In this series, we take a look at the teams that finished 2020 in the Top 20 rankings. Today we take a look at number 2.
Name:
Origin:
France
The Frenchmen of Vitality had a strong 2020 where they managed to cement their position at the very top of CS:GO. The apEX-led squad presented high peaks throughout the year, but also some severe low points when it really mattered.
2020 was also the year, where Vitality paved the way for operating and active 6-man rosters when they made the crucial acquisition of Nabil “Nivera” Benriltom in October.
Roster:
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
Cédric “RpK” Guipouy
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Richard “shox” Papillon
Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier
Nabil “Nivera” Benriltom (6th man)
Transfers in 2020:
In: Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier (From: Wonderkids)
In: Nabil “Nivera” Benriltom (From: Heretics)
Out: Alex “ALEX” McMeekin (To: Cloud9)
The signing of the Belgium youngster, in October, was crucial for Vitality
Highlight of the year:
Coming from a fresh victory at IEM Beijing at the end of November, the Frenchmen took their biggest title of the year when they defeated the Danish Giants from Astralis in the Grand Final of BLAST Premier Fall.
The 2-1 victory over the Dominant Danes cemented Vitality and ZywOo as the current best CS:GO team in the world. The French prodigy was unstoppable throughout the event, presenting a staggering 1.36 rating from start to end, which led the Frenchmen to the huge $225.000 prize earning.
Low point:
ESL One Cologne Grand Final | 0-3 Heroic
Vitality displayed, as earlier mentioned, some outstanding Grand Final performances towards the end of the year, in strong victories over both Astralis and NAVI. However, that wasn’t always the case for the Frenchmen.
In August, apEX and company took upon Heroic in the Grand Final of the prestigious ESL One Cologne. A final, which were completely one-sided in the Danes favour, resulting in a devastating 0-3 defeat for Vitality.
The future:
There is no doubt that Vitality will be a top contender for the entire 2021 CS:GO season. The Frenchmen hold a stellar roster, that clearly are in synergy and possessing the right players, for the right roles.
The team will do wonders, if they can continue the development of their youngsters ZywOo, misutaaa and Nivera. A dominant trio who can strive under the leadership and experience of veterans as apEX, shox and RpK.
Spotlight on the Top 20 (3-20):
https://pley.gg/news/spotlight-top-20/
