Vitality has ruled the Counter-Strike scene in 2025, taking home six titles so far, also entering the Major playoffs as the heavy favourite to lift the trophy in Austin.
But why have they been so dominant this year? Is it solely the addition of ropz or what?
One person who might have the answer is Lotan “Spinx” Giladi — the man who left the team during the winter off-season to make room for the Estonian rifler.
In an interview ahead of the Major, we asked the MOUZ rifler to pinpoint the biggest change he’s seen in Vitality since his departure.
Here, Spinx highlights their improvement on the defensive side:
– Most importantly, their CT side has become much better. I think ropz is a great anchor, which I think this team lacked a bit. mezii is also doing much better, and I think his roles fit him more now. So, this is an upgrade in two situations: mezii becomes a much better player, 100%. And then you get ropz, which instantly improves your CT side.
Spinx (all left) played under the Vitality banner from 2022-2025. Photo: BLAST
“A fresh start”
Having inside knowledge from his time with apEX and company, and the experience of playing against them six times already this season, Spinx is in a unique position to offer insight.
He continued:
– I will also say they have got a fresh start and fresh air, which this team needed. The change also made a spark in the other players, to make them work a bit harder and be a bit hungrier. But of course, I don’t know what’s going on inside the team.
Spinx on Vitality’s success
So far this year, Vitality has presented a level of dominance rarely seen in recent years, winning six events, an ESL Grand Slam and racking up 30 consecutive wins.
During our interview with Spinx, we also asked him what it’s like to see his former team hit such heights.
– It was my decision after all. I made this decision with full awareness of what could happen in the future.
– But I always knew Vitality would become a good team. Like, let’s be real.
– ZywOo is the best or second-best player in the world. He’s making every team top tier instantly. Then they added ropz, who is one of the best riflers of all time and has won so much. And you also have three great players with them.
– Of course, I didn’t expect them to be this good and get so many wins in a row and this kind of stuff. Every time you have your ex performing so good, of course, it’s not like I’m watching them in the Grand Final and saying: “Yeah, let’s go Vitality!” But I don’t have hard feelings or anything for them.
Both Spinx and Vitality remain at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, as they have been placed on the same side of the playoff bracket. They will play their respective quarterfinals on Thursday and Friday this week.
Read the first part of our interview with Spinx in the article below.
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