Vitality asserted their dominance in the ESL Pro League Season 21 grand final, dismantling MOUZ with an emphatic 3-0 victory (Dust2 13-9, Nuke 13-4, Inferno 13-5). This triumph marks their second championship of the year and puts them just one step away from securing the Intel Grand Slam and its coveted $1,000,000 prize.
The series kicked off on Dust2, where Vitality’s well-executed strategy targeted the B bombsite repeatedly, catching MOUZ off guard. The methodical approach paid off, as the European squad surged to a commanding 9-3 lead by halftime, with Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo struggling to make an impact, finishing the half with only a single kill. Despite a more competitive showing from MOUZ in the latter stages of the match, the early deficit proved insurmountable. A well-timed half-buy sealed the deal for Vitality, securing the 13-9 victory, even with a less-than-stellar performance from Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, who posted his third sub-0.95-rated map of the year.
Vitality carried their momentum into Nuke, swiftly gaining control of the map by prevailing in critical exchanges and turning unfavorable situations in their favor. A string of scrappy victories extended their lead to 9-3, and a flawless pistol round after the side switch all but guaranteed their win. With no real opposition in sight, they wrapped up Nuke in dominant fashion, closing it out 13-4.
Inferno proved to be more of the same, as MOUZ never seemed to recover from the previous two maps. Questionable decision-making on the CT side led to multiple lost rounds, leaving them with a significant disadvantage heading into the second half. Unable to mount a meaningful comeback, they fell 13-5, putting an end to their unbeaten record in ESL Pro League grand finals.
Now riding an eleven-match winning streak and holding two major trophies in 2025, Vitality is just one championship away from clinching the Intel Grand Slam. With five upcoming opportunities to secure the title, their next challenge will be at IEM Melbourne.
The team has faced challenges in recent months, but their resilience has paid off. The roster has gelled into a formidable unit, with each player stepping up when needed. Their ability to adapt and execute precise game plans has placed them in prime position to seize the prestigious Grand Slam title.
For MOUZ, the grand final did not go as planned, with the team struggling to match Vitality’s intensity. Despite the tough loss, their performances under Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin’s leadership suggest that they remain a serious contender in the competitive landscape.
Though their shortcomings in crucial rounds were evident, they have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level. Reaching two consecutive grand finals is a testament to their growth, and they will now shift their focus to BLAST Open Lisbon, where they aim to refine their approach and bounce back stronger.
