NAVI vs Vitality: Aleksib Admits Team Is “Still One Step Behind” After BLAST Rotterdam 2026 Final

Vitality Dominate NAVI to Win Third Straight Title

Team Vitality once again proved why they are the best team in the world, sweeping Natus Vincere (NAVI) 3-0 in the BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 grand final.

Vitality secured the trophy with wins on:

Inferno (13-7)

Anubis (13-10)

Dust2 (13-10)

This victory marks their third consecutive Big Event title and extends their incredible dominance in the CS2 scene.

Aleksib: “We’re Trying to Evolve, But Still Behind Vitality”

Aleksi Virolainen (Aleksib) openly addressed the gap between NAVI and Vitality after the match:

“We’re trying to evolve as a team, but it’s still one step behind Vitality. Maybe even two.”

The NAVI captain emphasized that the difference wasn’t massive in structure, but in critical round execution:

Lost post-plant situations

Missed advantages

Poor conversions in key rounds

According to him, NAVI had enough opportunities—but failed to capitalize against a team as precise as Vitality.

NAVI’s Progress: Back-to-Back Finals but Same Obstacle

Despite the loss, NAVI’s recent form shows clear improvement:

🏆 ESL Pro League Season 23 champions

🥈 BLAST Rotterdam 2026 finalists

Before the final, Mihai Ivan described Vitality as:

“The final boss… a huge test to see where we are.”

That test exposed the current reality: NAVI are contenders again—but not yet at Vitality’s level.

Vitality’s Confidence: “We’ll Show They Can’t Beat Us”

Robin Kool (ropz) predicted the outcome even before the final:

“I’m sure NAVI think they can beat us — we’re going to show they can’t.”

Vitality backed that confidence with:

🔥 22-map win streak at Big Events

🏅 MVP performance from ropz (1.54 playoff rating)

After the victory, ropz said:

“To win every game like this… it’s an incredible feeling.”

Why Vitality Are Still the Best CS2 Team

Several key factors separate Vitality from NAVI:

1. Clutch Efficiency

Vitality consistently win late-round scenarios where NAVI struggle.

2. Star Power Consistency

With players like:

Mathieu Herbaut

Shahar Shushan

ropz

…the team delivers under pressure every time.

3. Higher “Floor Level”

As Dan Madesclaire explained:

“Even when we’re not playing our A-game… it’s still enough to beat good teams.”

What’s Next for NAVI?

Aleksib remains optimistic despite the loss. He highlighted:

Better team structure

Growing trust

Strong impact from young talent makazze

NAVI will now shift focus to IEM Rio 2026, where they’ll try to close the gap and challenge Vitality again.

Final Take: NAVI Improving, But Vitality Still Untouchable

The BLAST Rotterdam final confirms one thing:

 NAVI are evolving
Vitality are still ahead

Until NAVI fix their round conversion and late-game decision-making, Vitality will remain the benchmark in CS2.