give us much to talk about in this second map with slow start and only one round to their name. just starting to feel kind of rough like you see in the plays Yuri's getting up to over here on this is what he's used to doing. think he's been holding up his side of the bargain but mid's been big problem. They've been very susceptible to these splits. Kindar and six certainly doesn't help in that front. Might need to go and kind of stake your claim to middle. Best looking round we have was Serata with that big 3K when they kind of all in this earlier midfight. It's real estate the Falcons keep looking for. There it is. More of that. Exactly what you wanted. Connector swing with the flash finds the 5v4. Mony's or depleted top middle. Just nice way for the round to start. You're not as worried now. You're not looking over your shoulder the whole time. You you're trying to make these moves over towards now. You can afford to even if you want to kind of take your eyes away from this mid portion, right? You still have fallen over on short. Still have players on the extremities that can pay attention to any of these avenues that lead away from middle. Still moves being made. Great flashbang and lazy check but Yuri will clear it. 5v2 here. We've seen one of these get awfully close but Kosuk nothing from this round and kicks in 5-1. Hot start but no more. Queserato takes control again. Both Fury rounds coming off of Queserato triple kills. The savior of Furia right now. just bin your way in, right? Quesar and Yuri have been fantastic out here in Rio. Both of them in in really really solid form. And so, you know, give them as many chances as you can to to be involved. You kind of want these guys more than anyone right now involved in these real swing fights for the round. Yeah. To think that Yuri came into today still as the top four rated player of the event with the games that Kato has given us speaks volumes about Yuri's group stage as well. Dude, look at what you've done now, right? You've won that mid fight kind of convincingly twice over. Falcons decide they don't really want to play for mid this time around. And so you've got that early info case Serato went fishing. It allows everyone else to just focus in on their bomb sites. Got the crossfire set up over in Fallen even playing back in the market for slightly faster rotate. or Kindle rather. Pop out palace is all they've got and the util is in palace which will not make it easier. Read block from Mido but you know the lineup he's throwing there chasing down moment that smoke spotted still guns ready to trade. what good dig back for Nico. Hold on second. It's the type of shot that gives you hot hands. Let's see if Nico can do anything else with it. really trying to milk this. Looking for another on the deagle. Nico can't find his footing. And Kickan's been spotted. Not long for this world. All three players closing in on him. Bit of streak forming here for Fury as they're looking for resurgence in this first half. Queserat just keeps killing. Another multi for him and it's broken Falcon's money. So Fury with the opportunity here on Mirage to break in much like that second half of Dust 2 right when you're ready to count them out. Bit of belief comes back for Furia broken for Falcons. Five Glocks just going to hit this bomb site and hope for the best. Ouch. Welcome to the scoreboard, Yakind. Been waiting for him to find his first. It's one way to do it. Going to need it little bit more before all is said and done. But it's just these Glocks. Nice easy mow down forward. Go on. Let him get the fourth. One shot. Counter. He'll take it. The brains of fury ball and yakindar finding all five. So here's the buy for Falcons back on. mean these rounds have been squeaky clean like you you went from being in bit really vulnerable position rounds ago. Constant splits always looking over your shoulder. Now you've had two flawless rounds, three surviving in there as well. One where you don't really lose any money even on the reinvestments. So money really starting to build up into pretty point for Furia. Going to make them that much harder for the Falcons to dislodge. Timeout called in. Sonic had his time on the mic. You wonder what they're going to go back to. Is it going to be another one of these mid fights where you're left looking at Serato having to overcome some terrifying odds? Always been up for the task. Round opener is three out towards Ace. So maybe set piece here. That's what like to see. Queserato top middle and he's got 1 one as well. There's no or waiting for him. Very nice fight. case win it out. Yuri catches Palace push and one by one Falcons just get shredded in this round. It's the duo of Nico and Monosy and now it's just Ilia Kendar even closing in on him. Won't expect this fade of the smoke. Monosy core and very clean slate of rounds. Drip Fred, Furious Way. All helmed by this duo, Queserado and Yuri. 20 kills between them. Mirrored score lines. Both punching very, very favorably for Furia. Money now broken for the Falcons. And so suddenly this game is well and truly opened up. Yeah, it felt like necessity to have these two playing well, right? Even yesterday when Furious were struggling against Vitality, three players went bit cold. It was those fangs that bailed them out round after round on Overpass. Now Furia sink their teeth into this CT side after 5-1 lead for the Falcons. Fury still looking to win the half out right now. This is only pistols. Falcons going for full execute. Yuri back in spawn. Queserato willingly taking fights and with missed stair smoke big problem. Queserato can just fight forward. Yeah, not the guy you want with open sight lines right now. It's into the lion's den here. The bomb site of Yuri and Queserato, the two top performers. They get past Queserato. Get this room out towards jungle to boot. And even trying to take it all the way through in spawn while Fallen's here to stop that. No crazy rooting in this one. All right, throwing himself into these fights. Nico trying to make things interesting. Swing from Shaw. Longrange fight. Nico thinks better of it. But now hoping to draw Moloy out of the spawn. Knows that this kill would give you bomb plant. Gives you fighting chance. Nico's hit blinder. No way. beware the Nico deagle. Yeah, go for it. Round the world. It's open plant. Kuki can buy time. But Nico with backs turned and the deagle will be watching. And source of nightmares. But here could be the dream for Nico. Third shot connects. And one man is $700 stealing this one away from Furia. Yakindar can't do thing. Time expires. And Nico comes hunting for his highlight. That is thing of beauty. And that rice smile on Nico's face. Nothing hits quite like Nico Yeah, four amazing frags for Nico in two versus five. Sickening shots. 2v4 rather, but every single one coming up for Nico. You cannot complain about that. All head shots, all easy. And Falcon's second eco win of this series. That is going to send them propelling forward straight up short. It's just huge boon to the confidence, isn't it? Yakindar hot on their heels with the backstab. stop the bomb right here, right now. Mony dead. That's the bomb loose out in the apartments. The result of this play doesn't matter till you go and get that bomb back. Fury have thrown one hell of spanner in the works here. Kickan gets freebie and so now it is just duel for this bomb control. What weird position to be in with the amount of utility Fury have. They can hold on, use their nades, buy more time. Falcons are going to have to go around the world. Tess says whittleled. Another from Mido could seal his fate. Kasuk offering flash. Going to wait for his teammate to get in position here. Kicks in coming from around the world. Low health here for the Falcons. No easy round win despite the man advantage. Your Kinder in strong position. What weird spot to be in. Flash by Kasuki shouldn't do much. It's the fact they're all so low. mean, how do you even bring yourselves back into the conversation? god, Molino is going to do it alone. They're both low. Shaw is the orb really the gun for the job here. They're going to try and split on Molinoi together. No, the double peak is how they take this one. Falcon somehow someway recover and they will see this one through to winning half. They're eyeing up the 2 and 0. Furia, you're looking at Queserato, looking at Yuri. They're doing all they can. But will it be enough? terrorist win. Heat. Heat. Yeah, finger. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. was feeling like we were well on our way to fury recovery on Mirage. Then Nico and his deagle came along and changed our minds entirely. Falcons go on to win out that first half 75. That was after really strong start. 5-1 up. It was the tie breaker round. That was where Nico pulled through critical juncture in this game. Furia now on the back foot and in danger of falling shy. The last win they could achieve here in Rio with this lineup. And third place leaning Falcon's direction right now. And it's coordinated, cohesive, fearless Falcons right now as they push all the way to the top of middle in this pistol all together. Back on in time for the hit, but jungle smoke do locks. Falcons out. Bomb going to go down. No spam connecting here. That's an open plant and that puts Furia in very strong position. Kitless for the Falcons. One smoke to cause some chaos and that's all they've got. Fake flash towards spawn is going to make Falcon slow down here. Mosy holds on. They come his way and he takes two with him. No way. Monosy triple kill just shreds Furia. This pistol is back on for Falcons but quick kills in the smoke and knife to stop the defuse might just work out. Querato brings the blade. One one. He might need another knife here. Might need to be double knife in the pistol. Queserado's pulled it out. Looking for the shank. Trying to ship them down, but Tess won't give him the double knife pistol round. Still Fury pull up. The blade of Queser slices them in half. And that is 2v5. Monesty. Triple kill in jungle in the connector. And somehow Furia stay alive. That will go long way to the comeback. Falcons on pistols. Sneaky does it. Did well to get out with his one. mean, the rest of they knew it was the play. They said to Tess, "Do what you can, mate. You're all alone in this one. Triple ramp push for the rest of the Falcons. You can trap Furia in now with the bomb. Try and cordon the exit. Take some guns out of here. Do some damage. they realize what's happened. They realize the attempt to keep them trapped with that explosion. If you love Furia, they certainly do. It's seven all and the guns come back out for the Falcons. Or for Monosy from the word go. Yeah, big 3K and pistol, but he's been tamer in this game than he was in Dust 2. CT side orb could change that fact here from Mony starts on triple Kinder up top mid sucking on that tap. He's stuck in the corner. Just looking like set piece out towards set getting ready. Kindar putting pressure on middle alone behind these boxes hoping to keep eyeballs on mid. Fallen forget to buy or is this all part of the master plan? He is Glock armor. He's throwing nades. Alloy will get picked first. There are guns available for Fallen. Saving for later perhaps. He doesn't need guns. Burns out Kixson, but despite the low health, Falcon still hold man advantage. Took him little while to find rifle there on the back of the rampit. And even that's taken bit of pace out of the sight here for Furia. burns out. Nico swing for Kasuk. went for glory hoping for the multi-kill. Gets the info. Gets the spot off at least. Tess meant to convert this and it's very labored but eventually comes through. Double for Mony as well as that or makes its first appearance in this CT side and an instant multi-kill falls his way. Yeah, despite the double molly kill, Fury feeling like they have no purchase on that bomb site. Can't put the bomb down with the con smoke up. felt like they had bit more time, bit more room than they would have imagined, but got stuck out on bench together. Kasuk comes swinging and Falcon, smiles on their faces as they secure the first gun round of this half. We've seen Falcons in fair few third place deciders. And I'll say one of the things always like about watching them in is they do seem to have genuinely good time that they'll play some good in-your-face Counter Strike. Never feels like it's hard to get Nico and Monosy smiling. mean, knowing that you just took that round, now you have Furia in very vulnerable position, kind of exposed on this T-side. Going to have another investment here, but it's got limitations, lot of them. Only handful of smokes, bunch of flashes, three guns to work with. So maybe something little bit pacier here. Open the chaos is the answer. Well, they're going to go right in to this Monosy AWP. Flashes find him on the first shot. Second one sails past as well. Moni's got to provide something on this orb. Living on borrowed time. In come the reinforcements. Nico back at the site. Two kills to the good. Squaring off against Yakindar. Longer this takes, the closer Kickan gets, the more he gets to play this with Nico. So the decision to slow down very intentional till Nico's offered one up. Higan's crept in not known about by Yakindar. Needed clutch from the captain's off now. Yakindar knows only half the battle. It's Kickam remaining elusive. Feel like the crowd let him down in that one. Turned the wrong way. Too late to the party. He kicks in and sneaks in and finds that perfect gap to get behind Yakinda. Nice catch of the MP7. And yeah, you mentioned Falcons being in these third place hiders. They've never lost one, Harry, taking down Vitality back at EWC and even defeating Ma in Chungdu as well. So make your own conclusions from that. But Falcon's looking for the three here in Rio. Just layers of defense out here in mid. Kiasuk and Nico make this one squeaky clean start to the round. Yeah, since rifles have come out in the CT side, Falcons are going berserk. Look for three in row and clean as can be in this one right now. Nico backs out takes window. Nice shot. The queser man like really wants this to to go the distance across both maps. Just been very consistent output for Fury. Bin. What really two players you've looked to to try and make difference. Honestly, just check this. second time is the charm. Hello. It's just rough for Yuri, right? Sees him, knows the promise of kill. He's right there, but he doesn't have the angle. Gives Monosy warning shot. That's the last guy you want to give them to in this game. Yeah, Monosy was quiet in that first half, but he has doubled his kills already in the CT side after just five rounds of play. Come back into this game with vengeance now. Falcons put Furia on pistols and they are all smooth sailing towards that finish line here. Nade could be catastrophic. Ouch. Retake on is strong setup here for Falcons who won't offer up guns to pistol players. have the sight. Take the plant. You're not holding this down though. Not without some phenomenal deep work. Counterterrorists win. Two rounds left for Falcons to get on that podium. And Fallen's final outing in Rio left with bitter taste. individually. He's up there. He's on the board. Quiet games from the imports here for Furia, but the opportunity truly was yesterday against Vitality. Two close maps for Furia. Two chances against world number one. All right. Exag set piece out and away. fallen might be full blind. Still going to deliver the opening to Furia. They get in, but now you got to batten down the hatches. Seen these post plants fall apart for Furia. Plant for now gets denied by just this onslaught of util. And that's going to mean all these smokes fade when you finally go to plug in these numbers. Falcons have done really good job of keeping the pressure on. far from comfortable even in this fouron four. Monosy looking for the tips of heads out through the connector. Boost gives him an angle gives him line. Decision there for Ykindar was weighing up whether he chases down Tess but decides to go back feeling like his teammates need the help in the sight. Good thing he has cuz he's dealt with Kasuk on the cross and the follow up on monosy. Tess left looking on as this round gets away from you on the exit. But he is heading for those hills. Saving grace here. Kindar and case latter keeping them in it. And nice to see Furia stabilize despite very chaotic round. Falcons put all their util in to the pre-plant and kind of have nothing left for the retake there if they kept just couple of nades and HG and Molotov. They could have really flushed some positions out. Made that far more uncomfortable, but they wanted to deny the bomb and Fury just waited out that utility. So some good damage early, but it leaves them with nothing for later. So Furia do convert in post bomb finding their first round since the pistol. It's not too late, but again, weakened by two gals. And that's just what you're going to be contending with really, unless you take one of these rounds super cleanly. Not in position to start to make money without earning it. Buy for the Falcons. Chance to keep the pressure on bare minimum. And an aggressive start as well. Not sitting back out here on not giving away lot of room. It's spammed to open things up. Nico dead first. Iv last time it got traded straight away. This time Fury get to play with this advantage. Key trade for Monosy is reaction waiting out from Palace. Monosy will have to hit flick here. No. Hos in on the location. Yuri goes to his death. That's all on purpose here for Monosy. He knows Yuri can hear that drop and immediately scopes on up. Pulls him into his crosshair. Final harra here for Furia on the bomb site. And it's threeon one. Right now it's Tess alone. Going into the right place. It's all about just how much damage can Tess really get away with. man. Snuck out into the open. Tess gets the drop on Quer. Time is very very low. Gets the info on both players. Bomb's going to get scrambled. Got to get planted for now. You've got 2v1. Do you try and take it? Go early in the gets packing. Monosy one v2 staring him dead in the face. Does he want to give it try? Does he want to go for the glory? Plays it out into the sight. But down fallen with the cover and the game continues to close up. very scary 2v1 with Monosy trying to find any advantage. Furia won't give it away. They fight together. Well played in the post plant. Tess says one more kill might have just sealed their fate. Furia live to fight. Another round. That is back to back but again not clean. Just enough to put Falcons on pistols. Falcons kind of have bit of decision to make here. Yeah, they could they can justify the buy. you still have this chance like if you win this type of hailmary round where you put it all out there but you find success in spite of the fact you know your buys little weaker there's limitations you get to capitalize on all that early damage and so this is play to try and win you this series right now yeah it's nice investment mean you still have the opportunity it's high value if you if you lose it you buy again at 11 piece if you win it feels as good as risk worth taking here for the Falcons and they make sure they get that util here. It's not weak buy by by any means and their utility has been very strong in this series. In the last two rounds, it's been openers for Furia. That early kill going their way and it's had big impact on how the round shapes up. So not quite as involved on the early doors in this round of the Falcons playing within their bomb sites, playing these crossfires. Honesty roamed out towards mid early on the orb, but the moment he's not given that initial fight, he just eases back. One of these rounds where you say, "Let's just not give anything away for the first 30, 40 seconds." Then you make your moves. he missed the flash play was meant to get Nico very involved. It's crunch upon middle, but that flashbang missing could have dire consequences. Has that hurts. Monosy, the culprit, the man that missed the flash. dear. Well, Moloy doesn't miss the flash in that headto-head. It's one round game. That's really nice play as well. The little underdraw. There was back turn. They would have caught him for blind. That should be an easy opening kill for Nico. And then they brawl. Then they clash. But utility going nowhere and too late to cancel the call. They just jump in. That really hurts. And that was your try your attempt to end it here and now. Now you got to play out until again the end of regulation. And Mony knows exactly what caused that. So Fury are going to have goodbye no matter what happens. Will it be goodbye? will always say hello to map three. Tess Deagle alone at the side of the map. That's where Fury are heading. Tucked in at the bench. He's got couple of longrange fights to try and take on this deagle. What's Tess made of? He's all alone. Sharp on the deagle, but this would be something else. All short. How long does he hide out? Do they clear this? Is Tess alive? Nico making noise. They don't know just yet. back. Tess. there's double. no. This was meant to be the free round. Tess calls all that into question. These deagles closing in. Pressure getting applied. Moloy had to hit that to alleviate some of this pressure. Nico gets his one and Kicksan finished off. Damn nice try. damn nice try here, but Fury are well and truly back in the building as on Dust two. This goes the distance and no certainty for the Falcons and as Fury have found four rounds straight on this T-side right when you're ready to give up on them. That gets way too close. in an effort to kind of motivate the troops falling ahead of this one said you know Fury looking to do it for the fans but the folks watching map one might have had you questioning that but here on map two resilience on display out of Furia Fallen's put in shift as well what flipping of the script that's gone on here as well right it was Furia having to do more with less this entire time well they're now the ones who could really do number to The Falcons, they're the guys with that free route to to win this map if they can find success in this rifle round. Monosy might be the first kill behind that Molotov. They double boosted window. This allows you to twoman lur. Tessa's push freeing up rotations. And this might well end but are you ready for two up in window? This one is crazy. Falcons have everybody moving over right now. Still waiting for that first blood. 40 seconds they jump over. You've just taken the the loss of window as concession. You're playing heavy for CT. Kasuk even suspicious that there could be more players in this position. Haven't had eyes on it all round. Site coming in. You've got fourman fight for this CT spawn position. And backstab on the cards for Tess. Do they let him play first? He tries to go out. Queserado has cut him down. Now it's just these players out from CT. First kill locked in by Kasuk. Smok and fade as Furia back off to play around this post plant. Come out in the open. Planted for jungle for the connector. Kerato able to help from the ramp side. Moldoy string of misses. Querato dead. It's the bomb out in the open that causes your problems. Kuk stealing one more back and Nico here. It's going to be real close on this defuse. Nail biter, but Falcons have got it. How do they win that round? Perfect postpartitions here for Furia. No smoke for the bomb. Falcons have one flash and it is the perfect bit of utility taking back ramp control. There was clip to kind of sum up Molino in these playoffs here in Rio. This would be he had four, five chances of catching players, missed every single opportunity. think he even got collat on those last two, but it didn't matter because Falcon's trade out. Nico off that bomb with his teammate nowhere near him to save it with the final kill. Very impressive series from Nico today. This Mirage has been miraculous. at Deagle 4K and right now leading in the server with match point in their pocket. Dear dear, this is what it comes down to. Falcons have just stayed so composed. Composure we've not seen from this team. They really have. by not speedy state to misplay any of these situations. Everything's very considered. They're making sure they're on the same page and now looking for the shut down. Looking for the team need to find Moloy. His round never gets the start. The mid clash and it is shutdown of Furia. Queserato might have been force to be reckoned with in this series, but 1v4 lineup for the double. Queserato surely knows. He's still believing. Monosy left to try and deny him this glory of the 1 v4 and the overtime that awaits round the world. Monosy saw that bomb. He knows what case is doing. He just doesn't know where he's gone through going for something unexpected and Monosy meets him there. Last thing you'll expect is Monosy out here in this position. You get the spot, but now it's all eyes on Queserato, been the hard hitter, been the guy to watch across this entire series and looking for the lifeline clutch that keeps Furia on this stage. It's shut down. Right. Denied. Monosy secures it. Stealing that one away. Falcons with clean 2 and 0 finish on the podium for third place. And that round tells the story of Furia in Rio right now. Close but not quite. Incredible from Kerato, but not enough to take win on this stage. They felt the vitality yesterday. They fought the Falcons today. Furia with final harra fallen in his last year of professional play after 20 years competing for trophies. Two CSGO majors, more first places than you can count, but not in Brazil. Falcon's final outing where they do some of their best work. And got to say today they showed composure and they showed resilience. Nico showed up and Monosy was there for the close. good day in the office for the Falcons here in Rio de Janeiro. Yeah, just kind of the the dream scoreboard from top to bottom. And Kickstart gets to leave this squad with that win, this final charge, this final push for podium finish in Rio de Janeiro. But falling now, you know, the idea that this was the last time he's going to get to play in front of his home stage, dawning upon the Furia roster. An emotional time. We're going to throw it down to the stage. Let's hear from him. First of all, congratulations. know this is not exactly the situation you would have liked to be in, but you came here today, played insanely, so to speak, and secured your spot on the third place. How are you feeling right now? don't know. It's just mix of feelings. We lost yesterday and we are still not on the tournament, and we we had to play against today for the third place. It's just game. don't know. Mix of feelings. Okay, understand. There's lot of excitement around what's next for you guys. What can you say to the fans today? don't know. We will just go home. We will improve. Even it's going if it's going to take 10 more years to improve. We will we will fight until the end. Even if the last hope is over, you know. So just going to try to become better and better every single day and show better better game in playoffs than what we showed last few times or all the times. So yeah, sounds amazing. Thanks ever so much. Thank you. Counterterrorist win. Hey guys, I'm Nico and this is Kixan. And today we're going to talk about Mirage and our positions, how we play together. He is the anchor on Mirage and I'm playing towards connector. So I'm kind of fighting for mid little bit and also helping him on the site. think I'm mostly fighting mid. He doesn't get too much help from me, but think that's just how the map works. think the freeze time is the most important because based on what he says or what we do as team, will position on side based on that. So if know that we are fighting mid heavy, will not go fully committed on for example and the other way around. So yeah, for me this is the most important thing how to start the round and then it's easier to play. If know that he want to play close, then know that should play bit closer to him so can support him with the flesh or to pick on his contact. So it just think as he said everything is connected really from freeze time. Obviously he if he has play or an idea of what he wants to do then need to listen to him and try to help him in way that doesn't affect the whole team but that's just that he feels comfortable on the side. think it's pretty tough honestly in CS2. enjoyed it way more in CSGO because now you don't even have like those one ways that you can play around connector. you don't it feels like you're always exposed. they can always, you know, break the con smoke and just flush you and you kind of, it's very hard to defend this area. would just say that it became bit more unpredictable and this is the annoying part. Playing against executes, it's obviously hard, but for me it's even harder when people have this defaults or some rounds where people just come and search out if they know that dope is not for example. So find this bit more hard than the execute because think when you see the execute coming, there are some things you can do. Maybe some defensive smoke, maybe you can just play retake, maybe you'll get one kill and dice. All of these things are fine, but getting searched out from palace ramp, it's bit annoying. mean, obviously the most common ones are mod ramp and flesh at the start of the round. Some people in phase it still don't do it. So, would recommend them to start doing this at least. Other than that, the smokes are important. So, obviously smoking ramp or palace at the start of the round is important to maybe delay the tease or if you want to play passive, you can save the smoke and maybe do defensive smoke later. that will allow you to have more space and felt like was behind the meta little bit and then started watching multiple players exertion. watched the EMA even watched the Apex little bit just to see what kind of tricks he had. So yeah, started watching bit more of the imos on some positions just so kind of update myself but some don't know it was just easier before to do it but yeah now need more resources would say. Hello everybody. Today we are here to do something special. Me and Fawn revisiting some of his great great great great great memories in the pictures in photos. Maybe some bad ones there as well. Nice. Going down the memory lane. Let's see. Dri. nice. Solo mid. Dupri and Paula. could be wrong. This is Kapoka tournament. have feeling. Or face tournament. don't know. But yeah, this is right before they actually went to Australis. And here was in LG. This was tough team to beat and they they had to work hard to to become good team because they were losing games that they should win lot before they really established themselves. And yeah, Dupree, man. The guy won five measures and I'm shaking his hand. What can say? Yeah. Do Legends, Where is it from? This is basically 2015. Face it. Nice one. have not seen this LG. Yeah. Nice, Yeah, this is pretty. like it. So, this is the last interaction. This had bolts and steel. really like this lineup. At some point we we stopped evolving and that's why we had to go for some moves. Code zero replaced at ZK and then we became stronger and then we're reaching lot of quarterfinals but never really going through any of those games but really enjoy playing with both of them. Steel and Bo and both are very good teammates very good people as well. love play as well. That's very cool. Why did Mac is here from 2009 now he's my coach. Yeah actually why do why do you think you guys stopped evolving? What was the reason? think there are some limitation honestly little bit for limitation pool. Yeah, just couldn't go further with this Russian. next one. Okay, so this is MVP. Not many. don't have many. Wait. So, but this is nice. But they is this colon? think MVP. They don't did they start giving the MVP medals like instantly like actually? think don't think there was medals before. No, think it started on 15 or 16. So now we know that it's it's definitely like 15 16. Yeah. Was the tournament SK? think this is colon 17. 17. Cologne 17. Cologne 17. First MVP at Dream Hack Austin. Austin. Okay. So, this was when played Immortals on the finals. The other Brazilian team. How was it? It was fun. We We changed nicknames. Everyone was giving hearts to the other teammates, you know, compliment each other. We're very friendly. We're actually living pretty close to each other at the time. So, so nowadays as well, we have like opportunities to play against Brazilian teams. Do you think there's like difference between There's big difference now because back in the days when we first went to to live in Hicardo house, Hicardo opened his house with Camila for us to go with the Kaboom lineup. And then at some point we decided to open another house in front of us to another Brazilian. So me, Hicardo, and Camila, we decided to do games academy project. Yeah. And we made competition in Brazil. We called the golden chance. And the team who would win it would come leave in. that's very cool. So you know we're born with FNX team, bro. FX always from the action. FNX team. He helped the team win lot. FNX, Showtime, Nex, Henny, don't know, some people. That's very cool how like Brazilians like somebody gets hand from somebody and then the person who got the hand, he gives hand to another one, you know, like helping each other. Always giving something back. Yeah. Yeah. That's how think can help. That's very cool, bro. XM. Of course, bro. Left doublech. Not helping, bro. Here we go. won. won. Time finish, bro. You won. Bro, you didn't find the bomb. You couldn't find the bomb. No problem. No problem. Impossible. Privilek. Hello. It's so hard. It's so hard. The problem is don't know the map as well. Like, it's so hard. don't know why that don't know. you. Leave me. Find another bomb, bro. properize. Bro, same. Of course, bro. Of course, bro. Easy, easy that way. So bad, bro. It's so hard. It's actually so hard. We finished not hit you, bro. my god. Nice to finish, bro. Yeah, bro. will restart again. Let's go. Restarting, bro. was that many scared scared. What? kill you. Yeah, bro. It's hard, bro. Is easy. Hello everybody. Today we are here to do something special. So, me and Fawn revisiting some of his great great great great great memories in the pictures in photos. Maybe some bad ones there as well. Nice. Going down the memory lane. Let's see. this is nice. It says here. Okay. This is like geog. Yeah, little bit. It's little little bit. So, I'm playing with code zer taco zil on the back here with the hat, think. Or here. this is nice. So, this is Kvita. have the hint here. Is there FNX? FNX is probably here too. Yeah, effects with the hats and on the background here, think. Yeah. Is this the best lineup? think this is the tournament we lost to Fnatic on the finals cuz never won KTO Vista. So, this is So, this one is the tournament we went to the finals. We're winning and they came back on best. Was it was it major? It wasn't major. No, but it was very nice tournament. Yeah. Fun times, bro. 2016, think. Check it out. 16, think. Or 16. You're right. Yeah. Who do you think would win? like this LG lineup or or our our Fury up nowadays? Yeah. Well, that's legendary question, bro. What do you think? It'll be good fight. Yeah, really. It would be good fight. Next picture. now now we have some celebrations, Nice. This is the major Columbus 2016. First major won. One of the most special days of my life. Definitely. Cuz this is when felt everything have lived so far to that point. You know, you win the major. You got it all. That's why we do it. that's why you do it. Just for exactly this moment, Since then, trying to get the same feeling again. It's hard. How How long this feeling lasts for? This one lasts little bit more. 100. Yeah. Yeah. This one last little bit more, but not much. After you got to go back to work. So, which year are you saying? This is 16. 16. Yeah, you're right. Next one. Black and white. this is 2017. Cologne. Cologne. Yeah. think this is our second major win. We beat Team Liquid on the finals. It's the finals, Simple was playing for Team Liquid at the time. This was the second major win. It was very special as well. Was this the cold jumping shot on Mirage? No, that was the first one. Columbus. So, this was the second one. hear we're more like established team. We're playing better for couple times now for couple months. So, you're like the vitality of the days. Yeah, back on the days were the favorites and had my whole family going for this tournament in Cologne which was special too. So it was definitely one of the memories and was actually was MVP in the Sherman. No, no, wasn't. No, zero. No, was not. Zero was the cold in the team as well. Yeah, zero is like now how can the vitality guys get MVP with on the team? Right. Same vibes. Same vibes. Brazilian flag. Oo. You guess you're helping me out here. It's pro league. pro league. Same team. Where was the pro league back then? So many places. maybe. think this dance in Denmark. if we're living the truth, you have to be 17 because in 16 we only won the majors. Really? Life hack. Yeah. 16 we want two majors and nothing else. 17 we want like more tournaments. No majors. Hello everybody. Today we are here to do something special. Me and Fawn revisiting some of his great great great great memories in the pictures in photos. Maybe some bad ones there as well. Nice. Going down the memory lane. Let's see. Do you think you have good memory? No. definitely have one of the worst memories as possible because was memorized too many strategies over my life. right. Right. Right. We'll see. We'll see. Right. So, so what happened that you're not memorizing them anymore? The strategies cuz now I'm starting to think about my life. So, maybe this is going to be good. Okay. Okay. So, let's start. Let's start. We have some very good ones. this one is very old. This one is very old. I'm right here in the middle. On my left side is my brother Thiago and on my right side is my older brother, Marcelo. And have one more brother. He's not here in the picture. And we were playing 3v3 tournament in Brazil. Ita 3v3 competition. And we were playing as brothers. And this is the first trophy won. that's super cool. Cyber coffee. The trophies the trophy very big. Actually, actually actually bigger than you. I've played some couple 2v2s and 5v5s in the like in the line tournaments or whatever, but never seen 3v3. Aztec. Aztec. My brother was insane with the OP Jago playing on bridge, you know, bridge. So he was he was kind of like the inspiration. Yeah, both of them. That's very cool. Second one. that's nice one. know this guy. Yeah, this guy. know this guy. Big mentor as well. This is Knack. This photo is from 2009 and I'm playing my first international competition on World Cyber Games in Changdu. In Changangu. First trip did to China. And here am. was 18 years old playing Alp. was playing against Marlo at the time. Get right. really? Yeah. 2009. How many times you been to Changdo? Changdu. Three or four now. one time for crossfire as well. And how many times you won there? Only last one with you. really? Yeah. Yeah. So, how how was it playing against Marco? How how was it playing back then? Do you think it's like very different from now? think now we have more resources to understand the game better to study the game more and now have more experience as well. So, feel like really know what I'm doing. Back in the days had less knowledge, but would say was more explosive, you know, more skilled. Do you think do you think back in the days it was like more like dream like play playing playing the game and competing like internationally than than than it feels like now? feel now it feels like it's reality like even the new kids the second generation of gamers were coming out they see this is profession and back on the days we didn't know how many tournaments we would go for. So these are the tournaments are very important because they would pay for the trips pay for accommodation. Now it's standard right you don't go for tournaments if sell don't pay them right but now back in the days it's miracle if they did it. This was very important for you. Here you're playing for something different. It's not it's not only money. It's not only money now. Not only money and the fame. It's it's just life. Yeah. Playing with amazing too. He teach me so many things. Great guy. The Insel Extreme Masters returns for our fourth championship Sunday in Rio di Janeiro where by the end of the day, one team will indeed be hoisting the trophy. But sadly, as the old saying goes, some things never change just like Brazilian teams performing on Brazilian soil. And that is truly curse that we have to address. Obviously not winning home trophy tournament for long time with fallen announcements. Well, he's never going to live that trophy in front of the home audience. This is not what you want to see. But Vitality are playing on different level. They are indeed on the other side of the bracket. However, we finally thought Falcons had found some wind beneath their wings, but turns out no. It was actually Spirits to be showing up on the big stage. And last time that happened was the Budapest Major. So, it leaves kind of lot of questions in Falcon's department what they're going to do, especially with kicks in and rumors around that. After all, Spirit is the one taking the grand final and Dong is doing dong things. So, let's see how that goes. Another question have, can team Spirit become the first ever team to claim that giant killer bonus? It's time to find out as we kick off the Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026. Rafa really making history. Absolutely phenomenal. And Ace is the champion of the Intel Extreme Masters World Finals. Storm still not quite done. He is going to take this fight though. 3 seconds left. Last two rounds. And Blash's got to started well for ESC. And this is massive move this, but he's not content with just nex. And it's all done. trolling. Unbelievable. Rogue with four zero victory over classic. And they did it again in the Black. It's going. Give it up for your Intel Extreme Masters World Champion. The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL in partnership with Intel, Acer Predator, and DHL. That best of five grand final is inching ever closer. I'm so excited to kick it off in the in town tent with my friend Stiko. We have had such an incredible weekend so far. am hoping that this grand final is going to deliver maybe little bit more than the two map affairs we've been having so far. feel like whatever is going to happen on the server, it will deliver because the emotion that is being shared amongst Brazilians and the players on the stage, it's lifetime experience. can assure you that they are feeling it, they're enjoying it, and this is just the beauty of Counter Shark that we're witnessing here in Brazil. Can just put something on the record as well? did tweet it out, but during our pre-match interviews for the Fury of Vitality game yesterday, kid you not, could not hear word that Apex was saying. don't think he could even hear my questions. Like have never experienced loudness at that level. Yeah, exactly happened to me as well with Fallen. mean, when you see Fallen standing up on stage, everyone starts cheering and actually prepped for that interview like wanted to ask follow-up question, right, on something that he will answer. did not hear the answers. was like threading the water, so to speak. and it is surreal experience, but can only imagine how louder it gets once the game goes live. Of course, we were talking lot about the games going down yesterday, but do want to talk about some recent news going down as well. let's start off with MU and the changes that have happened in the camp over there because we were kind of all hearing that there was some rumors of couple of changes maybe that were going to be happening during the off season at the beginning of the year that didn't materialize for whatever reason that is. So the changes, can you just run us through exactly what we're going to be seeing in mouse moving forward? So the big change with the roster is that Jimmy is out and obviously Roland is also out for now. They're going to be bringing in their academy player promoting Selex and for the time being it will be also jail for upcoming two events. So my ex teammate and I'm pretty happy about that. But the big thing is also IGL transition from Certion and these duties will be shared amongst them and this is Cyclone basically sharing his vision on the team and love these changes. don't really know if it's the correct timing to do these changes but you never really have the correct timing so to speak. So at the same time I'm just happy that the changes are happening because it's been way too long since mouse lifted trophy and you cannot really label them as contender team anymore. think that's totally fair assessment. do want to pick up brain on couple of things there. We mentioned obviously Brolan he is going to be in the server for the IM cologne major coming up as well. Not as in game leader as you said going over to Zion. first of all initial takes on that like it kind of feels like little bit of repeat of what we experienced last year where it was like Roland's becoming the IGL. Okay. never knew that was of interest. Does this make more sense for obviously Cyclone has to have some kind of data on exertion that will make him right fit. We cannot really know that without him explaining into detail. But what is worrying to me is that Exertion is the guy that is playmaker essentially right now in mouse and he used to struggle in playoff big time. Whenever the playoffs rolled around, he's his rating just dropped down and he wasn't feeling very comfortable on the server making these plays. How is that going to impact his calling as well right now? You know, it's another layer to the whole game that you have to think about and if Cert is ready for that, am not sure. That's why I'm kind of skeptical on this, but at the same time, nothing can be worse than it was right now because mouse were not winning trophies and with that lineup, you need to do that. Yeah. No, I'm really glad they made change. totally agree with you. I'm not sure whether it is going to be the correct change for now. but am very excited to see an academy player graduating for MU. Right, Zel? you pointed it out right when we were chatting about it in the green room. We did see him taken to the stage in Kadavita in that kind of interim period between Spinx joining the roster. just in terms of what your takeaways are from him, how much have you seen from him? Does this make sense? Is the guy to be getting in? did couple of research pieces for from Mouse MXT when watched their game. So, I'm quite familiar with their kind of roster. So, I'm really happy about this promotion. think he was don't want to say by far the best player on the roster, but he was definitely the most impactful guy on the server. And whenever MXT were playing, it kind of showed and they were right now in my opinion the best academy team to really make this promotion happen. So, I'm happy for that. Obviously, he's Hungarian kid, but he already have that tier kind of land experience from the past when he stood in for mouse for that specific event. So, am happy to see mouse going this path instead of buying the new players and superstars trying to integrate them into the team. You really take that grassroot approach and want to commend Cyclone for taking that route. And of course, as you mentioned, your former teammate JL, give us few words as to that. It's pretty exciting for me to see him back in the server as well. know he was you know quite hungry to get back in there too. Tell me maybe tell me some of your favorite memories for JR. First of all, obviously it has to be the Paris major run that we had the semi-final that no one expected and Apex being in the semi-final of the major is something surreal to even think about. We do we did lost that to Vitality that eventually won the major but it was surreal experience and that was breakout moment for JL feel like because right after that Na'Vi approached him and he took that offer and no one really blamed him. Obviously, he did big things in Na'Vi, won the major, MVP of the major, couple other tournaments as well. am really happy for him. And obviously, he's having kind of stint right now where he's not really playing for team, but he himself mentioned that this is kind of like his test to get ready for the second part of the season because obviously this is just standin situation for mouse for two events. He's not going to be at the IM colone major as you mentioned, but do believe that this is kind of stepping stone to bring him back into the form so he can advance in the second part of the season for real team hopefully. Let's talk about one of your other former teammates as well and the changes that guess unfortunately Kixon is going to be going through because we don't know exactly where he's going to land. would be surprised if you know top tier team didn't try and grab him immediately or maybe that's already in the works. but when spoke to Nico yesterday in the Exit interview after their series, he kind of, don't want to say soft confirmed that changes were coming. You kind of see it ticking over in him saying he wanted to say the future is uncertain, but he's like, well, it's not really uncertain. because you kind of know what's going on. But either way, moving forwards for Falcons, am so excited if Carrian does enter that jersey, enter the server for Falcons. I'm so excited to see what's going to happen. Nico does like to edge us, right? mean, Carrian coming into the Falcons, it's again one of the surreal experiences. If you look back year, that is kind of for lot of players either unthinkable or dream scenario in lot of ways. Now, for reference, whenever Carrian is joining team like this, he is clearly bringing his vision. It's not like he's going to adapt to Falcons, whatever they were doing, and now we slowing Carrian. Carrian will bring his capacity, his knowledge, his team building structure-wise, everything that comes along with it. he will bring that to Falcons and that will take time to implement even for the grades like Monacey or Nikico which Carrian used to play with before obviously they know what they're getting or they have at least as well that connection with zoning as well that didn't really think about before but what is going to shape Falcons is the time in my opinion and Carrian will need some time at least months at least tournaments where he needs to really pull that vision through and it's not short-term solution so for IM cologne don't actually have high hopes for Hallups. No, was going to say, what are we at now? We're at middle tail end of April. We've got what, less than 60 days until the mage kicks off. Obviously, Falcons are going to be starting in the later stage as well, so that does buy him little bit more time, but guess that's the question, right? We were talking about it. It was bit of slow off season. Let's just say that we were expecting lot more changes, hindsight, Andy, here, but kind of wish they'd have happened earlier so we could have little bit more tape. But either way, very exciting change. and not to put you under the spotlight, but have you spoken to Kixon at all? know you did vibe check with him heading into that third place decider. Like what are you like just on speaking terms after you played together on Apex? We're on great terms by the way. Whenever we get chance to chat, we do chat. But don't want to bring this up even in private conversation. don't want to know more than I'm not supposed to know. don't want to know more to kind of hide behind the feelings. know that he is here focused to win the tournament. Right now it's not happening. He's just playing the third place decider. But it is kind of interesting to see how he's handling that because he's putting up pretty good numbers. He's still leading by example. am really happy what I'm what I'm seeing so far because this is his resume for the next team that he's about to join. And as Nerds tweeted yesterday, think Kicksten is going to be asset for pretty much every single tier one team when it comes to the leading. And do stand by that 100% ever the professional is Kixson. do want to move the conversation on to that ESL Grand Slam because it is on the precipice of happening. And this is historical for many reasons. One, it could be the first team to go back to back, be the first two-time ESL grand champion. And on second note, it could be the first player to win it three times in Robs. could not think of more deserving player to be taking at home. Like the amount of accolades this kid is picking up is just unfathomable. But feel like there's something brewing. feel like we're going to be witnessing history tonight. just realized we're talking about all my previous teammates. JL into Kicksen into Robes, right? alongside some grades, right? mean, this is kind of this is kind of nice to reminiscent of the old times at the same time. And if there is one player that is deserving that, that is Robes. Even when he was breaking through and when get chance to play with him and he was just developing player, it's just quote unquote developing into into superstar eventually. That is the kid that just want him to have it. He is just such hard worker. He's such good vibe. Very low resources at the same time on the server. He's doing what he has to do. not the shiniest roles, but he's reinventing them to be shiny, right? It's it's it's spectacular thing what what he's managing to do, especially in the VH Vitality lineup. Ever since he joined, it's clearly the best team in the world. If they do take this grand slam, mean, what way to do it. mean, maybe you can attest to this more than can with Ma, but would say at least two times in his career, he's been that missing piece of the puzzle, right? Obviously back with FaZe as well, really cornerstone move for them coming in. and then obviously Vitality as well to go on this era. Seo, I've never actually asked you this in person, which is crazy, but whose era do you think is better, Vitality or Arralles? do have to say Vitality. Even though Astralis, was on the receiving end of it. always lost to Arales in the semi-finals. It was annoying to play against, but at least we've seen some weaknesses that we can abuse. Right now, when you're playing against Vitality, you don't even see the weakness because even if it's tactical weakness, there's Zu waiting for you. There's ropes, there's flame there's even Apex is having moments where he's like, "What the hell is happening? How is this IGL so good?" And it's tough to play against. will give credit whenever can to Vitality for what they're doing right now. The competition has never been higher. And all these roster changes that we've been spoken about in this segment, they're there to dethrone Vitality. Carrian is coming to Falcons to push them over the edge in those close moments. Even mouse changes are there to kind of bring these younger guys into trophy contention to dethrone Vitality and Spirit quite literally the last bastion of hope if anybody wants to take him down here in Rio. But one more exciting thing that we do need to announce obviously face it season 8 is going to be starting very soon. We got cashback. Why is it so exciting that we got this new season? So new season comes with little bit of change to the ELO system. Now you have to play 10 placement matches to actually determine your true skill, your true ELO. And it's just referencing that not every player is deserving their ELO. Especially when you play don't play for long time, you tend to drop in your performance and it's just natural. If you don't play Counter Strike for 7 days, for example, don't know how to hold mouse after 7 days. So it does make sense that it kind of calibrates your rank to where you truly stand and it will be just little bit of better experience in these lobbies to play against people that you are quite matched up with, but also with the teammates that are around your lobby. Well, speaking of games, it is time to kick off the biggest one of the tournament yet. best of five between Vitality and Team Spirit going down here at the Intellect Stream Masters Rio 2026. it's big day. And I'm still recovering from that big Furia party that didn't go to, by the way. And you know who else didn't go there, Hugo? Cuz they're trying to be locked in. They're trying to be on the ball today. Vitality nor Spirit. big day for them. BO5 grand final here in the FASI Arena and Vitality chasing grand slam as well. But you're wondering why we're here. We're here to talk about our Colex.gg fantasy picks. We still got five players in, Harry. That's what happens when you pick semi-finalists. Yeah. Yeah, it's fair. We are pretty 200 IQ with how we do this now. We've done couple of these Colex Fantasy headto-heads. We're split right now, but think that's going to change here in Rio. Hugo, I'm winning. I'm actually destroying you if you don't mind me saying. 12 points and destroying. I'll give it to you. I'll give it to you. It's something resembling what destroying might look like. Look, you have vitality and you're maxing out vitality. You are in that very that final as well. We've got third place assigner that's already about to go down. And yeah, safe to say think you might have won the BO3, Harry. I'll give it to you this time, but I'm going to make it secret BO5 come the next event. Secret BO5. That's what we're working to bring to these events. and that's what hope gets picked up by more to moving forward. For now though, Hugo, sealing the kind of sealing the chapter of Colex. Are you saying take the BO3? Well, let's see how it goes. But, you're in great place, Harry. I'm proud of you. You come long way. It's been good jewel. It's been good jewel. Good jewel. Good jewel. And you can duel, too. Colex.gg. Dir. Hey, welcome to the grand final. wanted to ask you, how does it feel? because for the first time it feels like you will have audience on your side. hello really I'm happy because we're throwing to grand final it's didn't happen happen lot time for me in general and for organization but for our goal on on this tournament been as team and that's it we just want to go into arena and just enjoy game you have the opportunity to rewrite the history something that has never been done before to deny the Grand Slam. Is this an extra motivation to get that $100,000? I'm not sure. don't know. We just want to play and that's it. We don't care about the grand slam. We don't care about grand final. We just want to show our game. We want to be as team and that's it. All right. About the best of five final, you feel like you're ready with the map pool that you're having right now for that kind of task. Sure. Okay. Because wanted to ask with the preparation with Holy Missing, you already had troubles in best of three what you said. What about the best of five? Were you like the whole team helping Magix and Saltik to to prepare or did you leave it to them? sure Magics and Sautic did lot preparation both but of course everyone also did preparation and they share with their ideas or something like that and they will combine this for like in general our plan and it's fine. If the stars align, you have this opportunity to actually win the event, deny the grand slam, and maybe even get MVP because of your performance so far this tournament and to steal it away from Zyu or Dong. Must be pretty cool, right? looks pretty cool. But really, don't care. don't care. For me, it's best point trophy. It's fine. Yeah, that's all you need really. Trophy, right? Yeah. See you on the stage and get that best of five final underway. See you. See you. Vitality are indeed locked and loaded into yet another grand final. Medi, welcome back. it's not been long since you were last here. Obviously finished the second semi-final. What did you guys get up to yesterday and this morning? straight back to work. preparation as usual. think it's our usual schedule to finish the game and get straight back onto watching the next opponent prepare all the maps, especially for best of five. It's long preparation day, but it's just time to give everything we have left for this match up now. You must be very used to it by now, right? You making it to so many grand finals. You're very used to winning them as well. How do you make sure you don't come in too overconfident, just assuming it's going to be like basically all of your previous grand finals? No, think it's something that we've tried to make sure we do over the last 18 months as team is just to never be too complacent, never take it too easy because of course you can always have patches like we did at the end of last year where you kind of maybe think you are bit better than you actually are and then you kind of the losses start to roll in and you maybe lose bit of confidence, but for us think yeah, we we just want to win as many trophies as possible, be as successful as we can and that's the goal. think the the best way to do that is always to stay confident and never take it too easy and be too complacent. mean, you guys are looking pretty damn good right now. There's this whole narrative about is the Astralis era better, is the Vitality era better. mean, if you get your hands on second ESL Grand Slam, surely your era is better, right? But Australa's only got one. mean, I'll I'll let the others kind of discuss that. think we're kind of just still living in the moment and making sure we can kind of build our legacy. Of course, Austral had had their time and then maybe once ours is done and we've won what we've won and people can discuss it then. But yeah, we'll see how it is. Thank you so much, Mazi. Good luck. Thank you. Heat up here. The pounding heart of esports beats louder here in Kennington. They have the double peak. He's getting his shot. Unbelievable. Something special to this. And that's exactly what happens. Got bit. We are back. You know, it's like having God above you talking to you with this asset. Put the blindfold. No. Okay. It's going live. Yeah. Hit loud. Put towards the right. On the right. On the right. And bit left with your mouth in front of you. Go left. Left. Left. Down bit. Down. Aim down. Right. Right. Right. Right. You're on shot. Jump of the ladder. Is it right in front of you, mate? Left. Left and down. Down. Down. Down. Shoot. Shoot. Left. You can hear him. You can hear him. Go back. Down. Down. Down. Down. Down. Down. Drop him. Down. Get him. Yes. Yes. The knife is the goat. Okay. But no knife guy. Okay. Shooting. Keep going. Stop. Stop. You can run. Okay. Give me. Shoot. Shoot. Wait. Okay. Wait. Can you give me 360? Turn around. Stop. And click I'm going for it. Yeah. He's somewhere. Okay. Down. And down. He's in front of you. Up bit. To the right. Robin. And quickly. It's door. Up bit. Right. Down. Door. Down. Right. Right. Right. Wait. This guy. Right. Down. Down. Dad. Left. Left. Left. Left. Right. Right. Right. Right. How the is in here? To the right. Down. Down. Robin. Down. He's in the water in front of you. Swimming. He's swimming. Shoot. Left. Left. Shoot. To the right. Okay. He's jumping. You You're the right jumping over here. Left. What the is going on? Yeah. You need to control your amo. yes. You shot him insta twice and you couldn't hit him again. Yeah, my accent for that or something. Robin has $400 for some reason. That's shame. It's not our problem. I'm sorry. Yeah. No. No. P90 or P90. You're on rock. Okay. So, okay. That's it. You're going towards the house now. You're looking towards the house. Yeah. Yeah. And you open the door. Right behind him. To the left. To the right. To the left. Yeah. bit straight and position. You're in the back. Back and right. Forward now. No. No. Forward. Go forward. He's inside the house and you're outside. Look behind you. You're outside the house. Just move around your front. Left side bit. Left side. Left side bit. Left side. Straight. Straight. Straight. You're going into the wall. Okay. He's on the phone. Look behind you. bit to the right. Look bit to the right. Yeah. No. No. Don't shoot. Don't shoot. Okay. Okay. You're going up the stairs in the house now. You're in the house. No. To the right. To the right. Down. To the right. Down. Down. Down. Down. To the left. Where do you plant the bomb, No plant the bomb. It's so easy. Actually, think the bomb is going to explode. Otherwise, will knife. You knife first round. plant the bomb. All right, we've arrived at our destination, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, everyone around the world gathering, conjuring up, getting their friends and family members together so that we can watch this grand final together. Team Spirit taking on Team Vitality. ESL Grand Slams on the line. Legacies potentially on the line. Namesakes very much always. So, my name is Trey Saranthis. Alongside of me will be Yanko Yank Poundovich and on the very end, Jacob Pimp Wanesh. Gentlemen, how we doing today? It's Sunday. It's time for some games. It's good Sunday. It's championship Sunday and it's Sunday where you could potentially hand out million bucks to team, which think is pretty cool. Yeah, absolutely. Vitality on quest chasing history to be the first team ever to win two ESL Grand Slam. First team ever to win it back to back as well. And Spirit also in way would be the first team to deny someone and get that killer bonus if they beat Vitality here today. Yeah, the killer bonus something we haven't seen activated quite yet. but mean hate to say it. The odds of Spirit doing it today. Yeah, they're not great, you know, but there's always chance. And think if anything, which we'll dive into later, they've been playing better and better and and then there's this one, you know, Factor, this one kid called Donk who can always throw spanner into the works. So I'm not willing to give it up just yet. We have seen Vitality already at this tournament lose game to Falcon. So, they're not unbeatable, but think you're right when you're saying, Trace, that the odds of it happening, Spirit beating Vitality are not that great. To be honest, for me, it isn't even about Dong because Vitality have shown in the past that they're more than capable of dealing with him. think it's the fact that we're seeing, you know, some new energy with this team spirit in this tournament, right? Obviously, we're seeing, you know, Tanir play much better individually, but you could just see how they've turned the corner in this tournament after getting stomped by Falcons, even losing map to Red Canid. You know, Magix was also very vocal about it. They had team talk. They sort of aired it out. and then from that point on, they played much better Counter-Strike. You know, the absence of Hi in way is putting more responsibilities on MagX and Sautfic of course as his replacement or as standin rather. So he's been figuring out those dynamics on the fly and perhaps just perhaps they're enjoying little bit of you know more relaxed environment and they're definitely playing with some more freedom. Yeah, we talk about Magics and it's because also he had given us quote right here. He says we're playing pretty good and maybe they can win map versus Vitality. He's also gone on to say that it shouldn't take two years basically, right? You know what? I'll be honest here. You know, like Magic as player and like the fact that he's willing to take up, you know, the responsibility of being an in-game leader and trying to invent himself in in that role. But listening to him in interviews, I'm I'm kind of over it. You know, half the time it's No, I'll be honest. Half the time it's just him memeing, you know, trying to to be funny, edgy, etc., etc. And get it. You know, sometimes it's it's great way of maybe removing focus or or not taking into account what you're actually being asked by then denying even answering the question. which can be strategy in itself, but it's little bit too much for my liking. And heading into this final, of course, the goal is not to win one map. The goal is to win the trophy. The goal is to when you have Don on your lineup, when you have Shir on your lineup to go into every single tournament and be title contender. So, you know, for for now, it's it's maybe fun for for people at times, but I've had little bit too much of it. want to see bit more, guess, decisiveness in in the way he communicates. mean, it's defense mechanism in way. It's what G2 Esports is all about, right? win or lose, we're going to meme about it. And in way, when the team is struggling, right, and and and you keep doing that, it it does sort of deflect some of the blame, some of the pressure. So, yeah, don't think for now because he's still new to the role and it's, you know, only been couple of months of for this new team spirit roster that people are focusing on it too too much. But if let's say they still don't have any tournament wins four, five, 6 months from now when then all of sudden don't think it's going to be as koi for Magix in some of these interviews. Yeah, still seems like ironing some of the problems out, some of the kinks out around there. Maybe Don can give us some insight. Let's hear what the young man has to say. Donk ahead of the grand final. You said previously that you don't really care when audience booze you, right? What about when they cheer for you? because it might actually happen here in Brazil. They're going to be they're going to be on your side probably, right? Yeah, think so. No one wants Vitality to win again. So like, yeah, probably they they will be on our side, but like Yeah, think it's more enjoyable to play when the audience cheering for you, but like it's still game. Yeah. feel like only guy that can stop Zyu right now is you in the world in this kind of in these kind of matches. Do you agree with that? and he had an insane tournament, but also it's for you getting better and better from map to map. You're stronger and stronger. Obviously, you were sick. Right now, you're not anymore. hope so. Do you feel like this is kind of nice chance to snatch that potential number one in the in the in the in the ranking here? think yes. think we have good opportunity to like to to beat them and we are in good shape as team and think we can make some damage to them and but don't think about me beating Zyu. I'm more thinking about Team Spirit beating Team Vitality. So like that's perfect. And what about best of five? This is something that you haven't played in long time and obviously Vitality are very good at it. Do you have map already for best of five? Yeah, we had we had more time to preparation than Vitality cuz we were playing first yesterday. So like think we are ready like it's easier to play five cuz you know all the maps and like there's only like the the positions of this map think and but it's fine. It's enjoyable. You still are underdog coming into the final. So tell me honestly what needs to happen for Team Spirit to win this game? Do you need to play your own game? Do you have some surprises ready? Maybe you just want to finish it as fast as possible. 3, you know, what needs to happen for Team Spirit to actually claim that trophy right there. know. believe like we are not chasing trophy. We are chasing good game, would say. and like we want to become better team and we don't really think about eling the trophy and like we know Vitality is great team and maybe maybe they're better than us but it's not the the spot would say and we are just going to show our game and we want to see it's very interesting to see what damage can you do to the best team in the world. This is beautiful mentality and Don good luck in this best of five. Yeah, ironically, Don telling us right there about chasing the dragon little bit against that of Team Vitality, the the ever classful, the ever worldbeating Vitality. Path to the finals for Team Spirit looked little bit like this. If we look at some of those series, two O's here, two ones there. Sure, but that's an interview like. You know, like the fact that he's actually saying that he thinks they have pretty good chance of doing damage against Vitality. Whether or not you're thinking about the trophy, whether or not you think you're in position to to claim it all, also agree with that. you know, he's assessing the team in period of development assessing the team as in they've had the worst start to season ever with him on the lineup in 2026. So, for them to be in final all of sudden, it would be ridiculous for him to say that we expect to win the trophy. But, like what hear from Dong. He's well aware that on good day, they can put up fight against Vitality. On good day, he could do lot of damage and on good day, he's still assessing the team as what it is right now, team in development and team that is progressing towards the IM colone major. And they absolutely have their chances, right? mean, goes without saying Vitality is the favorite, but if they play 10 times, you think Vitality beats them every single time? Probably not, right? So, the the main reason why they can have some confidence is the improvement that we're seeing in their play, right? And even Magix was talking about it that this is the first sort of good result that they've had and first time they're playing good CS ever since Crackout. So, it's been work in progress in terms of figuring everything out, especially him in the in-game leader role. So now you're coming into it being the heavy underdog, right? You don't have really pressure on your side. You've done better in this tournament than any other this year, right? And those are all good omens for you to be able to have good game. Yeah. And if you're the side of team spirit, you can see some of this head-to-head history. mean, it's pretty one-sided, Jacob. It is one-sided, you know, but that's also result of who Vitality are and what kind of period they've been in. You know, the the fun thing with these head-to-head histories is that sure, when you're comparing, you know, team number two versus team number five, there could be an interesting storyline in that if you compare Vitality's head-to-head against anyone in the world, it's going to look like this more often than not, apart from Falcons, who's had good job of of beating Vitality. So, in that regard, don't want to take too much into account of this cuz also do think Spirit are playing much much better now than they were 3 weeks ago. So in in anything agree with the sentiment that Spirit should be comfortable knowing that they have much better chance beating Vitality today than they had month ago cuz they're playing better counter and and two results that stand out there are the first and the last one right with Katvitz in 2025 sort of being the first tournament that Vitality won with this roster and then they went on this tremendous streak and then at the Budapest major in that semi-final actually Spirit had huge lead on the first map right and went into overtime and lost in double overtime. So, you know, who knows if they're able to win that first map, maybe they can make something happen. so, they've actually had good game against them last time they faced. Yeah, for team like Spirit when they go up against the Vitali that 2025 you're referencing there in Katabita, that was his rookie year, right, for Donk. It it was second year. Second year, you know, but but every year is rookie year for Don the way he's playing right now. He just keeps, you know, raising the bar in that degree. Yeah, it's good, you know, and and think as you also said, you know, alluded to right here, there's different ways of losing if if you make it close. As you said, at the major in Budapest, it was competitive game. It was also time in Spirit where lot of people were questioning whether or not Sway should even be on the lineup. So, Spirit obviously didn't come into that major in their best shape or or in condition where they were supposed to win the entire thing. We talked about Vitality. We talked about Fury and whoever else was going to be the third best team will probably mouse at the time being. So, think there's difference between then and now. And and think that difference is only good for team spirit. As you said, they play better now. They've activated guy like Tina at this tournament. Magic's coming in with new ideas as well. It's it's different team vital facing. Yeah, you're saying the words that need to be said right there. Ter having blinder of an event. pretty good one, Yanko. Yeah, absolutely. without doubt his best event, think in team spirit jersey and not not just this year, right? And you can see the numbers they speak for themselves. And think one of the main reasons is he's taking more initiative, right? He's playing with more confidence. he he's not just worried about not making mistake and sort of waiting for the rest of the team to make play and then play off the back of them. Like he is the aggressor in some of these rounds and it's worked wonders for Spirit in this tournament. He showed lot of personality throughout the tournament, both on the server, even off the server. the crowd pandering, you know, showing up in Brazil shirt every time he walks on the stage as well, being very open in the interviews, you know, seemingly being very happy as well, energized. So, you can clearly feel it's player that is animated. It's player that is is willing to to put in the work and has been able to put in the work for Team Spirit so far this tournament. As you said, very much agree. think it's the best tournament he's ever had in Team Spirit. And if he can continue that in the grand final against Vitality, against the final boss, if he can pose 1.24 rating on average over the course of maybe five maps, then think Spirit winning this game becomes way more likely. It it's again not case of me trying to paint them as the favorite but more so saying that with Tener playing well supported by Dong supported by Shiro. You're looking at Spirit with lot to offer on the Zero. And where have we seen that the most at? mean is it something where of course for team like Vitality yeah they've got the target on their back but Team Spirit always punching trying to punch upwards towards them right. Yeah, they've just been trying to find themselves and goes without saying when you go up against Vitality, you can't have guys missing, you know, like everyone needs to deliver and we talked about Don and Shiro so much and for Taneer mean definitely stepping up and also team spirit as whole, right? Like we have an example from the Falcons game talking about them playing with some more freedom or simplifying their game somewhat, you know, just not overthinking it and letting the players go wild. first gun round on that second map. You can see the mid smokes. Don is just going to use some utility, sort of try to fake mid default. You can see three players going towards apartments, dropping some utility for Magix, who's going to do most of the supporting in this round, right? And you can see the time on the clock 120. pretty straightforward and but you'll see how Tanir as the first guy gets out of apartments as well on top of everything else as the utility comes in for Maggus. is actually going to go down the ladder into the moloto completely catching Kixson off guard. Gets the entry there. Nico spams immediately kills him as well. And that's the round done and dusted, right? And and we see little bit more of this from Team Spirit, you know, where they're just very direct brute forcing their way into the bomb sites. Of course, they still play default. They still have the slower rounds and the splits and everything, but they know when they have the edge, when they can use the momentum to their advantage, and they've been really good at that in this tournament. That's why feel Matics deserves some some credit as an in-game leader in this tournament. We we spoke about Harley not being here and maybe that has been blessing in the sky in the sense that they've been able to play bit more free, you know, maybe experiment with different style. As you said, it's not like they changed completely how they approach the game or gone away from running defaults, but in certain rounds, it does feel like all the players are let bit more free. And for new ending game leader like Magix who's still trying to figure out what kind of style he's going to have as an in-game leader. Maybe that's the style, right? You you compare him to maybe guy like Carrian who throughout his entire career has had that style of allowing individuals to have freedom to make decisions. Maybe that's the same magics has to do within spirit when you have so many different playmakers on the team in in terms of Shirou Dong and Tiny as well. think developed little bit of an attitude as the tournament progressed. You know, in that semi-final against Falcons, you are even seeing Shirou in some rounds, OP or rifle, doesn't matter, sort of peak into fights and search for fights and and be aggressive in way that we don't usually see him do. So, that's just, you know, the mindset of of Spirit at this tournament is, you know, to not play scared, to to be the aggressors, to be the ones who dictate the fights, especially when they're off to good start and and they start gaining some confidence. And if that happens in this final as well, Vitality can get in trouble. Yeah. And think for us, it's also probably important to isolate and look at some of these support players. Who are the supporting cast when we look at these two teams? Who's going to be the ones in there throwing the flashes, making the moves, and making the space, creating the opportunities? I'm looking at Zantics. I'm looking at like the type of mezzi. think it's always fun to to look at the support cast to the to the main stars cuz obviously we we kind of know what we get from Syo. We know what we get from dog. You know, it'll be surprise if neither of the two are going to have maps where they're going to blow up the server. But it's it's little bit more delicate they say it with guy like Messi and Sic for that matter as well. think Six returning into Team Spirit used that little time to get warmed up. You know, he had bit of break from Counter-Strike for for good reason. Now he's coming back to it. It's not the the good old Six when he was at his best, but he's slowly but surely warming into it. Whereas Messi to me has established himself as player that Vitality can count on when they need him the most. It could be in game where Spirit are playing well. It could be in game where the game is heading into fourth map and it's all of sudden close. And then you see Messi pop off out of the blue. He has that habit of of stepping up in big moments, they say, more often than not. And that's why think the support cast tonight could be equally important as to don. mean, you don't need to look further than the last time they played right. Spirit off to believe 6-0 start on their CT side on Mirage the opening map and then it's mezzi you know stepping up. It's not Zyu, it's not Robs, it's Mezzi actually with some clutches with, you know, clawing back in 2v4s in 2v3s, you know, on that bombite. think the guys on Spirit hate his ass for that. mean, they were doing everything right. They were playing so well. They're shutting down Zyuk. he's having terrible start and then Messi shows up. But that's just the strength of Vitality. You know, there's always someone who can take the mantle, step up, lead the way and sort of get buy them some breathing room for the rest of the team to get into the game. Yeah. Leading the way. And it's kind of like you led the way yesterday saying we never said Flames's name the whole time. Well, let's say it now, Jacob. Say what you got to say. Well, mean, yesterday he had fun experience. Obviously, pointed out saying that he was going to be one of the most important players in the game and then he goes 0 and 11 in in the first half on on overpass, turns it around, had great showing in the second half and and found lot of impact. think Flamec is is vital for team like Vitality, especially today cuz there's going to be lot of head-to-head duels against Donk. Two players who likes to be aggressive. Flamecy, player that Apex likes to send in first. There's lot of utility behind them, and that's something you can dive into if you want to. If you study vitality, you study the pathway of Flamecy when he's entry fragging. He's not doing it by himself. Whereas Fred Donk has bit more of habit of of creating the space by himself. Flames is guy that is working within system and then is getting lot of support by utility behind him. So two different ways of doing it, but definitely dual to look out for. Yeah, getting the support but also understanding his role and keeping his eye on eyes on the prize. You know, he was talking about in interview after the game is like didn't care. knew didn't have many opportunities. Sure, whiffed couple of times. The boys were getting it done. We still had good half and knew I'll have my opportunities in the second half. He got opportunities and he took advantage of them. As coach, you cannot ask for anything more from guy in terms of his approach and his mentality than that. And that's why guys like Flamesy are invaluable. You know, you can't have five Zyos or five Robses on team. There's only so much space to go for and and and and so much ego as well to go around in team. So having guys who are humble like willing to just do whatever is necessary for the team they are absolutely worth their weight and gold. He's just soldier, you know, soldier that you can count on and and guy that Apex is is constantly pointing out to be gem for the lineup cuz whatever he says, whatever he tells him, whatever he's needed to do, Trace, he will. Yes. Yes, he will. And talking about Vitality doing whatever it takes, right? Yesterday on Overpass, they're down 6-0 in front of that Brazilian crowd and everything and they still managed to find way to stabilize. They end with five rounds on the T-side, all of them being gun rounds. Now, that's not easy. You know, only the best teams in the world are capable of doing that. And we got an example of what is it that makes Vitality so strong, right? Why are they potentially the greatest team of all time? And it's just they do almost everything so well, right? we're going to look at the last round of the first half to show you them going for sort of more standard, more faster mid default. Here we see the insta smoke for gate. We see Modo and Yakinder kind of playing close. Flames is that first guy with the Mac 10 just running in. Apex as well take that early fight, right? But while they're putting pressure on this is Robs the beer on his own. No utility on him or anyone else. He's just going up, walking up short, trying to put some pressure on his own, right? And not everyone has the balls to do this, right? Like he's just trying to put pressure to keep three defenders on the bombite, trying to find an opening while the rest of his team is working They're putting so much pressure early on. Flash comes in for Flamesy. He wants to chase down Yakindar because he hears him, but gets punished by Molo. And this is very common setup. Apex also not afraid to take space. immediately starts pushing here, gets really good timing and they understand, right, what the setup is on Fury is making flash play, right? Robs actually will get punished. You don't see that very often. So right now it's 5v3 for Furia real quick, right? But Molotoy and Yakinder, they know that they're stuck. know you're looking at this 5v3. What are they doing pushing? But because of how Apex is forward, they sort of need to try and take this fight to some extent. Zyu punishes it. They know that Hikind was close. They clear him as well. Right in this 3v3 now Apex is trying to push to put some pressure, cut off the rotations. He's actually in good position. Fall and just hits blinder of shot on him here. And now in 2v3 can see Zyu putting pressure. Why? because Messi had to go back into T-spawn to pick up the bomb. And now he actually understands, all right, this must have pulled the rotation from the CTS. is most likely open. Zyu just uses the extra utility he has to keep the defenders there as they go over to the bomb site. And from this point on, right, you're sort of feeling that the edge is on the side of Vitality, even though they're man down. First of all, Zy is alive in clutch. Even if it were 1 v3, you'd think he has good chance. Actually, Queserato here throws the incendiary but doesn't go for the fight even though it's going to flush out Mazi that gives them gives him the timing to tuck into water. And once he's able to do that, it's just sort of matter of finishing the round for Vitality. Mazi and Zyu do such good job of playing off of each other. The utility is being used to flash Queserato off the angle that allows Mazi to get into water. Furia taking their sweet time. You can also feel the fear factor, you know, that Vitality instills in you and they just end the round pretty cleanly in the end. lot of layers to this round, but think you're saying something very important at the end of it. You know, the fear factor that is being spoken about lot. Sonic said it, you know, the Falcons coach that he often feels Vitality are winning games cuz teams are walking in afraid of them, believing they'll lose before they even join the server. Great example was Astralis back in the days. think Snipix, you know, yes, you cannot say he wasn't great clutcher, but lot of the clutches that he used to win back in the days was also cuz people played them oddly difficult by themselves, right? He installed fear factor in them that by having the repetition of being great clutcher, people would kind of approach it differently. And think the same could be said here against team like Vitality. The best example you just showed right here, Karado not going for the fight. Had they played against any other team than Vitality, think there's higher likelihood that Karado is going for the fight, killing Messi, shutting down the round. But because they they kind of earned their repetition by being so good, they also take advantage of some of those situations by being able to convert 3v5 or 2v3 in round that most likely would have gone the other way had they not installed the fear factor. Yeah. And that sorry. Go ahead. Yeah. And the fearlessness, right, and the decisiveness from them, not being afraid to make mistakes, like going for those risks, trying to make plays. You have to play that way if you're going to win championships, right? and teams going up against Vitality sort of you see them hold back little bit because that's just what playing against the number one team in the world does to you. Yeah. And when you're on the number one team when you left another good team, you came to number one team and you guys just became unstoppable almost. It might make you the coolest dude in the server or at least in the server today and outside of the server. It's Robs. Robs, welcome back once again to yet another grand final. wouldn't be doing my job if didn't ask you about the ESL Grand Slam on the line. and you are on the precipice of making history not only with your team but with yourself. Can you tell me just from an individual standpoint what this would prove in terms of your career if you're able to close it out? yeah, it would be quite prestigious achievement. not much else to say. It would be one of kind and it's probably my first time have such an achievement, one of kind. So I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully this can this one can can bring it home. But you know we have some chances left but hopefully we get it done here. Considering the stage that we're at in the season right now with Cologne inching ever closer and closer, how important is it for you to just get the job done quickly so then you can switch focus to the upcoming major? Would be nice to get that done before the major. think that's the goal. Obviously if it doesn't happen could be the allin-one with the major in the grand slam. That's al also an opportunity but think we yeah we want to do it here. if not, we also have one more in Atlanta and perhaps even more after the major, but the sooner the better. That's always the case with the Grand Slam. you lift off the pressure, but yeah, let's see. Yeah, you've been there fair few times. You probably know that better than most. I've got to ask you about your grand finals opponent today. Haven't faced Spirit since the semi-finals of the Bitterfest Major. Just in terms of the overall temp check of Spirit at the moment, how different do you see them than the version of themselves back at the major? haven't been looking too much into the team specifically, but obviously they are bit different with big change in the IGL and think players are coming into form to near this tournament playing really well so far. So that's what we have to watch out for. think that's definitely the the biggest difference maker for them is when the individuals can can step up and you know provide Dunk some some help if needed. Obviously Dunk is always there and firing on all cylinders. So, it'll be hard to play against him, but think as as long as as long as they all play well, it's going to be tough tough game for us. But yeah, we'll see. Thank you so much for time as always, Rob Ross. Good luck. Robs von, that's that's good duel as our friend Mr. Greer would say. That's that's really good duel, but obviously for the path to the finals with Vitality, they did start out showing us that they are mortal. They did break their streak there by losing to the Falcons in in game that was good game to say the least. was good game, you know, game where think Falconers deserve the victory. But if more so, you know, it was the game against G2 that was worrisome. The fact that you're playing against stand and the fact that you're playing against the G2 who's not supposed to give you big fight. Let's not forget that Vitality, yes, they did win the game on DOS 2, they or was it Inferno, sorry, they they faced two match points as well. There was great likelihood they could have lost that game and dropped down into to the lower bracket. So, I'm not saying Vitalia played picture perfect tournament, but you could clearly see the switch when they headed into the quarterfinal. Yes, you can look little bit absent in the group stage. Yes, you can play at maybe 80 85% or whatever. But once they turned into the playoff, you could clearly see that switch, you know, where Vitality were instantly back to being the best team in the world. Exactly. And they just started dominating everyone. mean, on team level and also the individuals started showing up. Zyu in that quarterfinal against Na'Vi and even yesterday, you know, we had that ancient which we knew was going to be weird encounter for for Fury Vitality. He had that 3k towards the end just with the AK after the Yuri 1 v2 which you felt like was such momentum swing in in the favor of Furia. No, then Zyu shows up says that this is where the game ends. Thank you very much. You all can go home. I'm going to the final. Yeah, and it can be that easy for the side of Zoo, which is the craziest thing to watch, right? You see this guy in server and you may think, hey, somebody's finally got Vitality's number. Wrong. Here comes the Woo. That's the thing though with Vitality and think that's the the best way of describing Vitality and and maybe you know putting down the win conditions for them compare them to to team like Spirit or pretty much anyone else in the world. Vitality can afford to have Syu having decent final not great final on the other side. don't think Spirit can afford to have Don not having great final. And that's the point want to make here. There's so many different ways to victory for Vitality. Whether that is Messi stepping up, buying bit of time as we spoke about as he did in in Budapest against Team Spirit. Whether that is Flamecy who throughout the season so far has been playing as top five rifle in the world who's been incredibly efficient in the entry fracking department. Robs, we speak about him being maybe one of the most annoying players to go up against cuz you can watch all the demos in the world. You can study him in and out, but he always finds way to change it up. He's very hard to read in the game. He creates lot of chaos and he's always, you know, we talked about the fear factor. He installs fear in every single opponent that he's playing that at some point he's going to walk around the corner and kill me without me expecting it cuz he's lurking around and being little bit of rat. so to speak in the game. So feel like when you describe Vitality and again it goes without saying there's just so many different ways they can win the game. They can grind it out. They can have Syu popping off. They can have Flamesy popping off. Whereas when look at Team Spirit, they can't really win this game against Vitality without Dunk at least playing close to his best. And and that's how one-sided it is in that department. It's crazy to see that he's looking for his 31st MVP on on HL TV. don't know if you've played 31 tournaments, Jacob, in your town. Hardly. Hardly. Online cups will count him in this instance. Actually, let's talk about our best of five. You know, things have changed. If you're just tuning in, this will be best of five, whereas all the other matches best of three. So, when we think about that, we think about the five maps we're going to play. What do we know is out of the gate right away? No infernal. You know, that's no-brainer. Spirit are not going to make You can't even say no ancient, can you? No, can't. Right. That's the thing. I'd expect Vitality to remove ancient. To be fair, wasn't impressed with what they did yesterday. was impressed with Syu, you know, but in terms of playing ancient in in this final against Spirit, doubt they'll allow it in. It would be too much, right? And even Flames, he alluded to it in his postgame interview is like, "Yeah, against Spirit tomorrow, we won't do it, but against teams like Fury and Aurora, we will do it because we feel like we'll better better them on the map and don't want to give him freebie." But we'll see. What's interesting about Spirit with this iteration was they were actually picking overpass couple of times. they would pick Anubis, you know, some of these maps that are more tactical instead of trying to master the open maps where, you know, guys like Don Ter can with their individual prowess perhaps gain some advantages like Duo, Mirage, Nuke, and so on and so forth. So, wonder where where they're going to take it. unfortunately for them outside of Mirage, Vitality has 100% win rate on every other map that's going to be in the pool. So, you can't really do much in terms of targeting weaknesses. guess either Mirage or Anubis. Those are their two options. It feels like think Anubis would be throwing in bit of curveball. We haven't seen Vitality played much as of late, you know, so maybe that's way of doing it. Mirage as well. Yes. know Vitality have been not struggling on it, but it hasn't been as strong. But then again, we saw Syu play Mirage just couple of days ago and and do the dirty stuff to to Falcon. So I'm not too worried on behalf of Vitality. It's it's more so the order of the maps, not necessarily what maps we're going to play. So given the constraints of what's going on right now, let's just throw it out there to the world what that first map's going to be and we can continue on with the conversation. We're looking at Mirage with CT sided start for Vitality. So Spirit picking Mirage into this series. guess that makes sense. Yeah, they No, was just wonder who starts team and team right? Because usually the compared to the best of threes, right? This is where you want to be team because you get two out of the three maps in first, right? So, Spirit gets Mirage. Vitality goes for the new picks. Spirit starts on the CT side and then Dust two actually for the side of Spirit. So, right out of the gate for the first three maps of the series, how much of punch are we packing here and why is it going towards Vitality? That's the crazy thing for Vitality, right? Dust two 100% win rate so far this year, unbeatable. Last year, they were amazing on Dust 2 as well. You have that as the third deciding map. have map like Anubis in there as well which they've shown strength on it. It doesn't matter where we go here. Trace Vitality are the favorites on all five maps we're going to play. Yeah. And we might just get all five. So to do that though, we need to get these players on stage and let's do it quickly, swiftly, please. Vitality versus Spirit. It's the first time for us to play the crowd team and they were like snowballing us in the beginning. We had no answers. They had fantastic reads and the game was quite easy for them and that's the sort of thing you don't want when you're having that kind of crowd with you against us. So it was tough start but we managed to find way in in the end. We all know that it's the greatest team in CS history and like everyone wants to visit and everyone knows they're great. Everyone in CS wants the same year as they have. I'm very happy that I'm playing CS during the their year. can see my from my eyes can play against this great team. It's amazing. But yeah, like sometimes you hate them cuz you want to win. Just great to like leave the trophy in front of their face. We were always as dominant as you know has been few tournaments where we win cleanly. We can we can win ugly. think that's kind of the story line we always talk about. was wondering to play here in this arena like for 3 years think since major. always know that Brazilian crowd is great. would like to leave the trophy here. Down goes He gets another one up in couple. It's probably the loudest stage I've ever been on. Hey hey. Canadian finds three and he breaks the horse. There's no way out. This one's done. deep run and home soil, but it's heroic to humble them. Furious fairy tale belongs to Mouse. They will awake tomorrow and this nightmare will be reality. He's still going to go for it because of that. no, might as well. Are you kidding me? SP. There's no smoke. There's no way. And this is Vitality running it over the line. Vitality have overcome those demons. Is the final kill. This is team that was built to win. This is team that look forward to win. The champions of Brazil spirit. Intel streaming masters. Vital. cannot wait on you and favors you like my relatable. Well, you may be chasing your dragons, but if you're the likes of Vitality, you're looking to close out this ESL Grand Slam, and you want to do it while you're down in Rio de Janeiro. We know our five maps being Mirage New, Dust 2, Overpass Anubis, should we need them. Let's talk about the realities of the situation here. As lot of people say in best of five grand final, you can tune in to map 3, four, and five if you want to get all the excitement. think you have to tune in right here, right now from Mirage. If this series has to have any life to it, if we were to believe that Team Spirit can do the unthinkable and deny Vitality the ESL Grand Slam, think they have to start off by winning Mirage. When look at the five maps in contention, think that's where they have the best chance of netting the one map that Magic so badly want to win against Vitality. It has to start here on Mirage. That is the ticket into the match up. And we talked about Anubis potentially being an option for Spirit. They actually go for dust too in the second phase. And that just tells you, we don't care about punishing. We want to go for maps that we're comfortable on and that's good sign getting some confidence going into this. But man, Rio holds special place for Apex and Zyu, right? Going back to 2023 semi-final against Shirou, then in Cloud9, they're one zero down in the series. 123 on the second map and they come back to win it, win the event. That was the last event before the Paris major, right? And they go on to win that first major, first major MVP for Zyu as well. So Rio just almost destined for Vitality when they want to edge their name in history as the first team to win backto back ESL Grand Slams. Now speaking of Apex, right, if if you were to put them all up against each other headtohead, you have Syu versus Dunk. You have the OP duel as well potentially the Shiro versus Syu, the in-game leading duel, the Apex, the experience, the tenacity he's coming in with. He's going up against green guy in Magix who's slowly but surely getting better, slowly but surely learning his ways. But in best of five grand final when there's so much pressure, when there's so much at stake, there's one guy that would like behind me. There's one guy would like to lead me if were in game like this and that is Apex. So think in terms of having big win condition in that department alone from the fact that he's been playing individually brilliant so far this tournament, I'm leaning that towards Apex. is going to be big part of this matchup too because even though Apex has all the experience, there's always the micro mind games between in-game leaders and this is the first time he's facing against Magix as an IGL. So hopefully Maggus can use that to his advantage. Hopefully so and it does appear as though I've gotten the word we're ready to play this grand final. Best of five right in front of us. Team Vitality and Team Spirit. Grand finals in the Farasi Arena. We are live from Rio de Janeiro. Counter-Strike fans have gathered to watch champion be crowned. The question is, will there be extra gold today? Vitality walking into championship Sunday with the opportunity to go where no team has gone before. No team since the inception of the ESL Grand Slam has won it twice, never mind in back-to-back fashion. Spirit have the chance to be the first team to deny. 8 months since they last made it to the final day of play. Something that has never happened before, though. It's guarantee today. History will be made one way or the other. And it's fixture only found deep into the playoffs. Zyu on one side of the server, Donk on the other. Two of the best players in CS fighting to make history and it starts on Mirage. Been weak point for Vitality throughout this one. say weak point, few and far between this year, this season. They've only lost twice both to Falcons and one in the group stage of this very event. Spirit have task on their hands, but there's been change. Aggression, confidence, and setting the tone, and that's on display in the veto. We're set up for pop. Zyu, of course, set up with jewelers and smoke to block this. He's on an island right now. Apex jogs on over. He'll be there in time. Yeah, dog's going to get hit. he's going to take straight out of the round. Takes the upgrade. Thank you very much. Apex can't track him. Quick on the one, two. Up top retake now. Eyes on Shiro. He's going to be dealing with these rotations around middle. This P250 around the world is Flamesy. He might be able to deal with this, but sure. The bomb down and the boots aren't moving. Pistol round. Looks confirmed. Fly has something to say about at least Shiro holding for the rotations, but it does look like it is going to be the spirit start they dreamed of today. Yeah, going to hold on to the Kevlar. It's not going to give anything over, but donk onto Zyu. our opening exchange of this grand final. It's always an honor and pleasure to watch. Two of the absolute greats of all time do battle. And with the form that Zoo has been in, somehow he's getting better. It hasn't been the Donk show in Rio. Top of the tables, Magic's calling up the storm. Spirit, well, they've been the best so far here in Brazil regarding the pistols. That stat line continues. Smoke comes in, hits Donk. If anything, forces him forward. Zyu caught off guard, not ready for that eruption. And then into the dual Berettas. See you later, Alligator. Apex goes down. And now we head into the force. The Kevlar save does allow some cheap upgrades into head armor here. You know what that round says though. That's Don announcing I'm here for this final. That's what we need to see. Saying, look, it's not Don versus Zywoo. Spirit versus Vitality and over five maps. We always say this is marathon. Well, it's been sprint in the playoff bracket so far. Two zeros throughout averaging 13-7 score lines. This has been stompy and you couldn't have really asked for better playoff bracket in modern Counter-Strike. Surprising to see the results be so lopsided. Set up for another conditioning round early towards Molly's at the ready. And here they go. Good boost for Mezi, but they've jumped past him. Flash obscures his vision, but there's third man, third prong for the defense. Dair's had no issue removing two of them, though. claims he arrives from the market side by the site already lost and Zyu yeah he lingered in the smoke but Don has dealt with him without much sweat on the brow whatsoever this for's gone straight down the gurgler claims he going to try and cower and save the famouse bring his kevlar through to the next he's been spotted now by Donk but the site the focal point for the first two rounds of play good conditioning and some great success there from Ter just mentioned his name brought into this roster to bring whole lot of firepower and Haven't really seen that. Finally in Rio without Harley. Spirit are finding that form that think everybody would have hoped for. Maiden voyage for Magix's first time he's going to be in grand final as an in-game leader. And what changed was after that map loss to the red canids. think it awoke the beast inside. And that's for the team. They have just been playing completely different game. Claimsy, can he hold on to this? And does okay. Famous retained. So, at least they have something going into round number three. But one of the keys the Dash was discussing is they've found some aggression, some confidence dictating the tone. What does that mean? Well, they're the ones who are deciding on what turns these fights are taken. They're not just doing default spread, getting map control, waiting to get picked off. Everything looks like there's choice behind it. All right, we want to hit this. We want to pressure here. And then even when the chips were down in some of these earlier matches, they're winning 2v4s. But Spirit showing different face. And that's exciting for what could be what we hope is competitive final. The Eagles are 57 around this upgrade. Yeah, pressure from Don applying it towards the side this time. Apex's Desert Eagle has removed Six in the palace position and he's playing for more as well. Anti- flash progress made. Robs still touched. Potential crossfire here as Dong missteps. Nice find on the first. There's the trade. Look solid from Robson side with the sidearms connecting. Daire stabilizes. Touchdown. Flamesy hunting with the farmers. Can't handle Tamir. That's what we've been seeing from this man here in Rio. And another barrel out moment. That's just against the Eco, but an important one early. You don't want to be getting any of your heads of your spirit. You need to be converting rounds like that if you want to take down Vitality today. They really had golden opportunity there to completely subvert Spirit's opening. Dair stands its ground and nails it on the gal spray. Line it up for imperfect work. Rifles come out now. Zu gets his orb. Shirou does not underway. Shirou's orb starts window smoked off. Scaling fast. Kong charging down towards Kong. he's quick. Still applying pressure to the con player. Ash utility towards the island box. Magix's the grandadier util usage has been on point but the same for Apex his shy the mark to near chipped away at smoke plumes with another at the ready. He bombed top mid, so no clear indication of where this wants to finish. Likely expecting some type of mid clamp down, but it's going to be Palace push. Zig perfectly poised for this, but Flamesy just quicker on the trigger. Opening kill for Vitality into the first gun. Then pressure coming. Those cache of smokes being deployed. Magic's going to try and remove the vision, but not before Dong takes fight and actually catches an or bullet through the wall. limping. Zyu will finish onto Taer and the damage that Zyu inflicted is converted upon by the M4 of Apex. Magic's next victim. Just the one back from Shirou. Bomb lost. Going to have to scoop that one up and doesn't really have the time to try and isolate and piece this one together. He's going to go down to Mezzi. Vitality convincing into the first gun round. All right. And that's what you want to see. Pretty standard stuff there. Nothing too out of the box other than the Palace push. So Zonte's isolated. They know it's his responsibility on that side of the map. Don could be working on the mid mid control. think Tanir and Magics they little bit more all over the shop. Now the casualties they took against that eco round in round number three do come home to roost early for Spirit. Shirou can get out the orb. Slight upgrades for three of the five. Don with the AK. Shirou with the orb. So still in with shot. This one looks more direct. Standard mid util. Shirou making play. Going to try and catch them on the jump. Yeah, me seems to be well drilled on this. Robme relayed early steps. doesn't give Shira what he's looking for. He's forced up the block utility early. Understanding the presence and now backing off. Gone fishing. No bites. Concerned about the underpass. They are backing once again towards Another block smoke lands. just ahead of that all through underpass the in-game lead up. Apex considers the boost. 50 seconds no contact. That nade the first damage done. Where that came from as well. Rob's equipped and actually bantling up. Apex under some pressure here. Magics on the Mac 10 versus the M4 and loses his head. Zero and three for Spirits captain be finished. 35 seconds going to have to be. Ta charging in. Strafes in. Gets his boost on the ground and does more than that. Puts rocks down to near again. The name we say tip of the tongue. double entry from Ter. Finally found by Apex. Up to Zix to convert upon it. two versus two high stakes. 18 seconds. The orb trained on Zontic's location. his knee poking out but he doesn't connect and Shiro does. It's one v2 for Zyu closing the gap. Not going to be easy with the sniper rifle and he peaks on into Shiro. Another round we can give Ter firm pat on the back. Spirit dig themselves out of trouble. Ter big part of that 50 HP just to Tech 9 breaching sight. Incredible. He say part of it. He's the one that turns around on the head. This is fantastic work from him early. We've seen up lot of this throughout Rio and the more the better. Question was who's going to be helping Don? Well, Shirou, sure he's on the or but he's not an aggressive rifler. Ter is he's meant to be getting in that mix. Money for both for the buy once more. Shirro boosted up and over. Robs could be susceptible to this, but he's usually so restrained. He'll use that smoke now thrown by Spirit to vacate should he desire to. It's really strong start for Spirit early. The fact that this is 4 to1 and in lot of these rounds they haven't been getting the opening kills. It's more impressive fact they win this one. Money spills open for Vitality and Spirit can already secure six. So very important round for Apex and these boys to respond. They've lost this map to Falcons and to G2 throughout the run already. It's considered the weakness in their pool. That's not glaring. It's not easy. It's always going to be tough. It's over towards for split this time. Alternative avenue of approach. Apex will be there with Zyu. Boost up for Shiro or easy onto the rival. Zyu goes down. Apex pull it out. Nades. The side falls again. Yeah, look how direct this is. Always have great idea of how they want to finish these rounds. Spirit, they don't look flustered. They're not getting picked apart. Simple. And it's going to be the save right now. Vitality want to retain these three rifles. Robs wards off Donk for now. 2900 loss bonus going into the next. So decisions to be made and likely tactical timeout coming from XTAZ. Great to see confident picks coming out of Spirit in this one. Everyone trying tricks to get past Vitality, but no, just settling in. Starting with Mirage and then their second choice was Dust two. Two will be Nuke. We haven't seen an awful lot of Spirit in recent times. This round confirmed. Four round gap and likely conversation needs to be had. Time out has been called and this is beautiful. just boosted up and as was first peak just getting there to hold on to short as he peers in Shirro's already ready and the timings are against them. It's like the pistol round now you're seeing it again on another rifle round so short tener has bowed them out of some tougher situations but everything seems level. Spirit are still able to find the solutions. Aren't going to force behind the safes knowing with the max loss bonus going into the next they can get full gun round. And these are the type of rounds that are gritty for Vitality. You heard it from Robs there on the way in. They can win clean, but they can also win ugly. And these are the type of rounds that don't want to say they're the foundation of their dynasty, but they're definitely marker. Yeah. The 6-0 hole. Yesterday Des discussed it. How about 51 today? This time turning it into split. Dunk very quickly down. Challenging Khan. Oo, an opportunity onto Apex. Jiggles away. Dar and Shirro up ramp. Aggression straight into Zyu. Opening kill for Vitality and Dog down. Look at Flamesy pushes through. Apex charging forward trying to finish it. And Rob's will to near though he's still alive only for moment longer. It's me through the smoke. Successful. And now Shirou his whereabouts noted by the trajectory of the molotov. He can peek in. Can't hit the flick. His back potentially exposed to flamesy and misses his opportunity. That's big turnaround from Vitality. Limited in the weaponry department. Doesn't stop them from finding their second. Yeah, Boon and the finances going forward with that just being light investment behind the saves. Again, these opening kills continue to come in for Vitality. Add another one to the tally there. important opening. Yeah, they're headto-head in that department is booming for Vitality. It's just being able to finish from here. So, this one much needed to plant themsel in the final. And we teeter back and forth. Vitality made no secret that Rio is where they wanted to get the Grand Slam done. This was the priority. This was the focus. It's been bumpier road ever so slightly. Just that loss to Falcons meant they've had to run the quarters into the semis and now the grand final. Na'vi the Furia and Spirit. No easy beats. Attack 9 again but already wielded this to great success. Magic's in Tespawn with the smoke to deploy. But notice how Vitality, they're not pushing the issue. They're not jumping out under pass. They're not running up mid. Spirit, they've got the respect. They've got the room. Now they're starting to take that space. It's going to be clamp down here. Robs catches magic on the mantle up where there's second body. It's dunk brought low, but dips away and hits the headot onto Mezzi. Changes the elevation and finds that pixel perfect head shot. Test for Apex. catches to near jumping out but Zontics late with the bomb. He's hiding there. I've seen them with these tricks before trying to play these rotations but right now only 35 seconds. They have to piece this one together quickly. Shur's going to ja over to join Zix. Seeing if he can catch anything in the inim. So really all the pressure on the iname leader. So much work for Apex to do here otherwise Spirit will breach his sight. Just looks away. Six has progressed the gap. caught the timing and now vulnerability for Apex just enough time to adjust. Six couldn't finish his meal. Shirro's next challenge. Apex alone on the site passes the test. You can see the mind games in play. We're always talking about name plate counter-strike there, but the two players out short looking for midfights. Donk aware of that possibility, but Apex instead of being part of that as the con player helping them fight towards middle, he's trying to be step ahead. He finds himself on There's some great shots from Donk and you can't fault Tanir. Look at the two names. Okay, Robs mezzi dead. should be clear. He goes forward. Apex takes him for free. The round stalls out and that is clear gets it done. Eode now on the dig as the first consecutive rounds now posted for Vitality. golden opportunity there. Don hasn't been able to finish it off and draws enough attention. Apex will protect. Saves Flamesy. Yeah, that was the only way in the rest of Glocks right now. So, Dong had his opportunity with the back turned. They can get kill the bomb down. That would be miracle. Mezi calls for backup, but he's just going to bomb this one. Cross ships in from short. And well, there's more on the way. Chiro will get one for his troubles, but all in all, make this one round game in moment's time. Terrorists win. Catch cornered, excuse me, but Magic's interview with HLTV, he's realist, not an optimist, saying, "Okay, maybe we'll win one map." Well, with the form they've been in, it's felt like they've turned corner. Magic's shouldering whole lot more responsibility without Harley here. It's not that there isn't coach, it's just that it's the one from the academy and he's given them little bit more responsibility, chance for them to work it out between themselves. And so far, so good. This one's direct. fiveman execute. Mezi and Flames are on mid control. All pressure will be on Zyu. Yeah, he's going to have Apex close by. Zyu with lot to do. Donk on the entry path. First man, Syu escorts to near, but that's what you want to see from Don. His early progression enables the trade. Surges forward, ready to ask questions of CT. That's where Apex is heading. The rest behind the smoke. Don decides an AK better suited to the task. Apex pushing through the smoke and actually bests pulls Zik's attention. Three versus three after that trade. Deep smoke CT. They have got the util. Robs is little delayed to this one. He's the one with the most. Well placed from Magix. Default plant. Smoke for the bomb. Kids for the diffuse. Yeah, this bomb is ticking. Magic and Zantics padding towards playing for the bomb. They have to stop them from getting across. Default plant. If they get across, it's surely curtains. They have to get across now. And they have already onto the default box. Shirro, if you go down, they're going to lose the round unless Zontics comes after backstab for the 1 v3. There's simply no time. Zix pulls it off. Calculated on his rotation. There was kids there. missed that in the moment. Flamesy, think he was the one on the diffuse. we went for the 10sec. Yeah, he would have had it if anyone else with the kit went on it. This kit's idle on site. Uncharacteristic errors from Vitality. Okay, that one little bit odd right there. The clock, the pressure, but the round is spirits guaranteed six on the half. No wonder Magix is smiling. He called that straight out of spawn. Does he want to push forward here? Magic to find forward. Opening kill. Another one. They just keep coming. Pressure on me now. Heavy nade towards the beast charge. Multiple bodies. Mezi overlooked. Needs to piece this together before the trade comes in. They swing him on site. does find another bit of damage, but it's Daenerys and Zontics partnered up, but nothing from Robsy and Zu. The decision. Nades come in 2v2. Give it go. Holding though, and Shirro can swing off the contact here. It's all going to come down to the fade of the smoke. Flamesy, how quick can you be? Lightning fast from Flamesy on the M4 head shot. Shirro on half health looking to come up clutch. One hell of difference maker if he can pull this off. Smoking kit available, but they've got to find it. They're searching the site. And there he goes. Just enough time. Calculated by Vitality, not rushing to the diffuse, knowing he had to be around the site somewhere. And converted into one round game. You're already going to be happy with the half if you spirit, but you love to get seven. just getting leg up early knowing that you have buffer, but you're not going to find yourself down 01 going into nuke and then short dust 2. It's great map for you. You're 11 and one for the year. Vitality are 44 and four with this roster on 16 streak. So, the two best dust two teams in the world. We will get to see that map as number three. Should be banger. Well placed grenade puts Don down to 45. Forced to scadaddle. Magic's talking an awful lot. Knows how he wants to finish this, but nearly loses out on his life there. Apex spots him over the top of the con smoke. Bomb not spotted though. Shiro departing middle as well. Retooling and regrouping over towards the side. It's good timing for the XE. Expecting them to put resources into clearing middle. Now the smokes are in the sky. Will you go ahead of that? There's tech 9 peaks in. Perfect timing. Apex has found Donk on the ramp advance. Zyu missing shots, but it's Apex that's doing all the heavy lifting right now. Third miss out of the sniper. Ter into the sight. Realizes they've managed to lock Vitality out. Should facilitate magics to get across with the plan. This is tough. Even if the bomb goes down, how you meant to win this one? especially with CT occupation. Another one from Apex. Finally, Zy gets the lethality and 66 half. Dead even from 5 to one. Vitality claw their way back in. Spirit happy with the six. What's the second half got in store for us here? Counter down. Counterterrorist. Checked out. Checked out. Checked out. Checked out. checked out everything right away. got money every day. always single check out the face every day. See my vision always demon. Strong start for Spirit Mirage. It is the first of this best of five grand final with so much at stake, history at stake one way or the other. Vitality have managed to find their footing though, winning five of the last six rounds of that CT side. Apex and robs the top of the tables. Yeah, you're normally thinking it's Don versus Zyu. Well, Apex had whole lot of impact within that first half and Tania as well for Spirit continuing that form. Finally, what Spirit fans want to see from this man. Well, we split the pistols. They try there. Lock it and they execute. Well, they're smoked. Wilton here. Find impact once more trying to track for Robs. Claims he's already covered lot of ground and is going to go and try and clear him, but Shirou's there and perfectly nails the headshot on the jumping flames. First blood of the pistol goes Spirit's way, but the plant down. they're surging forward to test for Zyu. Quick on the first. Known to have impact on the pistol rounds here. Zoo and he's starting again. Two in quick succession now. The fade of the smoke and magic's coming in from the flank. Messi's dealt with Donk and this one's going Vitality's way. Keeping that momentum up from that sec that first half here in the second. Yeah, that's key. the fact that they're able to pick this one up and run with it. They obviously have to get past this force fight going into the next as Magic looks to retain this Kevlar top mid. He's going to have peer in the bomb. Not too far from detonation, but he might go down before that. noted. Now Apex is going to constrict him, but that's not before Mezi gets in first. That is only the third opening kill of Spirit so far in this map and it's only one round game. So you can see at least in that first lap, however, they were able to capitalize off of those opening deaths making space. Good trade work. Zoo car. This is an expectation for Vitality to make the grand final since this roster added Robs. This is their 15th. They've won 12 of them. Looking for number 13 here today. And said it was going to be force. Well, Magix goes down. He loses the Kev. And instead, they take the eco. So, Vitality should be able to extend this lead to 8 to six. It'll be 4-1 split. Don Everybody else from Spirit on the site. This one's just about damage. Bomb here with Apex in Palace telling that likely wanting to see this one finish over towards See if we get more of that spirit from yesterday. They were hyper aggressive with these midfights. Zontics, I've never seen him be so aggressive on catwalk on the CT side. He's extremely proficient that position, but he was taking lot of opportunities and time and time again they paid off. Vitality would have taken note of that would have done their prep. They see that this has got different flavor to them spirit ever since things started to go so wrong. But it's great to see them trying to play ahead, play from the front as they're about to be crunched upon. Apex just peers out. Palace announces himself and they are just going to collapse onto this site because the easiest of the rounds to convert and you love to do it spotlessly. So one more man. It's just Don who's rotated in brought down at range. Now we get to see that vitality bonus. It's only one Mac 10 but there is three gal. You're not going to be upgrading those. She won't be throwing them away. Chiro does have the opportunity to bring out the AWP and will. It's glass cannon. He have 4,800. So, he's got 50 bucks left to spare. That means no kit, limited util. And that's not just for him. That's the team. So, Spirit, do you want to put your opening rifle round of the second half on the line with something little bit more aggressive? Mini map doesn't tell of that. You need Shirou then to insert himself into fights and he's been brought down by the flames early. It's very fragile. No Kevlar either. They might just have to play ticket near and sandwich Donaran conics on cat. You want to greed this util for as long as you can but the pressure it's going to feel immense early. Minute 20 here they come. Yeah, here's that double smoke. They start their crawl mids. Extics will turn into the ladder room. Looks like that flash is going to catch Magic here as will. distracted. Zontics profits. Okay, first blood drawn favor of Spirit. Apex going to molly but Zotics is going to be there to punish. Beautiful from Zontics once more. Solid as rock from the short position. First guns out. His name in the feed twice. don't have to fight this. They can let them in. 50 seconds. Don't need to be overextending. Tire's in Sandwich. Bomb's down top mid. Bit of an overextension. Shouldn't cost them anything here other than the casualty itself. Magic is about to find the bomb. And is going to be overlooked completely. He's above you. Jumps in to his demise. An easy pick up. The easiest for Ter. Okay, you can see how they shifted once Magic's pushed mid said, "Hey boys, bomb down. We don't have to worry about fighting that pack." the entire complexion of the round shifts and now it's just Robs left in 1v4 with about 20 seconds on the clock. So Spirit through Zontics again. Phenomenal output there on short through the ven room. First comes in second on the fade. So it look polished. Gets them started early. Another key is how many bodies they've managed to keep alive in this one. That was the bonus. They retained Gils out of Mac 10. They'll be able to buy full here. So flash to catch the deep jaw player, but plays that very well and to that's the easiest kill he's going to get all game up towards everybody else skirting middle right now gets out over towards tap. app. Daire's going into this. He's walking straight through the smoke. He's caught Robs. How on earth has he pulled that off? An audacious maneuver through the smoke onto the perpetually aware. Rare to see Robs look in the wrong direction. Can they build upon it as well? Zeltics probes out middle, continues to fight. They're not playing scared. All spirit something that Zonic coach of Falcons put out in the airwaves earlier. You have to disrespect this team. If you play scared, you play turtled up, you don't take your chances. You're never going to find any. So 3v5 disadvantage for Vitality, but they still have oodles of utility to look for the finish. Lose this Yani goes in the mud. Shirro tickets and near in the sight. Dong support from jungle. Shirou clean onto Flamezy. Now he can tuck in. Apex strides into the orbs crosshair. Shirou collects another. They're looking all tied up with five alive again. You highlighted the absence of the deaths for Spirit. They're going to start building nice little nest egg. think that's two very nice statement rounds from Spirit. Fact that those kills come in so easily and feel untradeable. Had no chance getting caught off guard. Where's this Ter been? Yeah, this is what we've been looking for. It has to be this shouldering of responsibility now put on the team, right? Hi's not here. He's out for medical purposes. He won't be back until after Aana and things have not been going well at all. This has been by spirit standards an extremely poor year. Not that they have been missing the playoffs in every event. It's just that when you have Donk and when you have these experienced pieces, we're talking major winners at Donk Magic's Zontics Shirou, you expect whole lot more. Then turn to the fact that this is Magic's first opportunity as an in-game leader. Still as young man, but an experienced one. It was never going to come together quickly, but the adversity and the lack of Harley with the guiding hand of Sautic, bit of hot fix, has put them in good form. Yeah, and it was actually his counterpart on the other side of the server that took to the social medias to discuss that. He's glad he wasn't judged on the first 6 months of calling. He knows and acknowledges just how much of shift that is for Magics. just think one of the keys is the tenacity of Spirit this event, right? lot of these rounds we've been looking at it on Dust too. These they're setting up moves for players. Tip has moves. It feels like now whereas there's been discussion, okay, it's just don't going in or where's the flash work. We're seeing all the things that we felt are lacking for Spirit start to come to fruition. We already knew that they have players who can deliver. Shirro just searching against the Eco. Good nade as well. Look at that. Solid. Might even burn him down. Cooks. Not too shabby. There's his rifle. Doesn't even get chance to play the round. Said they were lacking in those opening kills within the first half. Well, this is three consecutive now that they've been able to find that incision. And this being the easiest of the bunch just on the level of investment. They should be able to mop this one up. Mezi Robs with two, but it is just Robs. He's low on HP. Shirro denies and grabs his fourth. So, in the last three rounds, only four casualties for Spirit. They are looking extremely strong in the finances. already starting competitive. Again, this is Spirits map choice. You want to see it continue on map to map basis. It's one of the things when you're watching Vitality throughout their era is well, they can come back from any score line with any weapons at any moment. So, you never feel like this team is down and out. And they don't look super disconnected today. It's not one of those games where they're overstepping the mark, but there are some concerns in the last few that they're getting picked apart without the trade potential. That's likely call that Apex wants to change the buddy system. We have to trade while taking this territory. This window smoke highlighted. Apex will replenish. fumble on the boost. Now HS are going to find him. Is ringing for Apex and Robson stubborn about this. might think they'll call it off after giving away the cues. Just left on the ledge for now. Robs will activate on timing of his own design. Is going to try and play on the fade. Try and catch him. He heard the dismount of Robs as well. Now forced relocation was ready for that. So wise move there for Robs. 55 seconds. The reroute is now on the bomb over towards Apex and Flamesy will head over to join that. Does Robs want to play on the lur? It looks like he's just heading back up to patrol for any pushes for now. So for the finish, couple of smokes, some flashes and molly. Ter puts himself up on the balcony. Smoke well timed. That's 35second mark. This will just force them through the gray screen. Three up the ramp, one through palace. Robs on the lurk. He's so far away from this. It has to be near in the smoke right next to Apex as he lines up his util. He's going to be disruptive force. If he gets that first, he can get many. starts to spam. Apex down to near profits as does Dunk on the default box. Disconnected from the play and they need something from Vitality. They don't get single frag chat. This is little bit concerning now in this patch. It's four straight rounds. Three of them have been gun rounds. Counterterrorists win. The double digits by Spirit first. Lovely play again from Tir. Sure. It's bit hectic on the fight. That might be another XTAS timeout. Cross bonus maxed out. 3,400 into the next. You have this saved AWP and AK. You light by behind it. And just when it came calling in the first half. They had the same situation. Three saved guns, two upgraded pistols. They got it done. Can they do it again now on the T- side? They'll start with boost for Zyu. And Ta is coming. flashes in. He's got the vision. He's got the reaction speed. Shirou finding Apex though immediately levels things out. Apex can call from the grave though. His weapon irretrievable. Now on the jump spot has blocked util. Could be susceptible to zyu orb though on this angle. high alert now. Zontics still here. There's minute on the clock. This doesn't have to be the finish. You've gone and applied pressure. You've spotted yourself. They've used another smoke. So, if you've been counting those, there's just one remaining for Zontics. Dong's been left as this sleeper agent over towards They are gambling on this site. Again, we're at the 55second mark. The pack through underpass. Robs top middle. And this is tough position to clear. Highlighted in the pit. Zontic searching forward in mid with lot to do. He's going to do lot here. Necessary from Robs. Stops it from spiraling. Magic is here in time and they still won't know about Dom. He's been here the whole time. They want to pivot. Robs is heading back to spawn towards This is going to be buzzer beater down to the wire. Yeah, running that clock down thin. So, we're going to start his entry crawl supported by mezi with that bomb. Robs through the ramp side. Donk lingers. jigs if he just finds one here. They've got 18 seconds. They're taking their sweet time. And there goes the bomb. Spews out of mezi. 13 seconds. Don crawls in and they haven't got the time. Spirit have done enough to make 11 reality. Shir will close it down. First map of this marathon. And Spirit are showing they're stretching their legs. Okay, that was just the partial upgrade behind the saves, but it's still going to be little bit wobbly here for Vitality because Robson Zaw didn't get that loss bonus going into the previous. Here's that XTAZ timeout. They're really starting to run out of opportunities. Just two more rounds and another Mirage loss. That'll be three out of the four played in Rio so far. That's been juggled. We will get himself an AK in hand. Mezi will just take that Galil. You said any score line. It's going to be sooner rather than later now if Vitality are to try and put themselves into winning position map one. This is such great sign for the grand final itself. Maybe not if you're Vitality fan. You might start to get little bit of nervy, but if they can start with map victory, we might get competitive series here today. Fumble on the strafe. Wanted to start short side. Shimmer will have to go through the site itself. Zombix is playing over towards on this one. So the read being if it's an finish. Zontics by name plate counter-strike may go overlooked. You can see him here highlighted on Sandwich. So Ter, he'll be the first to take contact on Shiro's or over towards short. Doesn't look like he will get an opportunity to chip in. It's Magic's aggressive over towards that's piqu my interest. He palves back the spam. Still alerts him to the presence of mezzi, but it does look like it will be this play. So, Zontics, as long as Tanir kicks up fuss, gets one traded, Zix will have an opportunity to try and farm this multi. Plenty of smokes, flashes, mollies for this full execute with all five. So much riding on this one. Mirage need train in clean head shot to near converts. Flames. He goes down now. Zic baited in. They overlook him completely. Only the one though. Syu two on the entry pathing. Should have access to the plant as well. spam does connect little but not enough. Don's bullet just the one. So allowed to replenish that smoke deep. Pops opts for default box. Apex ramp side going to try and delay with that flashbang. Nothing caught. Might be Zyu donk headto-head on this CT fight. Magic and Shiro crawling in from the stair side. Nice from Zyu. That's his third. He's taking control of this round. He's doing it on his own here now. Donk next challenge brings him down. two versus two. There's kit available for both of the CTs, but time is running thin. They need that headshot on Apex now, and he's the one to provide it. Nothing for Donk. Vitality prevail. Okay, that's what you want to see from your superstar. The world number one when the chips are down and it's looking dire gets you massive round. triple kill from the Woo. And we make this two round game once more. Great trade work here. You can see Zontics. He gets activated there. He's just going to be able to mow them down, but just warding them away one by one. Zyuk, job done. hard team to put away. Shirro into underpass. Flavor of aggression. And Nazi on the receiving end of this. mean, he beats this. He's dead man. Shirou doesn't miss these. Three members of his team up top mid, though. They could apply pressure with util. Zontic's trying to ward them off of that active on the short side. They're committed to this. You're either forward or back. You got to fight these mid players or you have to deal with me. And here it comes. That headto-head Shir looking the wrong way. But doesn't matter. Donk has handled it on his own. Flamesy down on the jump spot. You weren't ready for an orb down under. Robs knows they're active mid and they immediately spring back towards the Aite. He's ready to catch you on this reaction. Will Donk swing alone. Shows restraint. Doesn't give Robs what he's looking for through mid. It's Apex and Syu might use that CT smoke against them. They start their crawl through con's attention drawn and Apex he profits. Shirou down as well. Suddenly it turns the round on his head to tucked on towards the ticket. He's going into the fight but Zyu finds him. Instantaneous deletion. Now it's all onto Magic's locked out of the sight and 10th round imminent for Vitality and money on the line. Turn around at 1900 here. He needs to hold on to this. Shirro and Don have enough for buys into the next. Magic really needs to retain this. But another round where Zyu gets multi. Sure, it wasn't just him, but they stuck to their guns. It drops. Very well done. Takes that space. Doesn't overextend. Both teams so aware of the potential of the lurk and how it's going to function, but the gap was pipped. That smoke was blessing. And Vitality, they reached 10. Shur will be able to get out another AWP if he so desires. But think this would be good time for Saltic to call this terrorist win. Magix is going to be able to drop rifle. They're going to be all good for CT side bite. Don't you worry about that. But it's late stages with the finances on the line. And there's that time out the first, but the standing coach has had to call. Magic has been having tougher time in this one. He's had some big performances throughout the run in Rio, but at the moment just four frags, the BAN cup, but also in-game leading in grand final against the best team in the world in their home. I'm not talking about Rio, I'm talking about best of five finals. You threw in the flavor of aggression. You got the two-man opening from there. Gave away little bit too much. This was beautiful from Shiro. It's rare that you see this man getting stuck in. And this was tempered, right? It wasn't just holding getting in your face. That kill came in at minute 18. So well done was from nowhere. 0 to 100. Vitality snatched that round away. Spread out couple of those in the first half with the Tech 9 saving them on an eco with gal as well. Okay. Well, the timeout has started. Exontix magic jump swapper goes straight through the ram smoke. He went straight ahead of it. They've they've cleared out behind deep ram. Well, bomb's going be and Shirro's going to be there in time. Magic's an opportunity for him to find Impact. And there's Impact in the feed. Mezi down and out. Apex coming in from the short side. Hang on second. Shirou's missed shot. Flamesy drops into the sight. There's four members of Spirit here. One and done for Apex. It's Magics again for second. Flamesy needs double. Can't hack it. It's Magic. Solid as rock on Hey, Ram play. All the information. The rotation comes in. Stalled out. Magix just as brought his name into the conversation gets triple kill that stunted anything that Vitality were hoping to get away with right there. Clear orders as well. This is what you want to see. The growth of this man. Sure, he can be troll in the interviews, but there's reason they have promoted him and brought him back from the bench to this position. Tech 9's for Apex and Flamesy. Nap on the line. Golden opportunity for Spirit. Start this grand final off with declaration that you're in it to win it. Magic saying, "Sure, we'd like to take map." Well, how about the first in the best of five? might get that to near Rob's headto-head once more. Action on mid. Zontics to be tested. Throws block smoke. Actually an incendiary of his own design. It's Apex with an opportunity. Spotted on that bench position for the chip damage. Smoke break, but Dom gets nothing. Quick reactions out of Vitality. And look at the mantle out of Apex. He's going for quick for the gap. It's short read aggress force decision. Zontics, are you going to stand? Are you going to bang? Decides to go forward. Takes that ladder space. Enables him to find answers towards that window position. So smart reroute. 40 seconds for Vitality to convert this man advantage and extend play. We can see the gap is but Vitality have no way of knowing that. They're set up right now for what is likely. Zix just goes wide on window. Didn't understand the cut off the noise. Messi will punish and extend their advantage. Still going to go into the stack by the looks of things. 25 seconds going up cont. Okay, with an opportunity despite two frags in favor of Vitality. Now another Magic starting to put up fight. One hell of fight with two. But from the backstab, Zu will convert and take us to the final round of regulation. Well, very likely this one spells overtime. Shir get out the orb, but everyone else is going to be lacking. This one's had the back and forth and Sulfik, he's been saving these timeouts. He's got two remaining, but only one round. So, he could take them back to back if he so desires. This is tough now. They're the ones without the finances so late in the piece. The stack there in the right place short. See here the buy mainly. MP9 heavy. Ter chips in with one as well. It's not State of affairs that that's going to provide the type of range of fights. It might force your hands to play aggressively certain areas of the map to see if you can capitalize on the extremity players, Nezi and Robs. If you really want to try your luck, you could barrel up top mid with an island box molly. See if you're able to get the MP9 stuffing the likes of Flames, the Apex, and Zyu in the choke. But don't envy the discussion in that tactical timeout. This one should spell overtime. and it certainly will now. Shirou down. That was the best gun they had. It was four SMGs in the sniper. SMG up close though. Be fair fight. Don puffing up their chest. Ram side with the MP9. Creeping and crawling. Tapping heads. Robs removes Don. Dane can't find the response. as he disappears into the puff of smoke and now exposed. Long range head shot from Ter's MP9 gets away with the upgrade nearly. Mezi catches him just in time. sight's theirs. It's theirs for the taking. They're working it out now. Magic's low HP as well. Really does spell OT. Take miracle on this MP9 from Six. It's unlikely magics as AWP can find anything now. Zy will triangulate Zic's position down to the MP9 though. Magic orb could have caught Robs. He'll get across to Sandwich though. Okay, got to get move on. Everything stacked against Spirit. Everything tells us this is going overtime. Extra rounds required in the opening map of this grand final. Robs ensures it. Just Magics with no kit, no hope. No way. And overtime secured. Vitality. We said they're hard to put away. demonstration before our very eyes. How tenacious, how difficult this team is to beat. It's these late stretches that Vitality have pulled up to keep themsel in this into overtime. We're looking for the magic number of 16. But when Zoot just dry swings out top mid and takes down the rival Ora, easy as that. This round was always theirs for the taking. little bit late but little bit messy but regardless they've clawed this back. Flamesy early in the tournament said well if you take swing of the king you better not miss. Is that your chance? Squandered. Don just staunch hoping fight comes his way. Not backing down from this mid control but Apex seeing this such gap. Ter in sandwich aware of the possibility but Apex can't get the job done. Tering now gets another one to Robs. That was the entirety of their salt shut down by one man. Yeah, just hoping to get away with double lurk there. You're feeling you definitely need that refrag. This is one hell of an audacious reposition. Peaks here is having the time of his life. One more to find the ace. Messi will deny him. Wow, such initiative on display. No one's told him to do that. Immediately put Spirit into the winning stance for the first round of OTI. How many can take with you here? 45 seconds left on the clock. think Zontics up close and personal. Going to make sure there's no way forward. So, he starts to head back at least the fake steps in the mix. rejig the setup ever slightly, but with time dwindling now as he doesn't start making some moves, he'll have no way of winning what is already an impossible situation. Dton dead. Zeltics will confirm it. But that round's all about Tia. Lurk out Palace undetected. Gets surprised by the fight, wins the jewel. Robs attempts the trade. No chance. And then just keeps on moving. He's he's encapsulated exactly what it is we've seen Spirit getting up to throughout Rio. plays on plays. He knows he could have had an ace. Still yet to see one in the playoffs here in Rio. Only four in total from the group stage. Grand final would be quite the time again continuing to play with confidence. Flashed in. Finds the fight opening done and traded. This time Robs gets his man. This time Shirou doesn't hit the jumping flames. Reveals the orbs position on the short side. And continues to flow. Look at him go. Messi this time ready. Raring for action once more. Name plate counter strike knowing that the Alert was elsewhere. He's going to get into the site in time. At least Sonics will be able to put up fight. makes it across into sight. It's just him versus the three-man assault. Robs elsewhere top mid. Utah's going to start pulling Shiro's rotation. What can you do? Zontics, how much time can you buy? Molotov's going to flush him straight into Mez's crosshair. Over the top of the smoke, though, Shiro profits, moving immediately straight in towards CT. Can he find another? Shave it off the pack. Well, now it's three that he has to deal with. What's he got? Claims he masked by the smoke. Shirou's overlooked the potential with that default plant. The diligence from Vitality to have smoke down for him. Now Shirou fires off his shot. he's holding for the push. Looking set to balance this back out. Hoping prayer on those wall bangs. reloading brazantly in front of their face. One more try. He's got the money for the next. Just hoping he gets little bit lucky, but no. Mezzi has himself multi-kill. Three within that one. Combining with Robs to tie things up. 13 apiece. One more round in the first half of OT number one. Zo's got the best mid spawn as well. Be picking up Shirro's and trying to open up the round as he get the first. Solid stuff from Vitality not to rush it for those two opening exchanges. Still using their still being diligent. Not just waltzing in, not just thinking they'd be able to bludgeon them. He's trying it again. Shirou is going to be taking more passive approach this time. Zy just going straight across to tap. So his objective is to catch Zontics and his aggressions. and he was perfectly poised for it. Goes on in and Magix with the swing. Zyu your opening kill. Nice flash work. Look at go. Feast on the spray. double kill from Flames. They know Magix was near the short side too cuz he found Zyu and now the clear the headto-head. Robs versus Ter this time. Robs on top. Yeah, you're not going to get away with that play too often. Arya had couple of moments where he's been able to stick the landing but expect it now and as they continue this aggression. Vitality know the push will keep following. Needed more precision if he wanted both. Magic still finding one before Apex trades again. and Shiro familiar feeling for him alone in the clutch and Robs may have heard that. Yeah, easy pick up. Vitality the lion share of the rounds in the first half of OT. Yeah, well this is where you feel that there's shift in the air. They had their chances throughout that match of regulation to get the business done. very important double from Flames. His own flashbang. And some frustrations from Don, but understandably so. When you were so close to starting things off on the right foot, now you got to dig deep. You're back to the T-side. And your bedrock of rounds came from the pistol with the conversions. Once we got later in the piece, Vitality took over with the Gunnies. Missed the conoly there. Sure how much it would have mattered as smoke dropped in from the CT side to get any early aggressions. off on the short side and 25 frags so far on Mirage. Safety first. They wear out the smoke. They come through under pass and they see that nobody lingers. Zontics takes heavy damage to bind it with his bullets. Mezi locks it down. The fact he's provided an opening kill as the Banker. that spells trouble. Taiw going to have to smoke break, but doesn't look like he's going to catch anything. Rocks will though. Look at that. Perfect timing. No trade available. Peaks on in to find Donk. Disgusting. Ter nice timing. He's had backs turn. He will drop in. will react. Spam through the box. Doesn't find the frag. And now Flamesy and Zyu poised and ready to collect. Round 15 next to Vitality's name upon the death of Shurro. Didn't have too many chances to put them away in regulation. The score read 12- 10, but you did have chances. Now you're the ones who are going to have to draw this back and try and push it into double overtime. Shirou absolutely no chance getting this stun. It's going to walt out to his demise. Straight into Zyu's AWP and he'll take another as he finds his 19th. But it's Robs in that Roterdam MVP form saves his best for the finals. 27 kills deep. It's the OT timeout used. Now issues on the T-side for all three of these being able to go by for the reality taking on Vitality is now sinking in. You had Ter in the first half bow you out of couple of bad situations, but right now you're not getting into those situations. You need to at least get into the site or find yourself in trade scenario towards middle where then you can at least play the rotations because right now Vitality they're saying no and to close this looking for round 16. They've decided to bring out the double AWPs. It's perfect time to pull it out when the margin for error is slim to none for Team Spirit. Opening kill could really secure it. Don Shiro out top mid forced away by the incendiary. Apex was dead. Apex. Yeah, he nearly missed the nade. he has the nade. But there it is. The second or has filled the feed. Zontics was late to Palace throwing nades to start off the round. He's only taken that back late. Robs jumped up there and just sitting in Flamesy. The opening of what should be the 16th. He is massive. Pivot into Smoke breaks on to Shiro. Perfect. Doing it all. He can and he will. The big game player looking to be in league of his own upon the lift of this trophy. upon the conversion of this slam. But this is just that first step. Nearly had the chance onto Donk on the jump across. one versus four for Don if he wants to see Mirage extended. Finds the first onto willy-nilly push of the smoke. Zyu secures it. Vitality so hard to put them down. Spirit two opportunities. Vitality seal it in overtime. Heat. Heat. Terrorists win. Jack is using my config. What? This is private property. Let me lock in. Do you think that stealing is okay? What? Dong's config. One of your players has stolen Don's config. You need to ask for permission. Well, I'm I'm boss. I'm queen. I'm boss. did not consent to surveillance. I'm I'm queen. I'm I'm boss. Your name and employee number now. 2v2. going to be overtime. This is their major. This is their history. And look at Magix. He's just too stunned to even stand up. Boss, for the last time, no member of my team would ever break your mouse. Now, that was battle that had all the fixings. We find out that it's going to be Vitality taking map one of this grand final, 1613. But not after two back-to back 666 score lines. That's four sixes, not just three. Another soul crushing defeat for Spirit against Vitality on Mirage, man. And finally, we get close game in these playoffs. Also feels like it's been lot of stomps, but that game had everything. Map worthy of grand final without doubt, but as you said, Yanku, little bit of bittersweet feeling right now of your team. Spirit kind of labeled it coming into the game that the ticket into the matchup for Spirit was by winning Mirage. And they were dangerously close doing so being up 12 to 10. You think to yourself, okay, you can close it out. When they were leading 11 to8 in the game as well before Cyu stepped up massively again, thought to myself, okay, Spirit, you've been the better team in this game. you've been the better playing unit they say on map like Mirage. So at that point they deserve to win it. Unfortunately it doesn't matter cuz they couldn't close it out and now they find themselves in bit of headache. Yeah. And think most importantly they were playing to win, right? They weren't afraid to make plays individually or as team play the same way that we've seen them in the last couple of games too. And Tanir was definitely playing with some bravado. Maybe little bit too much when it came to that overtime. You know, it's like mid round it's bit quiet. I'm going to push, you know, just see what happens. Caught Robs couple of times, but then Robs got him back towards the end of the game and it was very crucial down the stretch to shut him down. He was the best player on Spirit. Yeah, Robs was absolutely tearing him in half. Jacob Rob's, you know, it is an player that we've definitely identified multiple times, but in this grand final so far, it is the Rob show. Yeah, he did great job. you know, he was involved in lot of different departments in the game, whether that being opening duels, which normally is not his, you know, strength. think he won four out of five in in this game. He was also staying alive, you know, later into the rounds and and winning rounds in the middle of it, you know, turning around rounds where Vitality would be down two versus three or playing 3v4. So, in terms of fighting impact in different, guess, timelines of the round, Robs was involved in pretty much all of it. So another great example you know that as said coming into it as well there's so many different win conditions for Vitality whether that is Syu steming up when it's the most important whether that is RP having great game Apex from fracking perspective you know we spoke about it in the semi-final even the quarterfinal he's been the second best fracker for Vitality in the playoff apart from Syu so there's just so many different ways to to get of your Vitality and we got to see lot of them in this game Apex was instrumental on the CT side right because they were not off to good start they were down 5-1 and you could lot of emphasis being put from Spirit towards that bomb site and Apex as the rotator couple of times on the rotate couple of times already being there at the right place in the right time was just able to have so much impact right to sort of deny Spirit to snowball the first half out of control. Some would say Apex only plays for the Sundays, you know, at this point. think that's all that Vitality really thinks about it. bit of sweet tooth. No. Yeah, little bit. Something like that. Sweet tooth. hey. No, I'm thinking overall though, like great performance here from both teams. So, I'm thinking obviously we have at least good final. You you said the point right there that we have at least close playoff game, Jacob. We we do. We had close playoff map, so to speak, you know, and and that could be my worry. We probably don't have to talk about it now. You know, we can still keep focused on on Mirage and what happened in this game, but but could be bit worried that this was the one chance Spirit had of of of purchasing way into the game. Yeah, let's talk about some of those rounds. Let's start in the second half. round 20. think around 20 to me is is where Vitality came back alive, you know, and and said it before, I'll happily say it again. Syu, the way he's able to find impact out of nowhere is is great. It's relatively simple call after little bit of pressure applied in middle in the beginning of the round. You go into standard execute again. Tire doing good job getting the first kill, not getting the second one. Then you see Six getting the second kill. But guess who's trading both of the times? That's Cu also carrying the bomb on his back. As if he's not doing, you know, enough by getting the kills, planning the bomb right here. You give it few seconds and of course Syu will play it to perfection getting third kill right here. Maybe wouldn't say overextending little bit right here but finding another duel getting traded finally after getting triple kill and he leaves the team in situation where they can almost not lose the round at this point. 11 to8 Ter gets the first kill. You have essentially 5v4. You have 4v3. thought Spirit were going to win the map and win Mirage right here right now. But again Syu as we saw yesterday on Ancient as well when they were playing Fury. He just comes up when it matters the most. It was absolutely necessary for them to win that round. That was their first round on the side really in the half. And think also the round right after was crucial too because that was still close round. You know, not lot of economy behind Vitality after that round win. And you go into the following round. Spirit with some aggression. You can see Donk wanting to get involved, right? Finds the first kill. Shirou from Underpass as well. Hits sick shot here. Now it's 5v3, right? But if you look at it, Robs has already snuck out Ram. He understands it's fight from and Robs is just so good at this. Like he finds the space but doesn't overextend, you know, and then gets information and bit of lapse here from Spirit, you know, leaving everything open in 5v3. Donk gets sandwiched from connector. And now the kills come in as well here. Here is Zyu one more time with the multi-kill in backto back rounds. Sort of save Vitality really in way, but that's just what makes them great. the composure under pressure, the calm under fire. Even though they lost two entries, they still have that calmness, right? And and are able to get themselves out of really tough spot. That is the cleanest 3v5 you'll ever see from any team. You know, in the span of what, 5 seconds, as you said, with Robs coming up, finding the space, clearly communicating to the rest of the team that now is the time to pounce. Turning around 3v5 like that, you know, at that moment, Trace, that is what won Vitality the game. know they only got into to overtime and had to get the job done by then, but they would have lost had it not been for those two rounds. Yeah, especially in that round. mean, what 119? You need that round. You need to kind of make that effort to maybe avoid overtime if you can, and if not, just to secure it at the very minimum. And if you're Vitality, you've been in these situations before. You you've kind of faced these demons over and over and over again. And don't mean the side of Donk and company joining the server and not missing. I'm simply saying like the idea that Mirage itself has it has given us pretty good feeling. Yeah. But think also what's important is the manner in which Spirit is playing. They haven't fallen off. They're still going for plays. Ta is still playing well. If anything, mean, Don was average this map. If you just got little bit more out of him that one round perhaps, right, it could have been enough in the grand scheme of things. So, don't think it's necessarily over just because they didn't win this map. think they can still give us something on on on some of these other maps because they have the quality to do so and they played well to kick things off. think think along those lines it was more Vitality playing well than it was Spirit not you know living up to any sort of expectations. agree they played good game of Counter-Strike and with the level of Counter-Strike they played in this game they would have been able to beat pretty much any other team at this tournament apart from Vitality. That's the issue though. Their opposition in this grand final is Vitality who ever since they entered the playoff has been complete different team compared to what was on the group stage. Yeah. and for Vitality this feels like home. For Spirit also feels like home especially when you go to Nuke and you start on your CT side of your team Spirit. Isn't that cool? You know, we had Nuke as third place decider in pretty much every matchup so far in the playoffs, but we haven't had any games going to the third map. So, we finally get to see it. Now, is it good pick for Vitality? think it's one of those where could have could have, you know, wondered whether you want to go with Nuke first or you would have even picked us two or you would have picked another map or Overpass for that matter as well. think they go with nuke cuz they feel comfortable on the map. It's map they played lot. It's map that they're willing to go up against and and start on T-side as well. So if I'm by telling you the way they approach it with Apex, you know, always being active in yard, always being active pretty much all over the map. You described it earlier as well this tournament Yanko having Robs, you know, playing ramp at that position. He's probably the best in the world at doing so gives them great sense of balance. And then Syu, who with the AWP, particularly on the CT side, always finds it back. think it's also matter of Spirit has had their struggles on this map with this current iteration of the roster and perhaps somewhat of curveball from Vitality. mean, this is the fourth different map that they pick in this tournament, third different map in the playoffs, right? That that just tells you how deep their map pool is, how versatile they can be, and make it very difficult for their opponents to sort of predict where they're going to go with the V2. You've been you've been advocating for Robs, you know, couple of times playing Nuke being the most annoying player probably to go up against. His average rating T-side on Nuke for Vitality last 3 months is 162. You know, that's the amount of impact finding T-side on Nuke. It is outrageous. You add in that Syu's average rating on the map overall is 1 150. You have two of the best individuals in the world at playing Nuke going against Spirit, as you said, who's been struggling lately. see this as pretty clear-cut favorite heading into it and it's going to be tough and require something extraordinary if you're Spirit and for that matter to to turn around that. Well, tell me that Yanko. Tell me about what Spirit does here on that CT side. You come out swinging? Do you come out trying to play the game you just came from? Yeah, think they have to keep being fearless, right? And try to take the fight to Vitality. Don't let yourself be discouraged by the fact that you lost close game and you had, you know, map points on Mirage. Just it's not over yet. Keep your head in the game. Yeah, Vitality Spirit. We're going to go to quick break so we can jump right back into it. You are watching grand final. This is the Intel Extreme Masters and it is Rio de Janeiro 2026. We got Vitality Spirit ready to jump back into it after getting some rehydration, which invite all of you to do at home as well. we're going to go to quick break. BRB placement matches set your starting point. Face it rating measures your impact as you climb. The soft elo reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10. Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO inactivity. We're introducing face it rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level. Face it rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match, taking into account the full situation. Season 8 launches April 22nd. Good luck and have fun. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. can can grab you for second? Map that was your weakness goes unpunished. Why do you think that this is kind of your your weakness throughout this event so far? Because so far we did lot of stupid mistakes, mate. on city today we didn't execute properly what we wanted to do at the beginning same on Tside we fade the window smoke it was not on purpose etc so each time it was just to fix and basically play what we wanted to do and then it was close game and I'm happy we we finished exactly that slow start want to mention want to praise you for your poses because you stopped the road at that 15 score line can you share little bit what you're talking to to the guys during these poses is it more like pep talk? Is it adjustment in strategy or is it emotional support? Like what are you what are you like bringing up throughout these processes because they're super influential? the first was an adjustment and the second adjust to wakeup call because it was two or three runs. don't remember exactly by and small buy and basically one mistake all the time one stupid mistake actually. So and then we we were going down down down. So wanted to to step up to have good communication to take their time to execute properly well what we have to do and we did. Thank you so much for the co and nuke. I'm here at the Intel tent with our friends Intel and ASA Predator where over the course of this weekend there has been plenty of excitement going down. And we already gave you little bit of peak behind the curtain as to some of the signing sessions going down with the top players, but would argue this is even more exciting because you get the opportunity to play on some of the latest and greatest gear. And luckily, I've got an expert to tell me little bit more about it. Fi, I'm sorry to bother you mid round, but I'd love you to give me rundown of exactly what you're working with here. don't don't worry about it. I'm playing on beast of machine. It's the Predator Orion 7000 PC, 5090 inside, Predator Cyclone cooling. Literally everything you could want to play high FPS Counterstrike. Of course, it's not just that. There's plenty of new and exciting things coming in the very near future. Mac, tell me bit more about that. Okay, so we have just released the Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series processors about 3 weeks ago, but this baby here, the new Orion 7000 is going to have those new processors in them as well as some new bells and whistles. But if you look at it, that is what you can purchase very, very shortly. It's not quite released, so it is the first look, so keep your eyes on it. It is an absolute thing of beauty. Thank you so much for your time. I'll let you get back to the grind and we get back to the grand final. Spirit really have their work cut out for them now. You're dealing with cohesive vitality. Every individual masters of their craft. They survived the test on Spirit's map pick. Robs playing like man determined to make history. Up next, Vitality elect to take us to their turf of Nuke. But we haven't seen Spirit play so far in Rio. Last outing loss to Mongols to eliminate them from Rotterdam. So couple of position changes here in Rio. bit more in store. Let's find out together. This is map that well was undefeated for Vitality so far in 2026. the loss to Falcons. The only blemish on the record with the pistols for one in map number one. That inevitable feeling. These are Vitality's gold bars set back in. That was the question as we head to the southern hemisphere. Who can stop Vitality? Many thought it would be slam dunk for the grand slam. That resistance it was limited. Maybe it's futile. Top pump set up at the ready. Do swing open. Molly goes in. Ter, he'll be taking that fight. yeah, medium top block by Ter. think that's counted it. Beautiful. Yeah, works out for Shiro as well. Gets that opening frag onto Flamesy. Su however just the one. Takes him off of her but Ter again with impact. It's Mezzi right back in kind. He finds the double kill. Things will slow down as Apex and Mezi can relocate. They have info onto just Mezzi. Apex's an unknown entity. The fact that they're split right now, you have to play for info if you're spirit. You can't really commit to these fights. So, Magic says hoping to shave one off the pack. But as the time continues to tick, he will have to consider outside at certain point. You see him now pivoting, worrying about exactly that. And at that moment, the door swings wide open. Vitality walts out silently. secure this top site and in moment plant that bomb. Is he planting heaven side? Apex behind single and now magic's up heaven. It'll need to beat Zontics up the vent. Are they unarmored? Apex and mezi. Neither of which has the additional armor. Body shots could be lethal. And Mezi's not looking. clean head shot doesn't matter. Now into the clutch goes Apex. Springs in. He heard Zix. He knows where he is. He knows exactly where he's coming from. Doesn't matter if it's headto-head though. It's just going to be battle of wits. battle around the site. Bog with bait and switch drops in, plants his boots, and Apex just waltzes into his crosshair. And that wasn't looking good for Spirit whatsoever. thought Zontics was going to have to fly up the vent. The fact he's gone noisy ramp, but at the same time, that's when Magic's activates. If you're the two players in the top side, if you hear player ramp, you don't think someone's going to start peeking on their own. He was very noisy running up. So, think with that Apex position potentially hurt him. And Mezi thought he had enough time to kind of establish his position. nice round to win. And the bomb does go down, however, and we know what that means. force by Bruise for Vitality. Zywoop. It's an AK-47 for his troubles. There's gal in the hands of Mezi. Too Tech 9. And well, everybody in lobby try and pressure Zix over towards ramp by the looks of things. Util lined up. Here they come. it's nice pop flash. Completely nullifies Zix. Loses vision. Forced to turn tail. Tuck into the side, but they're coming. Support alongside as well. He's got Donk. Early start down here. Zontics connecting as is Donk. In combination, they've completely nullified Vitality on that second round. Nothing to celebrate for Vitality. That's not the way you'd hope the Force Fight to go. You need little bit of resistance here. the fact that you've got absolutely nothing done, of course, is the eco, but you don't shave anything off the pack. You don't put the cortisol through the roof here for Spirit. The flash was great. Zontics has to drop down, but the rotation's better. This is just shut down. And some moments in map number one where think Zontics would have hoped he's done little bit better, but this one very important moment to start off map number two. think again the inevitability vitality in that first map we thinking okay well at any moment they're just going to wake up and bring it back and they did it was Zyu having to step up in massive way but Spirit is still bringing the fight this is the best they've looked in some time definitely the best they've looked with Magix as the in-game leader there might be some concerns for Tanir right well first grand final sure the first couple of looks of Magix calling the shots it was less than pretty yeah but think It's just the attitude shift of the whole team. It's not just his calling, right? You you need everybody to complement each other. The coms need to be on point. And when the coms are on point, you're playing off of each other, right? You're flash. And what also builds that is ideas, having moves, taking the initiative. It's also about trust. Trust is such theme in these best teams. It's every player knows his team's got his back. think that's the biggest point as far as Vitality concerned. We could talk about hang on. Zyu's nailed the first and threatening on the second. Donk versus Zyu. AK versus Deagle. Don's done well. Three kills deep before Flamesy finishes what Zyu started. More to be said here. Yeah, that was his opportunity for Rob. Singingering lobby. Magic's with peer in towards the squeaky door. Confirms his location, but he oversteps the mark. The bomb is outside lobby. There's 25 seconds. They need to move right now if they want to pick that up and give this chance. Rob starts back. He's going to grab it, but at that point now there's sub 20 seconds. Okay, so unlikely going to have to come in from the main side. Maybe Ter gets caught. He tucks into the vent at the perfect time. It is just to here and lazy on the clear. Two head shots. Instantaneous deletion. Okay, think the second little bit of chance there for Tener. lot more damage done in that and they weren't able to salvage the AK as Ter's turning into the showman for the spirit roster. Most of their personality is displayed by their output. Tia, he's got the smile on the face and he's happy to pant to the crowd. Now the guns equipped. Vitality rifle round number one. Sure gets his or Jacob discussing the prowess of Mr. Cool who had fantastic first map of play on the T-side of Nuke. It's tough job, but one that he makes look easy. All the smokes. Such heavy investment of resources. You're going to be making play around this. Smoke break sets up Shirou, but they take cover. Zu well aware of the possibility. second this time. Dong trying to set him up. And missed shot from Shiro. Goes punished. And using the smoke as well. They'll quickly move. Flames is going to catch the back turn here. Spot him on the top of the hut. Easy onto Magic's challenge. Flamesy huge on the entry. Just Zix here coming in from heaven. Rob should have his number and Vitality get off of that goose egg. Okay, Flames and Zy were there. Just the can openers ripping off heads. That looked beautiful when they throw that third smoke in. Right. It's call it question mark smoke. It just creates so much pathing opportunity and for Don that gives him so much to be concerned about. Understand that was the opening exchange. This one right here getting peppered away by Oshira after the opening. But then Don has to worry about the slip through those smokes in the credit. Are they going single? Are they going main? And that means the top defense is having to worry about whole lot more. Sure, it's the hot door and squeaky, but as soon as main becomes problem, you're having to help Yard. You're considering all the coms. And now your money, it's not in tatters. But this buy, it's not pretty. An or M4 complemented by couple of MP9s out of 57. The fight early necessary for Spirit. They have to be able to try and bounce back in rounds like this. We know Vitality can. Spirit need to be able to do the same. and it gets harder immediately just off smoke spam. Robs pulls Ter out of the round. Looks like test for Zontics brewing. Just flash and go. Enough support. Shur get here in time. Yeah, he's just got an MP9. At least he'll have vision. Flamesy leading the pack, leading the charge. Mac 10 and shut down with empty hands. Might be the save at this point. There's only so much you can do there if you zontix, especially with Ter going down top. They're going to hedge their bets. Don, he is fully committed to this fight. It's feast or famine position. It is one man versus Vitality. And he now is positioned, his whereabouts noted. He's running out of ammo and he's lost his head. He won't be saving. At least not those two. Just Shirou's orb to be brought through to the nex. Robs may have just opened the runway for him. Is he considering this possibility? Shur just parks up in lobby. Robs goes onto the roof. So there is slight chance that Shiro can worm his way in towards T-spawn and retain this. It would mean that Robs would have to not be as diligent as this man is. And bit of robot as the Estonian. This is man on mission today. He's already won backto back grand slams, but looking to do it in the Vitality jersey to become the only man with three. Polishes off Shirou. Wipes the board and they'll draw this back to just one round game as we see Spirit now taking to an eco against Na'Vi then Furia eliminating the hometown heroes yesterday and now Spirit. lot of names in Rio finding resurgence of form. But got to be able to deliver your absolute best Counter-Strike if you want to be able to take even just map off of Vitality. They were just on 24 map run at this event. They secured the most top four placings in consecutive fashion of any team ever. The same conversation happens every time we see this team in the final. Talking about the accolades, how stacked the trophy cabinet is, how polished each and every piece of this team. There is still debate the quieter it gets, but it still exists. Is it Vitality the greatest all of all time or is it Arales? Yeah, Flamesy even taking to the interviews saying that we want there to be no debate. Well, this ESL Grand Slam, another one for Vitality, would certainly bolster the conversation in their favor. Going to be the only team to have accomplished that. And then to be still running the rest of the season as clear favorites, head and shoulders above the rest of the pack who now playing musical chairs. Roster changes left, right, and center. Bak's going to bring in Carrian. Ma have just made changes. The pieces continue to move and Vitality continues to win as this eco 30 seconds remaining. Time is the issue but ahzi they line up the scoreboard. It's down towards and they'll get that bomb down with ease. You managed to get yourself an AK-47. Yeah, think make sure that you get that in dog's hands in the next right. We know just how wicked he can be. Three rounds T-side nuke starting to simmer in nicely. Was talking about that run six straight before losing to Falcons here in Rio. All of those outings singledigit stomps. The closest was 13 to7. Right. This is map that Vital are extremely strong on. 13-2 134 135 135 134. Right. They're not close at all. And they start on the T-side when they pick it. Yeah. And they're dealing with teams like Furia, Mongols, Aurora's in there. bows. This one now is confirmed. Terrorists win. You look at last year, back-to-back majors, seven straight titles, 30 consecutive best of three, best of five series win streak and the grand slam that they were able to pick up down under win in Melbourne over Falcons. Definitely final to remember and almost year to the day later, it's only week. It's week difference. It's almost the anniversary. They're able to do it again. Right now in 2026, this is their fifth tournament. They already have three trophies. They're looking for the fourth. Crack out clues. Rotam Rio up next. The world tour on display. This record-breaking excellence continues. We're just going to sit back and enjoy it. That don AK in hand. Back into the guns. Then you stomp the wrong. Look at this forward position from Robs. It's striking heart. Gives you so little room to move in top that you don't even know. And it's and it's so sound based as well. You give him an extra sound queue. If you give him that extra step, that dismount, the drop onto the floor, he will profit and he will punish. Is he now popping out the second wave of smoke? There we go. He's just caught little bit of window of opportunity, but Magix will catch him as info though. Spots two towards the hut position. need to gravitate back towards lobby now. Mezi has the bomb. Apex coming over to join. not too far behind. It's Flamesy who needs to make some room outside. Consider that room made. Yeah, now it's your options. Okay, do we want Flamesy to come back late for top hit or do we want to just try and split Flamesy can go down secret. They're aware of the possibility of the slip. Ztix announcing that by blowing off the double doors. How far behind the rotation do they think they are? And how many bodies do they think Vitality have committed to this? Ramp is not open. It's Donk who's now starting to fortify this. 30 seconds. peaks on in, nails it onto Zyu, finds him for first and looking for number two. Apex too quick for him. Darting down to the site. Light on time. They've got 17 seconds. Flamesy still unable to find Zontics. Process of elimination dictates. He's in dark just in time. They clear him. Vitality opportunity to plant with no response available. Down the vents is Cheeky. Tire coming in from the ram side. Hoping Magix can find something on this flank. Attention drawn towards the ramp side. It's Flamesy versus Magix. Tap from the head. Nice from Ter. Magix's onto Flamesy. Just messy in the clutch. He's got to find that second one. Shirro's there and Spirit will make it fourth. Zic fumbled that one there. think in that position he he needs to get at least one. It doesn't matter in the scheme of things. They're able to retake in that 3v3, but it definitely ups the pressure. So well handled. It's another round that when you get what is essentially free opener like this, the timing of Robs on the hut push. Magic's able to get there in time. Donk gets his but great shot from Ter to open the way up for that retake and get back in. Now they need to establish themsel within the gun rounds on this CT side. Consecutive feels mandatory. Mezzi fast. Yeah, how quick is he going on this? punishing that absence of the incendiary early heart. The roof just rotated away. Sher to help outside. There'll only be two on to deal with this. He's going walking straight in. Perfect off angle occupied by Magic Ster from the heart as well. Shuts down Vitality. The door closed and Zyu. he's in it to win it. Nice clean head shot. An opportunity for that multi. Gone. That got close. Zontic saves them in the 1 one. and he pulled that 1 v3 rapidly into 1 one territory and it's Axtaz on the mic. Great showings by this top defense. They've been called upon sure it was Rob's lurk in the previous but that one right there was full assault and both players in that sight had to deal damage early that gave enough time for the rotation to get there. The top site turned into blender and magic and Teneia they passed the test. Very important that they're able to convert those but XAZ before the finances are completely burnt through wants to get on the mic. They get 24,400 loss bonus into the next. The full investments are there. Actually have bit more cash than maybe Spirit would be hoping for. If they get the bomb down, it could be another buy. So maybe not to be the partial on the follow through. Even if they concede another little technical timeout has been called. You can see here Apex with the headset off. Marks aren't going out to arena so no need to watch what we say. Lamesy 6K yet to buy. he might have any issues. Same kind of story of Mirage. Spirit putting up valiant defense here to near top of the tables again. Map to map from Mirage to new to near continues. Back to something yard ccentric, excuse me. Vitality again in no rush. You want to say that. Okay, Apex has actually got this red space quite quickly. They got the smoke. Shur finds nothing. it's too easy. Way too easy. Over the top of the smokes, Apex failed. Zu closer to it to avoid that, but now susceptible to the spam. It was Donk that tagged him up little. Still enough time to get themselves across. Bomb and two additional players down the secret stairs. It's Robs that's ready for the angle. Ter on the clear. Robs profits. Puts us into the four on four, but that'll be finish. There's no one down here. Yeah, no one has cheated over to deal with this. They know it's possibility. And that back box is zontix. Shur's actually evacuated to go. Well, he was attempting to help elsewhere. So, they will be able to get this site for free. They're still going to scale out as if there's bodies, but are they up towards clock? Are they dark? Nobody's home. And they have so much utility right now, especially these mollies to be able to restrain. Robs not playing the lobby lurk over towards Yard. Three players looking to retake from ramp. Magic still towards This is even harder than the last one as he stays sight. Claims he going to be the first one to on the receiving end. Ram centric. Three players charging in taking from Zywood. Takes the head off. Nice from Mezzi in reaction. Catches Zontics looking the wrong way. And the rest achieved by virtue of the number disadvantage. Shirro and Magic's just got save. Yeah, 1,400 into the next. They need to hold on to these if they want anything to fight with. They're going to evacuate back towards Secret. So, retaining these, no problem. Vitality make it one round game. And love that right there. It's flashes. Okay, we can't block the choke points, but what we can do is once they've established little bit of space on that retail, we can flash and we can clamp down. They just stamp their dominance on that site. And it looks simple. Spirit not believing that it was going to be the finish. the site completely unguarded. It's on the mic. Second tactical timeout in the first half of play. Knowing how valuable these CT side rounds are, the half, it's going to be completely different beast. Vitality, they're in the driver's seat to be able to not only tie things up, but extend this lead. They are going to force by behind the saves. It makes sense with the 1400, but for the remainder of this half, you are going to be working with very little if you do not convert this one. Get 1900 into the next. You take the save 2400. You have Meek by for the final round of the first half of the second map. And you had chances on Mirage. This is from Yeah. straight onto main roof. This time Apex does get across straight away. Is anybody going to drop down to acknowledge it this time? Because if not, it's another key weakness that is just open for the taking this time. Sure, there's not the extra bodies. There's not the bomb, but there's so much space and messy. Ter's gone down couple of times through smokes towards that top side. That could have been another. They're trying to channel him into this angle. Shirro knowing he has to be bit of playmaker here. Inserts himself forward. This sucks for Zontics. He's just heard the molly go off towards double doors. So, they could be single. God, no idea how close to near was to Apex. You need to make some plays. Need to see that type of aggression. understand it's not easy on map like Nuke, especially not with MP9s. Yeah, Magic's actually got the info on does avoid the shot. Now the bomb is across. Yeah, but Ta's down here with low HP. my goodness. Nearly two. Flamesy able to provide the trade though. And now Apex headto-head with Zontics losing the rifle. Fight outside could lead to pivot. It's Flamesy with the bomb and Zontics on the re. Beautiful. Again, impact out of Zix. 25 seconds. Robs can get down this vent. Yes, he can. Shirro's chasing ghost. Going to be little bit behind the 20 seconds. They have to find this fast. Zontics supported by Donk now. Tags up on Zyu. They are going to pivot up. Rob's got the bomb, but Shiro's got him. Zyu 10 seconds into the orb. Shirro shuts it down for six. So CT Hall they'll be happy with especially if he can sprinkle on the last couple. That's an instrumental moment right there from Tanir. think the fact that he's made that move been able to pip gap. look this is really what sets Apex up running in little bit like dasical in that scenario right shown himself. is that the rotation? No. Zontics still down there able to capitalize. And now it's Vitality's money that has concerns. That's an extremely important round. You need eight if you're spirit. And this is blown off. Top go no ramp. Little bit of pace definitely the name of the game. Zyu robs fight back after Zix's opening into the top sight. You know Ter typically lives there and so cut of noise they completely cancel. The fact that they've just won fight at Ram and top sight in the first 15 seconds of the round and you've taken down Don and Shiro. The amount of gaps available is huge. Well, Yard's not one of them. Taire stands his crown holds onto Yard. puts Symbu in the dirt and pulls Spirit back into contention. All right, now that it's level, you have to play off of each other here. Spirit, you've been able to claw this one back just still towards ramp. Magix's up in the heavens. Then Ter will take over the responsibilities of the top side. So Magix will just take this gap. He's going to have whole lot of information, but can't do lot with the shots. Yeah, he spots him. He's communicating this. He's playing for Apex. Should have him dead to rights there on the tap back of the skull as he can't find the trade. hidden now behind that box. It's still partnership towards Ter though. They're looking for him. Going to make life miserable with the Molotov. Forced into the fight. Robs pivots in in combination with Messi. They find him. Still lobby heaven. And it's going to be Zix that plays next. Robs is not looking. Magix finds Robs. And now they can double up. They'll double swing. Messi on the adjustment. They're so low. 28 seconds. He can't get back. Considered it. Three bullets is all Mezzi has to work with. Magic's onto his pistol for 20 seconds. The pressure's on the side and Magix does it on the USB. necessary round. Closed down clutch for Magix. And that's tough with the fights kicking off towards heart and ramp immediately. You mentioned it. Don Shurro the first to fall and they claw this one back. This is hardcore and Magix again are playing ahead of his teammate just like the pistol round. He just swinging out heaven taking these jewels getting stuck in. Horus the butcher gets the clutch done and the money in the bin for Vitality. He force in. It's Tech 9 heavy. There's one rifle. Messi's got the Galil 84 on the door. You would love that if you're the dragon bar certainly on par. Smoke wall. All three thrown by Mezi and the Tech 9 will start their crawl. going to partner up with Ter. They suspect that they want to go through main lane and it's the right idea. It's the right read. He's going to be in the perfect position. Only the one though. Good from Zyu. Stop from the multi. Rob's clearing corners. Magic's up top. Good for it. Double kill on the FAMAS. Apex last man standing. Eight found for Spirit. They're not going down without fight. That is solid bar set on the defensive side of Nuke. Vitality's pick. Will it be Vitality's win? Encounter. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. It's Nuke and an 84 half from Team Spirit has got us all locked in on what could be guaranteeing fourth map if Spirit could pick this one up at minimum. We're live from Rio de Janeiro. The Farasi Arena having fun. Spirit were too in that first half. We swapped sides though. The CT side more favorable. Vitality looking to pick up pistol. The gloves are off in this one. broken by round late in the piece set Spirit up for success. They're showing some grit. Spirit the first pistol team of the tournament looking to go 3-1 in that department. Donk outside P250. Ter's been chipped away. Solid connections from Flames. He spam in the smoke there. Clean head shot. We want that P2000 representing. Takes out Zix. Magix finds that belated trade through. double entry from Magix. He's got the bomb and he's doing everything. Heavy lifting from Captain Magix, but Apex on the crawl gets distracted by Don and Shirou profits. Gets him on the trade from the heaven. Robs clean onto Magix. Just Shirou two to find. Knows he's got to dance between these two elevations and doesn't find the necessary first bullet onto Messi. All right, we split him again. again these in game leaders and just learing out heaven in these equal game state situations taking such chance but it's worked for Apex just like it has for Magix almost got nade on his noggin right there's such good job takes out two on the top side and the bomb going down you know what that means the investment from Robs brings out an org into round number two of the second half. Don gets an AK. Shirou gets Kil. He's one of the very few players that will use every trick and weapon in the book. It's crazy just to see it so early. Going to be quite statement. Your second round, you're already running into an or if you try Ram. guess it means he needs less help. can focus elsewhere. The break of the smoke. The doesn't find anything, but stray bullet does. Donk chipped away at brought to 78 as everybody from Spirit is going to be able to cross silently down Secret. Flames. He started down lower. He's been jump spotting this entire time. Just bouncing his head off of the arch in order to get that info safely. And now, well, he's been spotted as well. Face the door open. And now they're running straight into the MP9. An important trade from Don and it could get weird. Long range with that scope though. Robs puts couple down. Perfect range for it. One bag from Dair's Tech 9 and we should see the bomb go down. They're not contesting immediately. Der allowed to scavenge an M4. Robs creeps around the corner into Dair. Zontics as well. They've got the advantage. second round. Who needs the pistol? They've only got Messi to get past. Bomb's been picked up now. They're worried about him swooping in. Single door, double door. That's bit of problem, but Mezzi, he's just come down the ladder. He's going to let them play next. So, bomb will get planted. 30 seconds thrust on the clock as Mezi starts to make move. if he peaks, he's going to potentially catch before he finds cover. Elevated spot standard. Bang. Ter's aim on display. Another one of these rounds where Taneer has multi-kill in very impactful moment. This has just brought the half alive and they had already done the business on their on their CT side, excuse me. Right. This is scenario now where Vitality go in with 1400 force fight. If if you get past this spirit, it's your map to lose. It's not just fight that they're bringing. They are in it to win it. Terrorists win. Scout for Zyu. 357 for me. Vitality bleed. It's so nice to see this level out of Tiner since he was rumored to be joining the roster, right? We had this lengthy period of time. Obviously, Magic's went out, Zay came in, Zontics was hanging around for period of time, but we knew that he was done with. They were going to bring in Tania. He hasn't looked this comfortable. If anything, the teams looked out of sorts. Not like they've just completely dropped off the face of the earth, but this is meant to be contender for titles. And finally here in Rio, it's starting to look that way. Don's pathing gets spotted by Zyu scout but unable to connect the dots. Can't hit the shot. Magix's can. Flamesy though does well. Mid-range 57. second onto's head. Long range already chipped away. Softened up by the HG. Apex with that one two dunk in conversion. Long range 57 head shot. Vitality could return and respond in kind with just armored pistols. It falls to Zix and Shirro to rectify. Make it just Shirro clearing this clearing Apex and he closes it down. Vitality respond in kind. think the response time of that they showed themselves outside. They get that frag immediately. Pivot up in towards The fact that Apex after getting kill outside is in the rafters tucked in. Just insane work. One step ahead of Vitality and they won't go down without fight. Flames he's the one that ignites here to make this round conversation. And Apex at range just keeps moving. Doesn't stop. Counterterrorist. He's played that very well. The individual format of Apex and they take the eco. They don't want to get drawn into the force by wars. This is decision to make when you're dealing with 1400 loss. So next round only the 1900. It's going to be touch and go. Maybe it's an eco into half then into full gun round. Either way, it's great opportunity now for Vitality to work back into the game. So, we continue to go tip for tat as both teams putting some strong Counter-Strike on display. Props his or might feast here. Unarmored Team Spirit charging in. The Desert Eagle gets nothing. That scope advantage Shiro knows all too well. How many is he getting? He's done some damage to Zontic. Support has arrived as well in the form of Apex. Just rotates in, blocks them with the incendiary. Such an unfavorable fight for the Glocks. don't think they'll be getting too much done in this one whatsoever. I'm just more interested to see what the buy pattern looks like from here. Soft fig used two of the tactical timeouts in the first half. So not sure he wants to take one going into the next. They just have to put faith in the team piecing this one together as Apex to farm up two. Donk's got something done, but all in all, this will be the seventh round now for Vitality. Only matter of time until they converge on Donk. And they're coming from all angles deletes him. Okay, so they are opting for what is likely going to be heavier gals with this type of buy. say that they're buying in, selling back. This is such weak buy for what at this stage of the half should be your first gun round. It's two AKs, two Mac 10s, and Tech 9. They've already been able to win force spy, but this isn't that. Lots of early smokes in the sky. Lur smoke door. Wall of smokes yard. Four smokes burned in the first 5 seconds. You feel that you're forced into something that's little bit more poppy because of these Mac 10s and tech 9, but then you have the AKs on Don and Shiro. So, do you want to give them opportunities to work and look for equal jewels? Well, they haven't taken any space outside. Not cognizant of opportunity for Apex or Zyu lingering around playing for info. Looks like they want to go send Don through main. Magics with flashes to facilitate. Drops in trying to synchronize now. It's an air. Nice one and done though. Zyu quick on the trade. Apex has found Magix and this pacey top. This second wave just crashing into the rock that is Zyu. Chiro, he's going to Yeah, he's going to try and play for the plant, but Robs is just going to have to end it here. Makes it one round game. like the idea, right? They threw the top utility first. That's going to draw the attention that brings the Yard players into focus. Donk is able to find the gap and swiftly executes, but it's not enough follow through. And now it'll have to be an eco again. So pattern of rounds falling unfavorably for Spirit as the blue wall. Four out of the five rounds won this second half so far for Vitality. 2900 into the next. So by virtue of little bit extra cash, they can equip themselves with some pistols again. If you couldn't make him slip up in the last with some misdirection, you going to have to hope that you catch good timing and wanting to try props again by the looks of things. This time playing over towards Elbow. Actually starting to pump forward. Does that mean that there's support on the way? The smoke is about to fade. Magic selling fake towards Yard, but it is all on Robs. Borg primed and ready. Going to be leading this charge. drops Prime starts to unload. and it's only the two before Don gets his Tech 9 frag accelerating into the side, but knife out. Flamesy catches Ter bringing knife to the gunfight. Donk has found Robsy's rifle. Seven bullets in the mag. Magic's free frag for Apex. So, helpless one for Team Spirit here. And Flames is going to play it by the book. Yeah, could have just swung, took that fight. Such huge man advantage, but they know what's on the line. You want to get this one done as quick as possible. Vitality been letting the world know that the focus is on Rio getting these gold bars. That cool millie. Take the pressure off with the major right around the corner. Looking for the three Pete. They don't need that extra baggage. Donk. He's in the sight. He's faked the plan. The door swings open. There's one, but time's against him. gets the info on Apex. Evades the nade only by hair. Runs at him to try and die before the time hits zero. So, yeah, Vitality running away with it. Now, that's four consecutive from the defensive side. Yeah, you just have to return to round number three of this half. think that the T-side was always going to be difficult for Spirit. It was always going to be an uphill battle, but once you had spill open the money, you knew that Vitality would buy him back in with well, pretty average looking weaponry. That was your chance to rack up double digits and likely 11, putting you on the precipice of another map. You had your chances on Mirage. Now we're all tied up here on Nuke 99. Robs starting down towards now because the smokes haven't come in yet. Robs can actually continue to take this space. He knows that nobody could across secret yet which will allow him to get to the stairs and be jarring presence. Yeah. Okay. He's going to have to respect the flames. Molotov throws that into question. Second wall thrown impromptu through the red. Robs is fully committed to this fight here. He's peaked on in. Doesn't get the fight he was looking for. Magics will bring him down and they keep five or rather four alive. Excuse me. Daener died over towards the silo position. That's lot of information. The eruption gets right there. He sees those three bodies. He knows that the bomb's there and Apex is quick on that. Looking for the lobby lurk and Apex is so quick. just looks away as Dom strikes. Takes the head off of Apex. Frustration visible. Magic's going for that plant. Uncontestable. Syu from the ram side meets mezi and Flamesy trying to draw attention to himself. He's fumbled. The smoke goes down the staircase instead. Was hoping to obscure the cross on Vince, but he still hits the shot. Takes down Donk. It's threeon three. Clock ticking in Spirit's favor. Chunk of damage dealt to Magic's back sight. Swinging from the single side. Flames are going to apply the pressure. Instant head shot out of Magix's looking good to collect. Shirou with the spray. Only Mezzi and he's been tagged position. Noted and there's no time. Spirit will find double digits first. You can see Counter-Strike timing right there. The difference between Apex winning or losing that round. Just the fact that he looks away on that pathing. If he's able to get behind them, then I'll consider that's multi-kill. This one little bit rough for Robs. He's been very good in this series so far. He's 18 and 12 right now. So that's probably his only misstep. And Donk was already low. So you felt he should have at least gotten one in that environment, but the team was there to make sure he didn't go down. Once more, double digits reached first by Spirit. Money on the line for Vitality in this one. The only one with extra cash is Apex. They lose sight early as those nades. Chunk donk. Flames just push lobby. So many moving pieces. So aggressive. He's looking for the lobby lurk. Zontics towards trophy. Donking to the warehouse. Yeah, so many moving pieces. Flames keeps going. If anybody heads back, they're going to be caught out. Outrageous. The bomb descends the secret stairs. Robs to receive them. Dump. Yeah, Zyu unawares. Dogs crawled this whole way back. Turns to Zyu gets whiff just in time. So the opening kill goes the way of Vitality. Robs has got support in the form of Apex towards control. Power position from Robs. Will he have two rounds with empty hands? No sir. Finds magic. Shirro to swing on in for number two. And Robs has got the bomb in front of him. Zontics reveals the lurk on Hut. Nothing else to be done though and so tied up game 10-10 seems inevitable. He's just going to have to hold on to this 30 seconds where he holds his breath and flames. Yeah, right. He went around the world and found nothing. Maybe he can remove this to take the threat away to the following. It's 2400 for Spirit and that's not really going to set them up with anything too convincing in the buys. It's been spotty half. Consecutive rounds would have gone long way. And if Zontics goes down after time, that is absolute worst case scenario. Flames is not going to T-spawn. He's going to do it. He's going to rub salt in the wound right now. Zontics goes down. And that that leaves mark. 400 bucks is all he has to take into the next round of play. that's going to leave the camp of Team Spirit with sour taste in their mouth. just been hard to be able to get these buys together and it's going to be even more difficult now. It's sick sense for Zyu. Maybe unzoomed and caught him in this peripheral. Got to shake it off. Have to use these 30 seconds wisely. Whether it's about what follows through in this one or the next, game's far from over. That feeling of inevitability when you go up against Vitality. We are trying to buck that trend. Magix has had some big moments. 17 frags for the in-game leader in his grand final debut in that role. Pressure on this man's shoulders. They've decided not to shove and go for another one of these wonky buys. There's already been enough of those in this half of play. They're going to take the conservative approach. Smattering of pistols upgraded next round with the 2900. They will be able to buy. You'd love to get plant if you're Zontics. That's just to help him out, right? 2900 plus the 400. It's not going to go too far. Don Deagle headshot would go miles. You have to get past this off angle. Look at him go. Robin Cool. The sweat lord off angle or poised and ready to shred your unarmored opponents. And they tried to ramp every time on his anti flash headshot angle. Absolutely farming. Gets three. wall bang would have been nice. little early from the first, but tags magics on the second. Ter on the walk up gets nated. It's like you can just see through walls. Zyu collects another. Just Robs and Zyu dealing with this one. No threat, no sweat. Just wonder how many offerings has Rob's gotten, right? Are they trying to make sure that Zyu doesn't get his 31st MVP? Might just feed the eekes. know the adjustments in play, but Robs with that org has had so much activity. Magic can't do anything with it and understandable with the type of buy that they brought into it. Okay, the guns now. Zontics is just going to have to concede and work with the Mac 10. Shirou gets his or the AKs are there and this is one of the better looking buys throughout. It's going to be the weirdest looking nuke. Highlight reel for Robs. Maybe the logic is that against the Eekes, if he gives it up, his opponents don't know how to use it. It's got to be at least nine or so kills with that or against very lightly equipped opponents. And now up against the guns goes M4. Easy way back into this for Spirit. It will be only against the rifle rounds down the stretch. See that is so cheeky. Pushes on the first smoke straight through squeaky door. Catches Shirro with his knife out. Pants around his ankles. Didn't know about that push where he went around the world before. So why not? He dipped his toe. The water's warm. It's just the most frustrating death for Shirro. You could empathize. Just screaming. can't believe he's done that. He's still hanging around for more. conceding to play the man advantage. Maybe Zontic sprays. Well, Mezzi's here as well. CT vent. They can double swing this. it's faded. Okay, Zix thinks twice about it. He's going to flash him in. Zontics. How quick can you turn? Swings on in. Spots Zix for the headto head and calls for backup as well from Trophy. 45 seconds. Worried about this. Made out. Okay, very aggressive from Flames. He enables an equalizer from Magic scavenging Shirob and puts it to good use. Doc knocks on main door near through Squeaky. Mezy one onto Doc, but it's the peak through. Leg shot. Apex is alive. Second lease of life. Syra with the nade to finish. And Magic's heading for the hills wanting to hold on to this. Brutal. Brutal. It's another one of these scenarios, right, where Apex playing the Joker. either calls one of his teammates or it's himself hiding in that top sight ahead of the play and that's 12 secure and blemish on the record against Falcons. That one's not going to matter. That's group stage. This is in pursuit of the gold bars. Spirit have had some real fight in them throughout both maps so far of this grand final. Well, you mentioned the ones that have gone. It's the one that's coming up next that I'm the most excited about. 44 and four Vitality, the Apex squad on Dust 2. They've won 16 consecutive Spirit. It's also their home turf 11 and one. What shot. Yeah, even Don's reacted like that. That's how you know you bit banger. And he didn't slam the table. He was impressed with that one. Last ditch attempt. It was you on Matt one who had the 12 to 10 score line. Vitality brought it back to overtime and ripped it out of your hands. Nice little run boost to get Shirro set up to try and catch an opening kill. Apex having absolutely none of that. He's got his hands off the mouse and keyboard checking his teammates monitors. No, Sy got the cross. And can't quite believe that Flames pushed Lobby in backto back rounds over the grand final no less. With map point at stake, he brings the fight through lobby through the smoke. He's such trickster. and Apex hits ahead. Down on the yard spot. Five on three. Vitality set to collect twom map lead. Flash out. More fight. This time, Don humbles him. Flash to get him on the swing. Don's toes tapped from the hut position. And my god, he perfectly read it. He's read him like book. with the 57 up close. Punishes the smoke walk. It's going down for Spirit. Constant reagasses from the CT side. Robs has cleared out lobby. They don't let Spirit catch their breath for moment. 30 seconds. Bomb outside. Shirro down towards This one's hopeless. This one has absolutely no chance. Zywoop ensures it. And now it's just Magix's 1v4. The time is ticking. He knows his fate and so do the team. It's map three coming up next. Mezi will secure it and Vitality take twom map lead. Apex more than happy with that one. But for Spirit, close but no cigar. Time and time again. It needs to be different look on Dust 2 or this one is done in three. Kill here. Members of the jury, rise. Placements hearing proceed. Easy, baby. Now this is talent. 5k. Good thing Don isn't deciding your reload. Your placement games do. Season 8 starts April 22nd. Spirit try as hard as you absolutely can. You win that first pistol. You even convert. You think about maybe even taking the conversion from Vitality in the second half, which you do. But it's still just little shy of where you want to be. 13 to 10 here in this grand final second map for the Intel Extreme Masters. I'm Trace, you got Yanko on the middle, pimp down on the end, but ready to talk little bit more vitality. As if there's any other team quite to talk about like them. Yeah, it's crazy. Every time they seem to be on the ropes, they just find way to recover. You know, their players start stepping up. They win rounds they're not supposed to on paper rounds that they are at the big disadvantage going out of spawn in terms of weaponry, in terms of utility. And that's what makes them great is no matter the situation, no matter the disadvantage, they find way to win. can also feel for for Spirit little bit because agree, you know, Vitality are playing great Counter-Strike, very composed Counter-Strike, finding ways to win, you know, when you think it's not possible, but don't think Spirit is playing bad by any sort of the imagination. think as team right now, they're showing up. Some of the the secondary lineup, you know, some of the secondary, guess, actors within the lineup are doing good job in in Matics and Sun finding impact. Ter continuing to have great showing. There's only one piece missing right now that that could tip it over the scale sort of for Spirit and that is Donk. That's the only thing I'm I'm missing right now from Spirit from saying and and you know maybe stating that they're playing some of the best counter I've seen Spirit play in long long time. don't think it's just Donk. mean Shirro is the lowest rated player for the series. Magix is their highest rated player so far. Being second, right? And we're talking about them losing the first map in overtime and second map 13-10 after having an an 84 half, right? and winning that force by really, which is where you thought, all right, now they're going to be able to close this out. but Vitality found way to bounce back. That's huge issue for Spirit at the moment. It's their stars that are letting them down. Yeah. And it it just seems like Yeah, you you might have Vitality where you want him if you're Spirit sometimes and some rounds, but yeah, you get those miracle rounds. You get those things that Robs is known for. Zyu's coming out and pulling it right out of the back pocket. You can't account for that if you're spirit. No, you well, you can't and you can cuz that's going to happen every single time you're playing Vitality. It's just about whether you can withstand the pressure and whether you can cope with it. And think there was few examples in this game where they actually did it. Round 11 is is one that want to bring up if if production is ready for it. That's round that has lot of elements to it where think Spirit are really withstanding the pressure coming in. You see Six going in straight away, finding kill, finding duel right here, then trade coming in from Syu perhaps little bit lucky. It is what it is, 4v4. Another duel taking place and you now have Vitality playing 4v3. Tina not afraid of exposing himself in Yard taking duel versus Syu. Magix's making it 3v2. Vitality applying pressure all over it again walking towards the inner bomb side right here. Flushing out play on the side making it 2v2. feel like there's so many occasions in this round where Spirit could have lost it. Again, 2v one. Messi gets the first kill. Plays 1 one. It goes down to this weirdass duel where both players are down to one HP essentially and Magic wins it with the USB. At this point in the game when it's 7 to4 for Spirit, think Vitalia applying all the pressure they potentially can. You see Tener's response going out yard taking heads up fight versus Syu. They were withstanding that pressure in the first half. They were outliving it almost and still it wasn't enough to get the win over the finish line. So, you know, the more think about it, the more watch this game, want to give credit for really putting up great fight to Team Spirit, but it's just not enough without Duncan and Shirro. Yeah, they're absolutely taking the fight to vitality, you know, and you also need to give them props that for losing some of these rounds to pistols and whatnot, they're they're not phased by it, you know, they don't get tilt from it. They're still trying. They they they still had opportunities in some rounds, but unfortunately, when it comes to those 3v3s, when it comes to some of those post plans, their guys just aren't delivering. That's where that's where you need Shirou to step up right in the clutch. That's what he's good at. That's where you want Donk to get you sort of multi-kill perhaps where there even there isn't post plan. The opponents are just saving and that hasn't been there today for Team Spirit. No, but it has been there for Vitality and mean everything else besides that. I'm talking about the side of Apex and company leading these guys to victory on Nuke. Not nearly, I'd say as convincing. You know, we have spirit in the final, but yeah, for Vitality step ahead every single time. That's that's what it feels like. You know, they find different ways to win every single time, every single game where it matters the most. This game is again, you know, you win the bisl in the second half, then they lose the force by spy to team spirit and you think, okay, that's it. Spirit are going to run away with it now. think Chad said it during the cast as well. They are the firm favorites to win. It then takes 40 45 seconds for for Vitality to head into the for round in in round 15, win that one. think we have it as well. When you win that round, you know, and and you kind of kickstart your own momentum on the CT side, that's where feel Spirit lost it little bit. That's where we see Don visibly being frustrated. That's where we see Don maybe wouldn't say trying too hard cuz you shouldn't revert from playing the style of Counter-Strike that you normally would play, but he's not really finding the success that you want right now. So, think it's case of both where Vitality, yes, they're playing good Counter-Strike right now where Spirit, as you described before as well, they're not capitalizing on the moments in the game right now. They had some on Mirage, they had some here on Nuke. You can argue they could have won both maps, yet they're down 02. Yeah, and that's what said, right? Like, don't underestimate them. they still have their chances even though they missed out on Mirage. But, you know, eventually you're going to have to find way to close out, right? Just being within striking distance isn't good enough. And with us two around the corner, we know about Vitality's track record. And you wonder that it's just been these close losses and some of these rounds that they're losing they're not supposed to starting maybe to chip away at the mental of of Team Spirit. Yeah. And for Team Spirit, well, they might be taking backseat to this next little installment that I've got for you. It's our DHL MVP. Who will be the DHL MVP? You decide. You can participate in the DHL MVP vote as it happens. Make sure to be tuned into the Twitch stream and be ready to have your say. Well, head of the two best Dust two teams the world has to offer, we are looking to crown our DHL MVP. Our first candidate on the block today will be Robs. Robs has had great series. Robs has had great amount of impact in this game so far. And Robs is doing exactly what he was signed to do in Vitality. He is differencemaker on the server. He's been differencemaker in terms of the way he positions himself and finds impact in pretty much any given scenario that he can offer. Highest rated player of the finals so far. Always there for the big games. and another guy who seems to always be there for Vitality when it matters. Of course, it's going to be the Woo. not having to do all too much in this game, but on Mirage, we pointed out couple of rounds where he really stepped up on the side to get this team into OT and you just know he's going to find ways to be impactful every single time. Always always in contention for the MVP. Messi as well. He's had pretty pretty don't know. think Apex should be in there as well. He's the highest rated CT side player for Vitality. True. And arguably the best thing can be on the server as well, but not to take anything away from Messi. think that's close call for who's going to be third in that race. For now, it's Messi, but guess that could change after us, too. Yeah, it can change with your votes at home. This is your time to get activated in the channel that you are watching the game on. It is our DHL MVP vote. So, want to go ahead and invite you to do that now that we can talk about third and potential final map of IM Rio here. And in doing so, we're talking about Dust 2. We're talking about Vitality starting on the CT side. We heard Chad say that these are two of the best Dust Two teams that the world has to offer. Why? There's levels there's levels to being good Dust two team. Yes, Spirit is great on Dust 2 and and respect lot of the work they're doing on it. Vitality is on different level. They're the best team to ever touch that map hands down. They've the place sorry they played the last 12 months they played the map 38 times and they won 35 and in the last 24 times they played it they won 30 sorry 23 of of those games, right? It's map they never lose. Apart from that one time versus team Spirit long long time ago where they lost 13 to So you're telling me there's chance? I'm telling you there's couple of percentages of chance. agree. Spirit is great Dust two team. Vitality is the best team to ever touch the map of Dust 2. And right now they're in streak that is unheard of in those wins in those 24 wins they've had, you know, as of recently. think 16 or 17 of those games are single digits as well. It's not even close. Yeah, those are all great points, but just have feeling that Spirit has been playing too well. the last couple of games to get three 0 here and also are really Donk and Shiro just going to be AFK for this final. mean not literally but right where are some of the big moments from those guys and you feel like on dust two at the very least you're going to get couple of rounds from them and that's all Spirit needs at the moment to win map. They just need couple of rounds from their stars because as team you know they're right there with Vitality. get that and agree and and hope that's the case, but that's also under the conditions that Magics continue to perform at this level and Tina continues to perform at this level. And while do believe today can do that, I'm having tough time seeing Magic, you know, ending this series as the top fragment, the highest rated player for Spirit, then you know something is wrong. Well, then it's going to be three. feel like if that it's going to be three, right? So, so that's the issue. I'm I'm not even sure if Shirou wakes up and if Dong wakes up, that's going to be enough to take down team like Vitality and Dust 2. They have so many different ways of playing this map. Robs is guard on the CT side, shutting down the bomb side. Syu roaming all over the place. And Apex, the amount of impact he's fighting and the amount of chaos he's creating on this map is also something you should take attention to. So yeah, I'm I'm I'm going to be honest. think this smells of three. And we remember the last time in Melbourne when that grad slam was right there. It gets sketchy, you know, towards the end. The pressure starts mounting when you're right there. So let's see if it's the same case for Vitality this time around or will they just close the deal 3-0. Yeah, they've probably been through this motion couple times now at this point. mean, it seems like regular Sunday occurrence for Vitality to find themselves in the server and for us to go to break so we can come back and jump into Dust 2. That's right. This could very well be potentially the last map at the Intel Extreme Masters Rio de Janeiro 2026. And it could very well be map that secures the ESL Grand Slam for Team Vitality. We go to that quick break and we're jumping right back into it. You're watching the Intel Extreme Masters. Place it matches set your starting point. Face it rating measures your impact as you climb. The soft ELO reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10. Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO in activity. We're introducing face it rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level. Face it rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match, taking into account the full situation. Season 8 launches April 22nd. Good luck and have fun. The pounding heart of esports beats louder here. They have to double peak. He's getting his shot over. Unbelievable. Something special and that's exactly what happens. Got bit. We are back. What's he looking at? Inspired by our French comrades, I've decided to shuffle things up. We are swapping rolls. catastrophe. Wait, does that mean Yeah, it does. Mr. Big time. Alex the machine. Tell me how is the shuffling? Even though it seems to deleted it. your team. You must have confidence in the shuffle. Who ordered all of this? Now, hold on second. You want one job? That's all you have to do is approve your internship. What are you trying to say? We approve. And if things get tough, we shuffer again. What on earth is going on here? Bye-bye, Alex. Mercy coupoop. My map dust 2 is so beautiful when the sun is low. At nightfall, the elo harvesters land. Their cruelty to my people is all I've known. May thy most whip and splatter. And double kill. It's all onto Alexi. Pick me. He's got 19 bullets. Everything he needs. No, you got Does he swing off the nade? Jiggle Alexi. Then our human is my desert. My elo my dust. for sake. Can this move any faster? I'm here at the Intel tent with our friends Intel and ASA Predator where over the course of this weekend there has been plenty of excitement going down. We already gave you little bit of peak behind the curtain as to some of the signing sessions going down with the top players. But would argue this is even more exciting because you get the opportunity to play on some of the latest and greatest gear. And luckily I've got an expert to tell me little bit more about it. Fi, I'm sorry to bother you mid round, but I'd love you to give me rundown of exactly what you're working with here. don't don't worry about it. I'm playing on beast of machine. It's the Predator Orion 7000 PC, 5090 inside, Predator Cyclone cooling, literally everything you could want to play high FPS Counter-Strike. Of course, it's not just that. There's plenty of new and exciting things coming in the very near future. Mac, tell me bit more about that. Okay, so we have just released the Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series processors about 3 weeks ago, but this baby here, the new Orion 7000 is going to have those new processors in them as well as some new bells and whistles, but if you look at it, that is what you can purchase very, very shortly. It's not quite released, so it is the first look, so keep your eyes on it. It is an absolute thing of beauty. Thank you so much for your time, Mark. I'll let you get back to the grind and we get back to the grand final. Team Vitality standing on the precipice of history. The Famasi Arena just one map away from bearing witness to this. No team has taken two ESL Grand Slams and they stand just one map away from their primary objective. They've made no secret that all eyes this season were on claiming the gold bars for the second time. And Robs with his midest touch, every roster he touches has turned to gold. He stands to do what no player has done before to be in category of his own. third grand slam within touching distance. Spirit have put up fight today. Double digits, close near misses, clutches going their way, pistols going their way, but that has not stopped Vitality. Will Dust two be different? Chad most excited for this one. The two teams he considers the best at this very match locking horns with the stakes this high. It's dust two. Gong's been quiet. That needs to change. The rest of Spirit is functioning as it needs to. We need some massive donk moments. Late long pop on the table. There's the flash. Yeah, Zyu going to lose vision. Not going to lose his head. he's just have two heads out of the round just like that. It's Syu's pistol. So calm. Multiple bodies charging, funneling out of the long doors and Zyu nonchalant just taps head. Three dead out mid for Zantics. No brawl, no mid round, just two-man advantage. That's beautiful from Zywoop. It feels like he's taken his game to another level. That's crazy to say with someone who has the accolades of this man. Apex still shooting hard for the old man, the in-game leader. He's more than that. He's captain, strategist. Counterterrorist. He's leader. Yeah, he is the engine room of this squad, right? He's the enforcer. When times are tough, he'll take the hits. But right now, this perfect concoction of players. They don't have lightning in bottle. They've got sustained thunderstorm. And it's only elite teams who are able to claim the ESL Grand Slam. Astralis, Liquid, Na'Vi, Faze, Vitality, and they're looking to conquer it twice. An Eco here for Spirit to get little bit of long control, but this all counts for nothing. They will be swept under the rug swiftly. The guns will be coming out in the next. And this is one of the maps that they've definitely made their home turf somewhere that also Tener has been comfortable making his moves. But need to see Donk show us some of that or try and test battle hardened, right? He's beast. He's monster and his team needs him now. So the eco deal with the guns now equipped focusing on some of this not pattern calling but tendencies that they've been showing throughout the tournament. The crisscross smokes how they're able to play off of the different looks. Tality will have studied all of those. He's going through the motions. Ston and Zontics will be gifted lower tunnels, but there'll be nade damage. Apex trying to slow down the cat roll with that incendury. Hold on to his Is closer than he might be suspecting right now. He knows lot of their strategies revolve around this Xbox lineup. It's zonix that stomachs the Picks up an extra one left in CT. Yeah, no surprise there. The reason his util damage is so high is well, two factors. One, he's got his lineups on lock, but two, they final them to the man because of the positions he plays. Flamesy burrows in. This is going to be tough for Teron and Shira to break without flash. It's just chef's kiss off the incendiary. You're not ready for this? Not at all. The sound queue gave him that false sense of security. Flames he kept humble to one. Zyu's angle. nice shot out of Don. That's his second contribution. It's Apex that's under pressure from the short side. He gets two. Completely nullifies both of them on the short. Smoke for the cross in twoon two. Robs is going to be mantling up. It's Mezi playing close to the smoke. Should be able to plant safely here. Defensive smoke into the site. Bomb will go down. Time this perfectly. Robs gets out. Does manage to find Don now. All on to Shiro's shoulders. And he falls to Robs too. pass guns and not going to find the win. Very well done there from Apex. Understand Flamesy, he's the one that caused the chaos. Donk, massive trade, but the bigger is the shot on Zyu. That opens up the avenue for the split. So this is how it kicked off, but it's all Apex on the site getting multi-kill. He has had some really important moments, especially early on in halves. These are stabilizing rounds. Know that is going to have to just be the partial investment now as the smile on the face of Mr. call in pursuit of the third ESL Grand Slam and with the form he was in in Rotterdam and the form that he's been shown in this final so far. Before we made it into map number three, he was already 52 kills deep to be top of the server without doubt. mean, that's the one of the factors with Rob. It feels like when the pressure is at its highest when Legacy is at stake, he finds another level. Actually invested little bit more. Donk has an AK right now. It was tag early from the scouts. So, this one there's bit of intrigue about it. Oo, missed opportunity. Shirou as well. He had the scout primed. So, now you've got the coordinates of Zyu's orb. Donk feels like he can take up that space. Limited util for the finish line now. know it's still very early stages in the round, but regardless, it's just handful of smokes and one of them's being thrown out for the mid to be. He's going to go for sweep. Facilitated by Apex util. smoke. They're pushing. Zyu caught off. Does adjust. Finds magics with trade from DO there. It's flames. That's the problem. Just tapping heads. Crushed our spirit. Just sonics. nice shot on the deagle. Finishes what Shiro started. second is stunning. third asking too much. It's starting to heat up there. Good damage done. When you make that type of investment, that's what you're hoping for. the plant that would have helped out. Make sure everybody has AKs going into this, but regardless, that was partial. know it looked threatening and they're fortunate that it was. This was great from Flames. He gets there in time. The flash, the shots, and everything stolen this cat push. You think Zyu is getting caught off. Still finds that opening kill, but now both snipers with their weapons of choice. Shirou has his. Zyu trying more wallbangs. We've been seeing plenty of that. how about that one? Fourth blind. Shirou catches Flames. Hey overextending on the long corner. First blood drawn. You've got to make the most of this now. Shirou's given you gift of an opening. Flashes were good, but Shiro just the perfect timing. still breaks, catches glimpse of magics towards the Xbox or at least Audible. Now Apex going to sweep on through Shaw. Shirou looking the wrong way. Loses his head to Apex on the aggression. How messy. Yeah, you'd think that would be it. You'd think the aggression is done. he's backing off. Want to give one back. Robs pushes up tunnels. They just keep moving. They're always moving. It's so brutal for Spirit. They're getting clamped in on. They won't expect this to be surrounded. Back turn. Dom gets away on scrap of health. Incendiary will force decision. It's Apex through the smoke. Catches Zix. Trade available. Good from Magix. He's open. Ter's taken it. Yeah, he has. But the bomb's still on catwalk. It's weird dynamic now. Zyber would have to hit the flick of lifetime here. Dir's got the drop on him. Eye to the skull. Py looked around. Catches him. One step too many. Bombs picked up. You've got me on He's just tucked inside. He's letting them come to him. They got monies though. That's go Goose. That's not going to go sight. Mezi's got safe haven. Perfectly positioned for this to keep Vitality's round rolling. Down he goes. Magix's can't do anything. And for Don, he doesn't have the health to come up clutch. Maybe he does. Maybe all he needs is 14 cuz Zyu versus Donk in the one one. He can't handle Zyu. Overwhelmed. Picks up the M4 to clutch up. think in that little sequence right there, Tene's taken plat control and then he's jumped off of Plat to get into sight. And in that moment, step has to have been made because Zyu went from not having awareness to being little bit sure that there is that possibility. what an opportunity. So 5-0 the score line reads, remember 16 straight. Vitality's dust two right now. can't possibly put into words how insane that they have 44 and4 record on this map. This is Dust 2. This map is almost as old as the game. And everyone can play Dust 2. This is it, right? The the fact that they are able to show such pedigree on this map, it is absolutely insane. Right now, with the cushion of 5-0 start, what you likely see happen is few more risks, few more pushes that they were just doing in the last. Shirou's got to be pulling his hair out. Think about those flames door pushes. You didn't even get your chance to play your rounds on Nuke because they were unraveling you at the start of the again from Shirou. Back to back. This time it's Apex that skull is cracked. Well, this man's had chance at denying near grand slam before attempted to stop FaZe. Hello. Donk extends their advantage. Catches Zyer and Walkabout short side. Okay, so two-man advantage. Have to convert, but they haven't. We'll go back to Mirage. This is just to get on the board. You can't be fumbling this one. Bomb down outside upper tunnels. fake double nades in. Good information available now. They're pivoting quickly. Robs is on the site. Donk has the rotation. Zontics is going to pick up that bomb. Donk. He's going to allow this. The cross. No. Flamesy down. So now all that pressure once again on Robin Cool. Mezi finds Don. And now it is Mr. Cool. Three players asking questions of his sight. Mezi trying to lend hand. Down he goes with empty hands. Looking good. Spirit to convert this. They've just got to get past Mezy. Shirro all the way from downtown. Zix's the one to close it down. And yeah, nearly full team It's just Magix that doesn't contribute. They weren't able to get there that AWP. So unfortunately for Spirit, that is not weapon that Shirou will have, but might not be necessary if he's hitting shots like this. Look, seeing Shirou go for opening moves on the CT side with the orb is one thing. Seeing him take that long fight is another. People have been asking for Shirou to find some form of aggression because we know how talented this guy is. But he's an orpher that does it more by the book. So this is great and important. You've got nothing to lose. You're two maps down. Want to talk about by the book. They were going to go for that quick pop. block smoke might change their plan, but Mezi has borrowed deep into lower tunnel. It's the CT by that you have to focus on. Look how brittle it is. Two MP9s and Famis. The flash works out, but not able to profit is Mezi. This is break point right now. Spirit, if you can take this one, it's going to be worth two. Better buy for the attack. Another smoke will be called out to the upper tunnels. Only one remains being juggled now. Mezi boosting up to deal to the mid to Essentially means they're hedging little bit more towards And obviously Mezzi can contribute with this, but it is going to be the split. And it's Famis to do the job. This is tough for Robs. Crisscross denies lot of the potency of that boost. And wow, so does Don. Takes his head off instantly. He's wrapping it into Robs. It's one man versus an entire squad and he gets overwhelmed, overrun. clean execution and conversion as you and as you highlighted if you can take all the guns away they'll have nothing. So Ta in lower tunnels, Flamy's trying to find bit of space. Now for him, he'd love to get an upgrade, but if he can also act as bit of bodyguard so Zawu can hold on to this AWP, an early beacon of information. So they are starting to trundle towards the backyard. Fly will have contact if Zontics and Don continue on this trajectory and they're noisy. They've called it clear. Little do they know Flamesy's borrowed into the corner. Yeah, they want to start building their bank on the T-side as well. So, just few steps away from demise, but they will guarantee their second spirit. And it to the tally and again showing they're not just going to roll over and give this one for free. Zyu does take frag onto Donk who just overcept the mark. But all in all, it's Vitality who are the ones having deep conversation regarding what comes next. So tough with the Famis. But not only that, you're essentially in 4-1 setup. They were playing somewhat for the mid to be, but just not on that side of the map. So Zyu, you had your moments throughout. You've got the orb saved and they're coming your way. Magics and Donk out long early and the bomb's going to join him. Zontics, he's going to be responsible for this potential flank. Flamy pushed the molly. Took an awful lot of damage here, but has some space. They swap responsibilities. Molly's missed. Molly. So, Zy will be able to maintain this position. And don't forget it is really all on his orb. Catches Donk. misthrown molotov. Is that really what's going to cost you the conversion here? Shirro spotted. Sy on the uncrouch. Nails it. How's he dipping in and out? third available. Finally failed by Magix, but Flames is flanking. Ta is holding. MP9 versus the AK. Miss shots from both. Looks like Robs wants to pile in as well. So, it's going to be two on the site and two knocking on the back door. Apex just P250 gets caught on the fade. Nice play from Zontics and he surges forward towards CTI doesn't have anything. Just P2000 to his name calling for backup. Flames he can lend hand. That's the Zontics positioning rewarded now. Robs is 57. Doesn't have the weapon for this kind of range, but he does now. Picks up the AK. he has the chance onto Zontics. threatening. No doubt about it. Zontix gets firm pat on the back. Three kills. Saves Spirit and converts it. That's one right there for Zontics. Him playing in the smoke on the fade. He understands he has to make move. And sure, it's just against the saved or some very light upgrades, but that one was still extremely tense. It's two round game. 5 to3 the score line reads. The guns do come back in. Zou is just going to have to function forward with scout. So now it's Shirou who has the advantage regarding the sniper department. Very good BPS spawns available for Spirit, but unlikely they're just going to want to run straight into this again. This time it's the opening kill, not the closing of the round. And Zyu, you can see him starting to go from strength to strength in this dropping down to spawn. Flamesy probably can't quite believe how that one unfolds. It won't be diffuse kit unless Zoot buys one. It's so boring right now. That was obviously from Vitality. Still tense out there regardless of that two map lead. They're going be two of them here. Messi trying to control the spray into the meat grinder. One back from the orb. Tracks him on the drop down. Solid from Shirou. Attack from the scout. Could be finished off by the nade. He's been dunked on. and Zyu will follow up onto Taneer. Robs, Mezzi, Zyu, Apex, everyone quick to attend to the pace change on Blink and you miss it. This is such tough opportunity now for Magix. The bomb down in enemy territory. He's just been smoked off. There's another one on Apex to lob in again. Zoo is jump spotting for the potential mid to beat. Magix can't do anything until the smoke fades. He can't play forward. He has to wait for it to be removed. Then that's another portter call that they have to worry about on the Vitality side, but he has time on his side. Another one even. Okay. Yeah, with that you just keep smoking up tunnels. There's no way. There is absolutely no way. Spirit just as they started to get things going, they went for the crazy maneuver of that pop. The hy low setup completely shunts them out of this one. And this will be the six for Vitality now. Apex the vacuum cleaner picking up what he can. Just discussing the road to this point and how much of catalyst Rio was once upon time for Vitality back before that last major victory. looking to go for their second title in Rio. But it's all about the ESL Grand Slam Talis last year, win over Mau season 22, win over Falcons, VPL crack of the necessary component. You need Crack of Aura Cologne if you want to get this one done. And they pick that up over Furia. Now it's Spirit's turn. And everybody in the Counterstrike world at the moment seems to be taking turns at being the contender to try and take them down. At different points in the last 6 months, you're going, "Okay, well, Fury, they had good streak at the tail end of 2025 going, okay, well Na'Vi, they're looking pretty good." Spirit now they find some form. They have Don, that's why they're always in the conversation. And speaking of Donk has taken this early contact walk through Shaw could potentially catch timings. We've seen multiple players on that ramp get caught juggling nades but never mind. They will announce it. Pulls the attention of Flamesy. Vision obscured on CT. Syu and Rob's tending to mid. Does have that palm flash. Apex hoping for chunky on time. uch gamble setup that you you're assuming nobody's going to come out long, right? This setup right here is so risky. But guess because you have buffer of rounds, you you feel you're reading the play and Apex tends to have good read on his opponent. So, will it come back to bite them? Doesn't look great. Tener and Zontics starting to make waves out long or at least just Terontics shifting back. He just left the upper tunnels and now he jaunts over again while this block smoke on Shore is up. He hasn't even poked his nose out long yet. Zyu has flash on the fade of this short smoke. Does he want to use it or no? Draw it into beat. Shirou should have something here on the sweep. Jump up. gets punished. Magix goes down. It's Shirou back and now long just in time. Zyu tends to it. Ter gets nothing. It has to be Ni and Robs realize that too in unison and just drops into sight in time. Confirms approach. Robs clean with it. Finds the head shot. Don back with one. It's head-to-head Jewel Rocks versus Donk. And Don comes out on top. Better plan. 10 seconds. They're going to try and run him down. He has to punch it in right here, right now. Apex charging. Knife out. Zyu as well. Just run at him. Apex not waiting around. And that is seventh round. Closer and closer to glory. Vitality edge. Just such late call. It looked like they were definitely going to be heading back to but when that blocks smoke not smoke came in late towards Shaw. Zontics was in Tpawn. thought he was grouping up with the team to finish for this split. They send him back for the split. And right now it's just back to the pistol. So Spirit can't sink their teeth into this one. It's been strong map for them this year. They've only lost it once. That was to Aralus back at EPO. Otherwise, it's all green. But Vitality, they haven't lost it in 16 consecutive and looking to make it 17. It's just the numbers, right? We're talking about these accolades, these records at this point. Vitality, they're just competing with themselves. This one's only going to go one way. No pace in it. Sure, there's couple of smokes and flash. You have to catch timing, but look at the radar. It's that net of blue. Nobody's overextending. They're all playing for right now. Zyu with the ADP gets to lock down long. That means the two rifles get to mow them as they come running out. And there goes Yeah, looks like it's going to do significant damage. Just dunks onto Zix. Apex unloads. Syu rags him up. It doesn't get better. Five kills between the two French men. Shut down. Spirit sent back to spawn with one last opportunity and they are going to take timeout. Sautic on the mic. Would love to see fourth before we swap sides. It's felt close in lot of these first halves up until this point. The inevitability of vitality. Ask the Counter-Strike world about it. This has been the conversation now for well over year. 2025, there's without doubt 2026 shaping up nicely. Ty with 16 frags, Apex 12. It is the French who are putting the hammer down. And this is what you've come to expect with this team. You got to enjoy it while you have it. And that's something that Apex is very cognizant of. Something that he's made his team very aware of. roster like this only comes around once in lifetime. Win while you can, as much as you can. Double orbs. Robs wields one. Zu obviously the other. He's looking for that lurk. Looking for Zontics. He's drawn the line in the sand on the pixel. One overstep and you've given up an opening death. The only thing going against Vitality in this round is the fact that they have lost long, but Frosts alleviates that pressure and Zix bests him. lovely clear. Perfect pre- aim and an opening kill. Expecting some type of reaction because of this long control. Zontics doesn't skip beat. War of Zyu going to try and hover back over to join me for the defense, but it's all about an split. Bombs out long on Shirou. Zontics has just gotten past that line of sight. that's come too easy. Flashing swing just like that now from the short side. Zontics. actually safe from No, heavy nade damage coming though. Dir advancing. The flash push three. and Flamesy finds him. All three for Flamesy. As he went up, evades. Jumps straight into Zontics though, combining for threat. Apex finding Zontics puts it all onto the shoulders of Don to try and end this. But the bomb is on long. 20 seconds. He has to go. And now, but if he goes and drops, Zaw's got him dead to rights. Drops in. Zawu gets the info and he rots the clock. He knows what's up. makes it difficult. Surely time against him. Apex just has to do it. He can't. He's just chasing ghost. Apex tucks in. 5 seconds. Knife out. Chasing him to try and find the jewel. He does just in the nick of time. Gold as Ice is for enough. Or does this end right here, right now? Heat. Heat. Counter. Terrorists win. Hello. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. What the heat? Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Spirit put up fight. Maps one, maps two. But in this best of five final, the third does two. And we thought we'd have more of fight. Spirit given gift of fourth round. All they have to their name thanks to donk clutch in the last few seconds of that 12th round. Is this the map where Vitality make Counter Strike history? This is Vitality's world. We're just living in it. They drop this one. Sure. Have two more opportunities to get it done right here, right now in Rio. It's the word you keep throwing around with Vitality. Inevitable. This one feels it. pistol would certainly raise some eyebrows. Keep the conversation going towards lower tunnels. The bomb is outside upper but it's all going to be bit of fake right now. They take this long space. Zontics will be noting the smoke on the cross. He's going. head spotted. he got just enough. Just enough of spot onto Zontics. He clears him out. That's going to sell it. The whole team are here. Spots another. Flames. He finds another. This is just fake, but he's found lethality. Double kill. Shirro low. Mezi hits shots and the bombs going They don't want They want They want the whole damn thing. pistol that exemplifies their dominance. The devil in the details. Everything looking perfect. Two players selling fake in air quotes, but they win the round with frags on the other side of the map. think it's dawning on you now if your team spirit resistance is futile. The question coming into Rio, can anybody stop them? This is resounding no. The top of his dome just spotted their flames. Mezi marauders on that site. We don't split the pistols on this one. Zontics can't quite believe it. It'll be the eco donk in with dig. The rest on the USPS. Sure. Don had his clutch moment. Feels too little too late. Ending in whimper. The writing's on the wall. This head-to-head about to become six straight series for Vitality. And that kicked off when their era did. IM Katavitza 2025. Their announcement of intent to the Counter-Strike World. And what was to follow unprecedented. Every time since then, these two teams have done battle. It's been in the playoffs. It's taken that long before we've got them in another grand final against one another. Things are whole lot different this time round. new in-game leader. new piece to bolster the firepower and couple of easy frags there for Zy running through the flames. Shurro will trade, but this eco be handily dealt with. Apex controls the rotation as the bomb will get planted on Just magics and zontics with these USPS to try and kick up bit of bit of fuss, but this is double digits. No doubt about it. Terrorist comfortable. It's all about this next round of play. Will there be fight or will Spirit just be added to that long list of teams that couldn't stop Vitality? This is it. 2026. They've only lost to one team twice. Falcons with stand in and in the group stage of Rio. Otherwise, their winning record is absolutely insane. It's just bonkers. It's absolutely bonkers. Zyu. he catches whiff. Catches Shirou with scout bullet through the doors and nearly followed hit the follow up through. Shirou lives on. my god. Now Don's catching flag through the smoke. It was Robster that connected. This is tough. Sure. The Chiro one's known about Donan's unconfirmed, but two very brittle players and the two that you turn to have your Spirit Magix at Rio this rotating rifle position. He's looked comfy, but that's because well, he's had lot of nades, but in the first gun round, that's what's limited. Have all the bells and whistles. Orbs in the right place at least that HG finds some targets. Chirro's orb finds one too. Apex down. Brought equal by Robs. Surging forward into the sight. You've got Magix's playing around the smoke hoping to catch little something. misthrown Molotov but cleared by Flamesy. It's the orb of all things. Makes it work onto Magix. It's now that bomb ticking in favor of Vitality edging closer to an ESL Grand Slam. Got to be the save for trophy in the cabinet. We're going to get away with these guns. You can't get anything going. you are just being smothered. Going to sit and take part in this. But you know which way it's going. Rob secures the rounds. That's 11. And you have to partial by or force out the game. This is their home. They don't feel more comfortable. The grand finals. You just have to sit back and enjoy what we're witnessing as Dominance doesn't come around often. yeah, it just gets better and better. crush at your own barrel. Imagine Donka at least gets across. They'll have body on But it's light investment and you can't even keep five alive. That's just crossing to the site. This is it's spectacle to behold. The grip Vitality have have on that number one spot. No one comes close. know the last play is so this one will be done. Robs contains upper tunnels. Maybe he goes down, but Meio will grab the bomb. He'll take it towards Dong's going to get that frag. Scoops up the AK. That Apex is already taking space over towards Sai is going to trundle through T-spawn to block the escape route. He knows that he could have gotten off and you don't really want to give that or over. Shur will be able to buy one in the next either way with the 3,400 but the score will be 12 to4 as you can just see how helpless Spirit are again turning to the fact that this is statistically their best map. And look at the contrast. It's about to become 45th win on Dust Two, 17th consecutive win on Dust Two. Just the amount of records that you need to list off as Don, he will get to hold on to the AK. And don't think you're too worried about that if you are Apex, the leader of men. This team changing our expectations of what's possible. One round is all that separates you from achieving what no other Counter Strike team has done before. Five frags. It could be right here. And right now, Tanir tasked with holding on to Long and just standing in the flame hoping for that overextension. It's not rewarded. Jiro boosted up. Apex on the mantle up catches glimpse of Magix's puts him down to half. Lurk smoke. Zontics considering aggression. Mantles up. Robs relays. Nothing jarring to this default whatsoever. Mid control. Short space if they want it. The impending doom. Look at Flamesy. Straight through. Plays ahead. Not afraid of that. Not at all. But Zontics onto Robs is start. You've you've given yourself the advantage. You're pushing for the info. Going to be relaying that upper tons is clear. Still mid to Bplit available. Sure. Well, Prong not available through upper tunnels unless Apex finds this gap. Zontics has to play to contain. He can't keep pushing. He needs to watch upper tunnels. Apex should be dead to rights. Yeah, it should be guaranteed frag. Zontics is positionally played him like fiddle. But now you accelerate into Don. Try and isolate this while Zix is not part of it. They're running at him. Don throws the blog smoke. They're going to flash and go. Layering them through. Don anti. He reads them well. Nails the first. Finds Flames solid in defense. It's just Mezzi bringing him down, but Zontics unknown towards the tunnels going to push him. All of them is going to overwhelm and deny the first of many. Okay, Zix up to 13 frags there and keeps them in it for moment longer. But how many more times you going to be able to pull that off? As soon as you get some good long spawns from Vitality, I'm sure you're just going to pull the rip cord. You just need one. And think about how many opportunities you have. You had eight, now you got seven. I'll take those chances. For me, this is the greatest Counter-Strike team of all time. But there is still debate. Are we trained and ready? Shirou crosses late. Tried their hand at the double orb and fired off shot. Shirou will too. quickly repositioning Don El shot through the smoke. So got good idea as to where Shiro occupies and the fact they're right next to each other. Don's going to be trying to cheat over to be just in time before the fade of the smoke. Shra remains still war on the midline and doesn't hit the shot necessary top mid over the top of the smoke hoping to get another pick onto Robs that translated into Spirit's fifth. Defending mid to with an AWP. This is not going to be easy. He misses the first. They're going to be able to scale. This defense is in so much trouble. Who's going to get that first? Vitality right there for the taking now. Flashed off of the line is Don tagged up through the doors. Zontics and Donk versus five members of Vitality and they won the gold into the side now. Awkward for Donk forced to pull back. Robs brings him down. The bomb site lost. Z's cut rotations. One from the back. Nice from Tit and Robs ready to nullify anyone through Tons. It's going to all be through the ramp. Picked up some flashes. This could be instrumental on the way back in. It has to be. Robs, however, looking to seal the deal. cheeky flank late. Shirou's considering it. Bides time. Still no flashes thrown. Robs ain't going to move. Shirou goes down just at the right time. Robs will strike. Vitality about to take it. It's all good. It's all theirs. This chapter in Counterstrike history is written in golden ink. But in the golden hour in Rio de Janeiro, they make Counter Strike history. No team has taken two. ESL Grand Slam in the bag. Another step closer to ending the greatest of all time debate once and for all. What we are witnessing is recordbreaking excellence. You're going to see this time and time again because this team are showing no signs of slowing. Incredible performance. Robs inducted into club all of his own. The solitary threetime ESL Grand Slam champ. He is the gold standard. All others measured against him. The best, the most reliable, and somehow gets better under pressure. This Vitality team, they're changing how we measure Counter Strike. Another Rio title for the likes of Apex and Zyw. They're 13th with this roster. The streaks, the records, they all continue. There simply is no one better. Your IM champions, Vitality. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. my god. Congratulations. Congratulations, Apex. saw an interview that you said you don't put pressure on yourselves to be the best, to play insanely, but come on. This is you you have played exactly this like there you are the best team in the world and the results kept coming. How does it feel? Do you do you think this is the secret to be the best or one of the secrets? don't know what the secret the secret is to work hard to be one always one step ahead and to have this amazing guys actually you know today even though we won three was mad because we were losing so many bad runs because want us to be perfect all the time but I'm proud of them. They they played insanely well and yesterday was one of the best experience of my life playing here. The notes you guys did was insane. So, thank you guys. Do you think they help you? You know, it's not the first time we're getting booed somewhere or we not loved, but it's fine. it helps me actually. did my best playoff for the last two years maybe because of that. So, keep booing me please. enjoy that man. Okay. Besides the title, you have achieved the grand once again. This is insane. Could you talk about the preparation, the sacrifices and how it feels? Yeah, think like we the only lineup to ever won two grand slam now. This wonderful gang won three. He has lot of money now. So, but yeah, it's we make lot of sacrifice playing Counter Strike. We work hard. Sometime our girlfriends are not happy because we work too hard but we enjoy so much what we're doing and we we know how lucky we are to have this team and we understand each other so well. We work so well and it's unbelievable for me. grand slam is harder to win than major. So I'm honest there is no doubt that we are the best team of history right now. Amazing. All right to bring the gold bar. Let's welcome Mark Winter director game ecosystems counter strike. Please come to the stage. Yes, indeed. The ESL Grand Slam. boy. For Vitality, this is part two. They did it in season 5 first time around, winning clone 2024, Katavita 2025, ESL ProLeague season 21, and then all the way there to Melbourne in 2025. And wow, what ride it has been. Two times, the official two times. And I'll just say it because somebody said it once on broadcast. The undisputed best of all time. Yeah, think so too. You know, whether there's debate or not, that's up for debate, guess. But right now, we can just congratulate Vitality. Yeah, but feel like right now it's it's just absolutely fantastic to to see Vitality play. Yes, it is. Let's hear some more from them. I'm sure they've got plenty to say. Robs, please. You are the first player in the entire world to achieve the grand slam three times. This is insane. Can you tell us little bit about that? It is insane. don't know what to say. It is something else, right? It's crazy. mean, having three of these, it's this is like the pinnacle of of what you can achieve in CS. And yeah, having three is just I'm speechless. This is absurd. Is anyone capable of knocking you off the top? There's many teams. mean, Falcons have been giving us some trouble. but other than that, so far, so not so much. Obviously, we're going to keep going. No, we're not going to slow down. So, yeah, the the teams better step up. Amazing. So, take it. You know what to do there. Knows exactly what to do. He has been in this exact situation several times. And for Robsicle, man, he's as cold as ice. Yeah. Yeah. And think in the same way that it's becoming increasingly difficult to have debate about who the greatest team in the world is, the same cases for who the greatest rifler of all time is, right? mean, Robs with what he has achieved with this victory. three grand slams. You could argue he should have won major MVP at the last major as well. Every team that he has joined, he's made them better. He's made them championship caliber team and he's been instrumental in those championships. Like he's been impactful every single time. Even though he may not be the MVP every single time, you cannot question his impact and his prowess in the biggest of games. Very much agree. He's anything but passenger princess in in this whole project that is Vitality. He is having an enormous amount of impact and he's been able to help them transcend into new level. People may seem to forget little bit where Vitality were at before they signed Robs. That was good team, but not team that would win lot of trophies, not team that anyone had on their radar in order to be the best team in the world and team that would dominate. Sure, they were up there, but once the Robs joined and and once they got him played in, it took what tournament and half and then they just been undisputed the the best team in the world ever since. You know, titles for Vitality. Yeah, streaks are cool. You know, you can have all the match streaks that you want, but have you ever strung together ESL Grand Slams? It's crazy. It It is crazy. You know, thought I'll be completely blunt and I'll be completely honest. When it first was introduced, the whole Grand Slam thing, thought to myself, whoever designed that designed it with the purpose of making splash, but no one was ever supposed to win that. No one was ever supposed to claim the $1 million cuz what you have to achieve and what you have to do over relatively long period of time as Counter-Strike team to me back then just seemed unreasonable. You know, yeah, sure, Australas were able to do it. thought, okay, so we have one team winning it, that's never going to happen again. But I've been proven wrong over and over and over. And for Vitality to do it in this fashion, and you know, who's to say they can't do it the third time? I'm just looking at team right now who's rewriting what thought was ever possible for team to achieve in in such prolonged period. just hope the old price stays where it is in that case. But yeah, think it's also you look at the fact that we're in MR12 and the fact that they've been able to be so dominant like we're talking about map streaks, about match streaks, you know, that's even more difficult to do in today's day and age. They're going through these grand finals without dropping single map. Yes, there's overtime. Yes, they're close, but mean, they're still winning them. Like, it's the the level of dominance is unseen. The level of dominance is is definitely there, but also the level of problem solving. mean, the critical thinking skills that has to that has to take place for two guys to get on the same page in 2vx situation, much less when things are still 5v5. It's also result of having played together for quite some time now. You know, the more you play these scenarios, the more you sit on stage, the more you find yourself in 2v2. Let's say that you're Messi and Flamesy. They play that same scenario over and over and over again. And know that we often advocate for rusty changes. And in the case of Mouse, you know, at this tournament clearly was needed. But there's also the caveat to that when you keep the same players together for such long time, at least the core of the lineup, then everyone knows exactly how each other is reacting in certain in certain moments. And that's also something they're thriving of right now that is only helping them to transcend and elevate to an even higher level. Well, transcending as they will, we still need to crown our DHL MVP. can take couple guesses, but would rather us just hear from them direct. And the DHL MVP is Go here. This is you are the MVP once again. One more time. You are unmatched. This is insane because you always give it your all. Could you tell us the secret behind your consistency? No secret to be honest. I'm just enjoying with this team. That's make me playing incredible to be honest. So I'm just enjoying the the life playing CS. That's that's what my hobby before. So just enjoying that's my secrets. Amazing. Do you know that people in Brazil really love you? Like mean you are the boogeyman. But they really do. swear. Thanks ever so much. Congratulations. Pick your trophy. Well, it's just another day in the office, not just for him, but for us as well, crowning him the DHL MVP. It seems as though It seems as though we've been here before, Jacob. We've definitely been here before. You know, it it goes without saying that Syu right now is is living his best life. And think that's to me the most impressive thing. You know, thought we'd seen the best of Syu. never thought in in my wildest imagination that that player, you know, what he has been the last 5 years, 6 years, ever since he emerged into the Counter-Strike scene that he was going to be able to top that off, you know, to become even better. But last year, we had this whole race between Hinn and Don. And seemingly something happened within Syu. He wanted to prove everyone point that he can play even better than we've seen so far. think he's on track to having his best year of Counter-Strike as player ever. Not only of course as team as well with Vitality, but fact of the matter is that he's just Mr. consistent at very, very, very high level. You see him right there, Yanko saying, "Hey, give me my gold bar, bro." That's the beautiful thing about Counter Strike, right? Like there's always someone new coming. We thought NIP, no one's ever going to do something like that. And then the next team comes and the next team and the next player and so on and so forth. And there's good reason why Vitality is the organization that's been able to win two ESL Grand Slams and and doing it back to back. They've just done pretty much everything right ever since they've entered the space. And you know, there was great coaches round table with XTAZ Blade and Zonic and and they're talking about how you build the roster and how you need to match also the personalities and not just the roles on the server but outside of the server. And think no team embodies that better than Vitality. And you touched on this before, Jacob. You know, Apex, he's absolutely the heart and soul of that team. And leader unlike any other really that we've had. We've had some really good ones on the server, but outside of the server, think he's unmatched. think it's really good point to bring up, you know, that obviously it's about the players, it's about the Syus, about the Apexes as well, but Vitality as an organization, you know, you're giving them flowers. And just want to add bit of historical context to that as well. You remember when they won the major in Paris and then they kicked Dubris, you know, one of the most legendary players straight after winning the major and signed Flamec instead. Flamec is still on that lineup. Flamec is also this year having an absolute stunning stunning performance event after event after event. He's now one two as well. So, you know, being able to be brave and ballsy and basically kick Dupri, who at the time was one of the the biggest legends of the game, you know, and maybe candidate to be the greatest rifle of all time to bring in Flamecy, who yes, did well in OG, but no one could ever anticipate him to develop into what he is today, apart from Vitality, who were willing to take risk, who were willing to take gamble back then. And my, did it pay off and they did get three, but we would be doing disservice, not to mention Spirit as well, who played their best tournament with this lineup. it feels like made it competitive final, you know, up until Dust 2. And unfortunately, you know, their stars didn't really show up to the extent that they need to in order to be able to take map or or or really push Vitality to the very edge. No, absolutely agree with without doubt they can walk away from this tournament being super happy and and super hopeful guess for the future cuz you're right in saying that in this grand final especially on the first two maps there's case to be made that they could have won both maps in particular on Mirage they were in winning position and the one thing that they never showed this grand final was obviously the dong show and the sher show. So if you're going home now and you're team Spirit, well, you activated Tania, you activated Magics, you played much, much better team Counter-Strike that you done in quite some time. And then, as you said, Yanko, we're never going to see Shirro and Don having two poor tournaments in row. And it's not that they've had poor tournament, but in this grand final, they didn't show up. So, I'm hopeful on behalf of Team Spirit. Yeah, they showed lot of poise, lot of promise right there, especially through this grand final. And I'm sure they'll be as eloquent to give us some words. it's bit of real talk now. want to ask you humbling experience. It was 03 but first two maps actually pretty close. What are your feelings after after the match like this? After the match like this we got humbled as Yeah. That inside. No, but they they are really strong. want to want to ask you like if you could pinpoint some gaps to close for team spirit against Vitality. Is it tactics? Is it individual performance? Is it mentality? What is it? What is it that you need to improve to beat team like Vitality in the future? stay more focused during the round because we lost couple of 53s or weird clinch situations where the where vitality feel feeling themselves pretty comfortable and that's why they managed to like turn around some 53 you as an IGL this was your first big final like this this is experience you need to be better and be better in the team as captain as well so what are your thoughts on that how are you taking this event as learning experience. What's your biggest takeaway from this event? Well, as I've said in the past, we have been pretty bad during like the beginning of event, but in playoffs besides the final of course, we played much better and we were playing as team which was which only happened in Kraco for us. So there's signs of positivity for us. Any final words to the fans? You can make it English, you can make it Russian, up to you. Thank you for this good run. Nice try. Yeah, and as said, pretty eloquently put there by the side of Magix's talking about, well, yeah, they were humbled, you know, and in certain degrees towards that last map, they were humbled. They can hold their head high for the first two, though. Yeah, it's never fun losing grand final. Never fun losing 3 0. So, understand why and and you know, perhaps also agree that they should be slightly disappointed now, but tomorrow they wake up and they must look at this tournament as as tournament that really showed that they're on track now. They're coming back to point where we can have them in the conversations about can you maybe win trophy? Can you go to tournaments where Vitality is not at and win trophy? Can you go to IM Cologne, progress, activate Dong bit more in these big games and get Shur up and running again while maintaining what we saw from Tina? And then all of sudden you're looking at spirit that could be contender to win game and win series against Vitality. As Jenko said couple of time, the first two maps, you see the score line right here as well. Mirage, they probably should have won that map. Nuke, they had opportunities in that game and does too obviously what white was, but that spirit right now. What's to say they can't be better than couple of months Yeah, definitely learning experience for Magix as well. As pointed out, his first grand final of big event and you go up against, you know, the final boss in Vitality. Those games are always different than the rest of the playoffs, too, right? And he's going to need to use the experience from here in the future. And we'll see. This is just scary prospect for Vitality leading up to the Cologne Major, man, because this was their one goal leading up to it to finish the Grand Slam as soon as possible. And this is the fifth time that team wins the Grand Slam on their first attempt. mean, in the first Grand Final that they get in. So, still no giant slayer bonus for anyone else. Now, Spirit got pretty damn close, is there for little bit, but obviously that does it for the Intel or excuse me, the ESL Grand Slam, should call it, in this season. Yeah, absolutely. And as said, scary going into the Cologne Major because Vitality can chill now for the rest, you know, for the next month. Yeah, know they're going to be attending some tournaments. mean, feel like they could win Atlanta without practicing with some of the teams that are there to, you know, quote unquote challenge them so they can concentrate all their focus on Cologne, right? And and take some time off perhaps after this if they can. And they do such great job at scheduling and managing the load for the players, it's going to be tough for someone to topple them in. was just about to say they earned it right now to to do the the load management, you know, and and maybe skip out on couple of weeks of practice and and then hone it in for for Cologne. So, yeah, it's it's not looking like anyone is getting any closer to Vitality. If anything, as you said, you know, Spirit played better this tournament. Furia played better this tournament as well. We know Falcons are going to make changes, so it it's still going to be interesting to see who can level up for for Cologne. But if we if we speak about, you know, the gap between Vitality and the rest of the field right now, as said couple of times throughout this tournament, it it just feels like it's growing game by game, tournament by tournament. Yeah, the disparity is just it's ginormous. but also, is that word? It is now, Jacob. Maybe it's in Danish. You know what's next for Robs? He's going to have to switch to Bugattis or something like Porsches does just doesn't cut it anymore. Ferraris, don't know. Got lot of money. Yeah, he definitely has netted himself pretty sweet check right there. Speaking of which, that concludes that ESL Grand Slam. And guess what, guys? There's no more. There is another. We've tapped out. Nope. Nope. There is another one. I've been told that there is another ESL Grand Slam. And the crowd apparently like that, too. Maybe not. don't know. can't tell. Am getting this right? You know, Vitality take couple of weeks chilling, winning Atlanta, going into Cologne, winning that one, and then we're already looking at Vitality who's not too off winning another one. They could win another one this year. Yes, they could. You've been Atlanta, Cologne, next season of Pro League and another IM. It's possible. Well, look at it. mean, this is what we have in front of us. You're talking about Atlanta. Yes, that is the next stop. We head over to North America, the Cologne Major. Everyone's got their eyes on that. We kick right back into ESL Pro League on the other side after little bit of break into IM China. And then we round off the entire year with another major. Yeah, it's it's pack schedule. It's going to be interesting. But that's also where do want to say as Yenko kind of hinted before, you know, we we we always stand in these scenarios and and right now it's unthinkable to think that Vitality is not winning cologne, but there's world where they won't. Right now it's unthinkable to think that Vitality is not going to be the best team of the year, but there's world where someone else will pick up the channels and and maybe pressure them bit like we saw with Furia last year. No one anticipated Fury to come in in the second half of 2025 and theoretically speaking being better than Vitality for 3 four months, beating them in couple of grand finals. So, it's not to to to lose hope out there for the people. But right now, we we got to give all the flowers, all the credit to Vitality, but trust me, there's lot of people, lot of great players out there, lot of great minds who are busting their ass off to make sure that it's not going to be the same thing happening over and over and over. Well, shoot, even in Atlanta, mean, it's pretty pretty good size amount of rosters there that could really poise bit of danger. But if you're Vitality, you kind of netted that ESL Grand Slam here. Maybe you thought you might need Atlanta for it. Now, do you go into Atlanta with different mindset perhaps? mean, they can go in much more relaxed, right? They're going to be massive favorite. just pick ancient every game in that tournament. Brush up on whatever it is that they want to do because they got the the main goal for now done. Yeah, they absolutely did, gentlemen. Guess who else is in Atlanta? That simple guy. You ever heard of him? been while since we had to talk about him. Anyway, are you guys you guys done? You got anything else you want to add? Not really. Apart from the fact that Vitality, you know, have have done what what not lot of people thought would be possible to to do so quickly once more, winning grand slam. think it's impressive and and think, you know, whether you like the debate or not, whether they're the best team in the world, agree with you that it opens up for different conversations as well. Is is Syu the greatest player to ever play Counter-Strike? think there's case to be made. Is Robs the greatest rifle of all time? think there's case to be made. And if anything, then Apex as an in-game leader, like we we speak about the Glaes of the world, we speak about the the Carigans of the world as well. Apex is quickly transcending into those conversations as well. So there's just so many different ways you can attack this and all of them are are quite fun. And I'm pretty sure that Zyu guy was born on the day Counter Strike was released, right? Or did read that somewhere? Might be crazy, but it would would explain whole lot. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your time, your effort, mostly your thoughts and your words therein. For us though, that does it. The Intel Extreme Masters Rio di Janeiro is come to close. Vitality is Grand Slam winners, event winners, just winning all the way around. We'll see you next time. And that's in Atlanta. We're just super grateful for even having this opportunity to play in front of such crowd against such an opponent. We We just want to win as many trophies as possible. And it is shutdown of Furia. Queserato might have been force to be reckoned with in this series, but 1 v4 line up for the double. Queserato surely know he's still believing. But now it's all eyes on Querato. Been the hard hitter, been the guy to watch across this entire series. And looking for the lifeline clutch that keeps Furia on this stage. It's shut down. Right. Denied. Monacey Falcons with clean 2 and 0 finish. going to get hit. and he's going to take straight out of the round. Takes the upgrade. Thank you very much. Apex can't track him. Ta stabilizes. Touchdown. Flamesy hunting him with the Vas. Can't hack him. Can't handle Tir. That's what we've been seeing from this man here in Rio. Dom's attention drawn at Apex. He profits. Shirro down as well. Suddenly it turns the round on his head. turned on towards the ticket. He's going to be forced into the fire, but Zyu finds him. Instantaneous deletion for 20 seconds. The pressure's on the side and Magic does it on the USB. Let's play together with short strolling run right now. Let's go, boys. Straight into the cos. Not going to lose vision. Not going to lose his head. he's just out. Two heads out of the round just like that. It's Zu's pistol. D's got the drop on him to the py looked around. Catches him. Maybe he does. Maybe all he needs is 14 cuz Zyu versus Donk in the one one. He can't handle Zu. Shirou goes down just at the right time. Rob will strike. Vitality about to take it. It's all good. It's all theirs. This chapter in Counterstrike history is written in golden ink. And in the golden hour in Rio de Janeiro, they make Counter Strike history. gave them too many rounds. Okay, want the perfection. know we win and we have great team, but we can be even better and will put you for with that forever. historic feat that we all knew we were on the precipice of, but it's completely different emotion once it's realized. I'm up on stage. I'm going to get few words. Matt, know that you don't often do interviews. Let me let me ask you few questions though. First of all, who's the first person you text when you make an achievement like that? Okay, so had anyway have routine. So, it was not fifth map or third map, but I'm just texting and calling my family. So, my girlfriend and my mom all the time, but they are obviously the the first person and then yes, the the players. Yeah, that's amazing. can you just walk me through the emotions of that game for you, right? You're seeing on the sideline. It's not often that we see game get quote unquote easier and easier as it progresses, right? First match was really back and forth. What were your emotions when you're watching it? mean it's always stressful for me because know all the work they like just putting in the hour. So have no doubt that it's not because I'm also close to them. It's because they really really deserve because the the work and what they are doing with this team is just amazing. So we are putting the the bar really really high and so yes every game every single game we are like just giving everything. So obviously it means lot when we are winning and when winning the gun slam it's even more because it's just an achievement of of course what we did before the months before but yeah this team is special don't know what to say with them all the time we have capture after win and after tournament and I'm just lacking of words at some point I'm just enjoying my time with them and they are also enjoying their time together because it's really unique it's an indescribable feat right believe if remember correctly when was doing this interview with the guys after Melbourne you weren't there right you weren't able to be in person what's it like actually being here. mean obviously it was particular for me in Memo because was like really really far away and it was just my choice to not come coming for personal reasons but this one is also special because wanted so bad to achieve it and not being like missing this moment with them. So yeah it's it's just yeah amazing feeling. know you don't like interviews but thank you so much for your words in that one. It was it was it was okay. Okay. Maybe more of Matt in the future. We do have Flamesy. He's got his spectacles finally. saw you wanted to get the glasses so badly. You got them on. Congratulations, man. Once again, backto-back grand slam. Just walk me through what's going through your head right now. Well, lot of I'm very happy to be honest. It's been think it's thought it would be more stressful, bit more longer. but we went clean with it. It's crazy to see that the last year the same first season is kind of running back again. and don't know. I'm curious to see if ASL are going to cancel the Grand Slam because we're stealing too much money from them. So hopefully they keep another one. was just thinking, right, like not to put the pressure on you, but we've got what, Atlanta coming up. We've got Cologne, we've got EPL, we've got China at the end of the year. mean, you could do it twice in year in theory. Well, last year we came to the second season with big hopes and think we will start slowly. We'll see how it goes. Obviously, to win the major, then the grandom is always there as an opportunity. Obviously, Atlanta is is also important to win that, but for us right now, the main focus is the major. think we we've done good job as team, and I'm very happy and I'm very proud of everybody. I'm half joking when say that, but with the form that you have right now, don't think it's an impossible feat, right, to get two back to back again in the same year. last time we were in Melbourne, obviously you said it's such it was more long drawn out affair. don't know whether you remember, but mean, we finished at like what 11:00 p.m. almost midnight local time, and you were Yeah. Yeah. You were showing me your gold bar and you dropped it. You dropped it from the desk onto the floor. Did the first one survive? Is this one replacement? No. No. The first one survived pretty well. It's it's an aluminum bar to be exact because the it's not gold. So, it's nice and strong. Yeah. Yeah, it's nice and strong. But actually, the the bar is it cannot stand up. It's lay down. The bar is shaped badly underneath. So, it had had to test if it stands up or not. It was my first one. And now have tooth to to hold each other up. Lovely. Lovely. Where's it going to go? Do you have mantle piece at home for all your accolades that are mean you're getting lot of them at the moment. Well, my girlfriend is in charge of the designing part. I'm just bringing the trophies. Good man, Flamesy. good man. Congratulations. I'll let you get on, take all your pictures, celebrate with the crowd. think I'm going to try and get my There's lot of fans in the crowd at the moment trying to get signatures. So, feel very very honored to get these guys. Congratulations, Mezi. We were talking about it before. Does this now cement you as better than the Aralus era? Surely. mean, whatever you say. think mean, no, think, yeah, mean, for me, it's it's been the way we've been playing, the records we've been breaking, our the success we've been having, all the tournaments. Yeah. mean, for me, we're we're the best, but yeah, it's and we're not done yet. We're we're still going for more. We still want more. We never get tired of lifting trophies, and yeah, that's the goal. was half joking with Flamesy that you actually legitimately do have the ability to do two in one year. Like, there's actually enough events for you guys to do it. It's crazy. mean is there anybody that you want to thank? I'm sure your family couldn't fly out here to Rio. Anybody that you want to shout out at home? Yeah, of course the family. mean as always they do like my part does an incredible job at home. so many hours with the family and spend so much time away so there's so much work for them to do at home and yeah it's big shout out to them because without them won't be able to be doing all this and be be here lifting trophies in front of the fans. So yeah, huge thank you to my family. Amazing stuff. Messi, congratulations. Sincerely welld deserved. I'm going to go try to get Jack from behind. Is that okay, Jack? Is that all right? Yes. See, Matt did it. He's already done. He's already done his service. thought that's over. Congratulations, Jack. Once again, getting the Grand Slam. mean, almost year to the day with the last one, right? Isn't that crazy? Yeah. don't think we thought this was going to happen when we were in Melbourne last year. Yeah. Was it bit less of stressful final this time around? little bit less. Yeah. Yeah. That Yeah. Like that best of five was insane. One of the probably the best final that you'll ever have. Yeah. 100%. Grand too. Just mental. It was an incredible feat. talk to me about the guys and the attitude. Right. We we heard from Neie asking what's the secret to success? And Apex said there is no secret. It's just hard work. How hard are the guys working outside the server? Incredibly hard. Like we try to balance it so that we're not burning out. you know, we tried to make Lisbon, sorry, Roterdam bit more bit more relaxed cuz this is this is the prize, right? Like this is this is what we're aiming for. So the work the boys put in in the two weeks of practice leading up to this and then you know maybe the loss to Falcons like kicked them into gear little bit because after that it was like full focus and they they have this synergy in the practice room where ideas are just constantly flowing. They're bouncing things off each other. They're problem solving on the go. So there's this it's hard work but there's such good chemistry between the guys that like they they make ideas together. So when they're on the server like they've already done it. They've been through all these scenarios and they know what they're doing. Amazing. It's crazy that you say you took Ronaldam chill cuz you still go and win it. Like that's crazy. Yeah. mean that's like look they're incredibly talented. Like we we got the best player of all time, the best of all time. the best Israeli player of all time, the best Estonian player of all time, the best British player. Definitely the best British player of all time. Like look, we're they're blessed like and they talk about it all the time like how lucky they are to have each other. Like talent-wise, personalitywise, it's an amazing fit. So we're blessed to have this opportunity, but then yeah, that it doesn't come without the work. Like you don't just go, we got five good players, it's going to work. So they they know this might be once in a-lifetime experience. It's it's extending nicely, but they know that that if they don't, they'll regret not making the most of this this this team. 100%. I'm just going to give you the opportunity to shout anybody out that you have at home that allows you to do what you do up here as well because your job is so important for the guys. will say when we started planning with the Grand Slam, my mom has this saying. So, Virginia, hello. how do you eat an elephant? One bite at time. And today, like this was the last bite of the elephant. Like we we've had to win four tournaments to get here. We're taking little bites, spitting bit as we go. And that's like these boys are so good at just staying focused on the moment, on the one thing that's happening right now. Just deal with each bite one bit at time. So, thank you, Mom. that was she was part of the the experience today. So, we love Counter Strike, Mom. Shout out Virginia. Shout out to you, Jack. Congratulations. I'm going to go try and find any other players. think I'm going to have to go down some steps here. just little bit of spoiler. This confetti is very slippy, so please Cameron Ross, don't slip over. There's lot of confetti below your feet. Maybe we can steal Zyu. feel like I'm going to break some people's hearts if do that. Can Can come down? Should we go down? Should we go down? can go down. think I'm going to slip over, honestly. there's no there's no stairs. He's coming up. He's coming up. He's coming up. It's all good. The man of the hour, Zu. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry took you away from the fans. what an incredible experience. This final even more convincing than the last time around that you won the Grand Slam. Now back-to-back champions. Can you just walk me through what's going through your mind right now? mean happiness and yeah mean lot of things is going on in our mind. Obviously like you said think we play really good. mean obviously we did lot of mistake as well but think we play better than last time in Melbourne and yeah lot of things happened to be honest we were bit maybe stressed at the beginning because we have lot of things on the table with the grand slam and Rio but again Jen the the more important is the way we are winning the way we are supporting each other and the way we we are as team so we are really happy for that almost year ago to the day that you won Melbourne to get you first. and after that Apex was repeating this phase that you never know when you're going to get team like this in your career. This is literally once ina-lifetime team. Jack also echoed that sentiment right for you. Does it feel real that this period has been mean it's been well over year year now that we've seen this dominant form for vitality. Does it feel real for you? Of course. mean for us is really we know like the capacity of this team. And we know like whenever we play good like no one have any chance to be honest like we that's that's the true when whenever even us when we play it's unbelievable the way we are playing good together sometime we are not even talking or speaking to we know like our teammate behind us is going to do the job so having this team around us and at this time of course we couldn't believe before we picked Robs but right now we believe like we one of the best team we are the best team like of CS of like of all time. So, obviously, we are really happy for that. love it. You say it with so much confidence, Zu. just want to give you chance to shout out anybody that has been supporting you to allow you to do what you do on the server and have so many accolades. Enjoy. mean, for me, my secret is just to enjoy. When don't enjoy, it's when play bad, to be honest. When my my mindset is really done. So, obviously, when you enjoy with who you are playing with the game you you play, you you have the smile on your face, you just enjoy what you do. think that's the best thing you can do and perform with it. So that's my thing. I'm just I'm not even grinding anymore to be honest like the game. I'm not I'm just want to enjoy this game with my teammate with the people like and and it's working for me. And we thoroughly enjoy watching you Zoo. Here's your trophy. Once again, congratulations. That is Vitality, your Grand Slam champions and the champions of the Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026. The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL in partnership with Intel, Acer Predator, and DHL. Hell Rafa really making history. Absolutely phenomenal. And Ace is the champion of the Intel Extreme Master World Final. Storm still not quite done. He is going to take this fight though. 3 seconds left. Last two rounds and Flash's got us started well. And this is massive move for this. But he's not content with just nex and it's all gone. troll. Unbelievable. Rogue with four shar victory over Classic. And they did it again in the black finals. It's gold. Give it up for your Intel Extreme Masters World Champion. Placement matches set your starting point. Face it rating measures your impact as you climb. The soft elo reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10. Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO in activity. We're introducing face it rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level. Face it rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match, taking into account the full situation. Season 8 launches April 22nd. Good luck and have fun. The pounding heart of esports beats louder here. They have to double. He's getting his shot. Unbelievable. Something special to his team. And that's exactly what happens. Got to miss some. Please back.