FalleN on Vitality: “The PR answer is ‘we believe we can win’ — the reality check is they’re the big boss”

FalleN on Vitality: “The PR answer is ‘we believe we can win’ — the reality check is they’re the big boss”

FalleN made a candid assessment of his team FURIA’s upcoming challenge at IEM Chengdu 2025, acknowledging that while belief is key to success, respect for their opposition remains essential. Speaking after FURIA’s semi-final win over Falcons, he said: “The PR answer is, ‘We believe we can win, we can lift this trophy,’ and all those things. Reality check is, they’re the big boss, and we know that.” 

He added: “I don’t think our level is far from what they can play, honestly I think we can beat them, but playing a team like Vitality… it seems to take more than just playing well. You need to learn the matchup, you need to really get used to some things that can happen in the series, and the most important thing for us if we want to win tomorrow is to really control emotions.” 

The context: Vitality as the benchmark

In 2025, Vitality have maintained their position among Counter-Strike’s elite. Earlier this year, their captain apEX pointed out that his roster’s ambition was to match Astralis’ ten-trophy record in a single year. 

In this sense, FURIA’s potential final against Vitality isn’t just a chance at a trophy — it’s a chance to dethrone a team many regard as the “big boss” of the scene. That framing underpins FalleN’s admission that beating Vitality will require more than standard execution.

What FURIA have done to get here

FURIA arrived in Chengdu in strong form. Having already knocked out Falcons 2–0 in the semi-final, they entered the final with momentum. FalleN’s comments were made right after that win, and he treated it both as validation and a warning. 

The win over Falcons also followed FURIA’s dominant performance over The MongolZ in the earlier round, illustrating the team’s strong fall-season trajectory. That run, in turn, bolstered their belief in being legitimate title contenders.

What makes Vitality so formidable

Vitality’s status as a “big boss” stems from multiple factors:

• Consistency in high-stakes situations, including deep runs and titles.

• A well-rounded roster with star power and system solidity.

• Experience in finals and best-of-five formats.

• Mental resilience under pressure, as evidenced by early bits of the 2025 season.

FalleN’s quote about needing to “learn the matchup” is especially telling: he recognises that Vitality bring more than raw firepower — they bring preparation, discipline, and adaptability.

FURIA’s challenge ahead

For FURIA, the path to toppling Vitality will involve:

• Maintaining composure under final-match stress.

• Executing in the late rounds where Vitality generally refuse to blink.

• Understanding Vitality’s game plan and being ready for mid-series adjustments.

• Bringing their best map-pool and adapting on the fly, because simply “playing well” may not be enough.

FalleN’s acknowledgement of those requirements suggests that FURIA are aware of the stakes. And yet, by saying “honestly I think we can beat them,” he indicates belief remains alive.

What this says about the wider scene

This moment highlights several broader truths in elite Counter-Strike:

• The gap between contender and champion often lies in mindset, not just raw skill. FalleN’s focus on emotion control is a sign of that.

• Being a “big boss” means more than winning titles — it means having structural advantages. teams like Vitality define that space.

• For challengers, belief must coexist with humility, strategy and mental preparation.

Final thoughts

When FURIA step into the grand final, they’ll carry the quiet confidence that comes from winning momentum — but also the awareness of what they face. With FalleN’s words ringing in the air, the match becomes not just a trophy battle but a chance to climb from contender to champion. Whether they succeed or not, the framing is clear: beating the big boss will demand more than execution; it will demand control, adaptability, and the composure to win when it matters most.