flameZ: Vitality May Shift Cologne Major Peak Plan as ESL Grand Slam VI Nears

Team Vitality’s CS2 dominance continues to shape the 2026 season. After lifting the trophy at IEM Krakow 2026, the French-European squad now sits one title away from completing ESL Grand Slam Season VI — one of the most prestigious achievements in Counter-Strike.

According to HLTV, Vitality can secure the $1,000,000 Grand Slam prize within the next five ESL-eligible events, with IEM Rio 2026 representing the earliest opportunity to close the race.

The Grand Slam chase is already affecting the team’s long-term planning — including their approach to the IEM Cologne Major 2026, which was originally targeted as the moment to peak.

flameZ: “We wanted to peak for the Cologne Major”

In an HLTV interview during PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, Vitality rifler Shahar “flameZ” Shushan revealed that the team’s performance timeline may change due to the Grand Slam opportunity.

“We wanted to peak for the Cologne Major… but things have probably changed because of the Grand Slam.”

This quote signals a potential shift in Vitality’s competitive strategy. Traditionally, teams carefully plan their peak performance around Majors, but the chance to win a second ESL Grand Slam could accelerate Vitality’s ambitions.

Not a “priority event” — but Vitality still perform

Despite entering Cluj-Napoca after a demanding travel schedule and illness in the team, Vitality still powered into the playoffs with a 3-0 Swiss stage record.

flameZ admitted the tournament was not initially the main focus:

“I wouldn’t say it’s a big priority… it’s not like anything is different.”

Even so, the team adapted quickly after a difficult start that included:

A canceled flight

Limited practice time

Illness affecting ZywOo and ropz

Vitality’s ability to recover and secure playoffs highlights the depth of their current form.

ZywOo’s historic form fuels Vitality’s era

Vitality’s current momentum is closely tied to Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, who delivered a historic MVP performance in Krakow.

After the event, the superstar AWPer told HLTV:

“I can say it was my best performance that I’ve ever played in a tournament.”

Captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire echoed the sentiment during the grand final broadcast:

“ZywOo has shown he is the best in the world at this event.”

With ZywOo performing at peak level, Vitality’s Grand Slam chances look stronger than ever.

Schedule strategy: Vitality carefully selecting tournaments

Vitality’s recent decisions confirm a carefully managed calendar:

The team declined ESL Pro League Season 23

Multiple top teams skipped IEM Atlanta invites

Focus appears to be shifting toward high-value trophy opportunities

This selective scheduling suggests Vitality are balancing burnout, travel, and peak performance windows — a strategy increasingly common among elite CS2 teams.

Why IEM Cologne Major 2026 still matters

Even with the Grand Slam chase in full swing, the IEM Cologne Major 2026 (June 2–21) remains one of the biggest targets of the season.

Cologne is widely considered the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike,” and winning the Major there would cement Vitality’s era — potentially alongside a Grand Slam victory.

What comes next for Vitality?

Vitality now face a rare scenario in CS2 history:

One trophy away from a second Grand Slam

The Cologne Major approaching

ZywOo in peak career form

A flexible tournament schedule designed for maximum impact

If the team maintains momentum, 2026 could become one of the most dominant years ever recorded in Counter-Strike esports.