Team Vitality has booked their spot in the BLAST Open Rotterdam playoffs in terrifyingly dominant fashion. Riding a flawless 3-0 series run and an intimidating 15-map win streak, the international squad looks like the undisputed number-one team in the world.
While the whole team is firing on all cylinders, there is a clear catalyst for their current peak: 22-year-old Shahar “flameZ” Shushan.
Since joining the roster in the summer of 2023, the Israeli entry fragger has steadily improved. But in 2026, he has taken a monumental leap. After posting a 1.10 HLTV rating in 2024 and a 1.12 in 2025, flameZ is currently boasting a staggering 1.29 rating for the year.
In a pre-playoff interview, Vitality’s head coach Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam opened up about what exactly triggered this massive evolution in his young star. He also broke down what this transformation means for Vitality’s pursuit of the Intel Grand Slam.
The Maturation of an Entry Fragger
For XTQZZZ, flameZ’s statistical explosion isn’t just about clicking heads. It is the result of a fundamental shift in how the 22-year-old approaches the game outside of the server. XTQZZZ spoke openly about flameZ’s earlier days with the team:
He was basically a FACEIT player, coming for the prep, listening, that’s it.
The coach explained how the entry fragger took it upon himself to change his routine:
You could see it outside of the server; he was a bit left and right, and now I think he is growing up. But as an entry, I do believe it’s better if you prep your game a bit, how you want to entry, find solutions… I think it’s something he improved a lot from the last two years.
While a 1.29 rating is astronomical for a player whose job is to run in first, XTQZZZ realistically acknowledges that an entry fragger cannot be expected to put up a 1.30 rating every tournament. However, he noted that flameZ’s new playstyle ensures he is incredibly valuable even when his shots aren’t instantly connecting:
He’s also really good to help the team when he dies because he can organize the team, give some really important info. It’s something that is really underrated right now.
The Biggest Threat to the Era
With flameZ ascending to superstar status alongside Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Robin “ropz” Kool, it begs the question of who can actually stop Vitality in 2026.
When asked about the team’s biggest challengers, XTQZZZ tipped his hat to a confident Natus Vincere and noted that Team Spirit always has the firepower to bounce back. However, the veteran coach was quick to point out that their most dangerous rival is complacency:
I would say us first, because after so many trophies… we need to be motivated no matter what. Of course, we have some goals, especially the Grand Slam and the Major.
Vitality’s ability to stay hungry after achieving so much is what currently separates them from the rest of the pack. If flameZ maintains his elite work ethic and the team keeps their eyes on the Grand Slam prize, the rest of the Counter-Strike scene has a nearly insurmountable mountain to climb.
You can see the full interview with Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam, who also reflects on apEX’s importance for the team and the success they enjoy.
