ropz Wins MVP as Vitality Dominate NAVI to Claim BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 Title

Team Vitality continued their dominant run in 2026 by defeating Natus Vincere (NAVI) 3-0 in the grand final of BLAST Open Rotterdam.

The series ended with convincing map wins:

Inferno (13-7)

Anubis (13-10)

Dust2 (13-10)

With this victory, Vitality secured their third consecutive Big Event title, extending their 16-match series win streak and 22-map win streak, further solidifying their position as the best CS2 team in the world.

ropz earns MVP after standout playoff performance

Robin "ropz" Kool delivered one of the strongest performances of the tournament, earning the BLAST Open Rotterdam MVP award — his first since joining Vitality.

The Estonian rifler posted a 1.54 rating in the playoffs, outperforming teammates and MVP contenders like:

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

Shahar "flameZ" Shushan

ropz admitted after the match that the award came as a surprise:

“I’m speechless… I didn’t expect it at all. I’ve been working hard to find my form again, and today it all clicked.”

He also highlighted how rare and special such dominance feels:

“You wish for that kind of thing — to win every game, every match — and to actually do it is an incredible feeling.”

Vitality’s dominance built on consistency, not just star power

Despite having superstars like ZywOo, Vitality’s success is rooted in depth and structure.

Team captain Dan "apEX" Madesclaire previously emphasized that even when the team underperforms, they remain dangerous:

“Even when we’re not playing our A-game, our low game is towards B — and that’s still enough to beat good teams.”

This consistency was evident in Rotterdam, where Vitality improved throughout the event and peaked in the playoffs.

Confidence backed by results: Vitality wanted NAVI in the final

Ahead of the grand final, ropz made it clear that Vitality were ready for the challenge:

“We want to play NAVI… we’re going to show they can’t beat us.”

The result fully justified that confidence, as NAVI failed to take a single map in the final.

NAVI player Mihai "iM" Ivan had called Vitality the “final boss”, while captain Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen later admitted:

“We are still one step behind Vitality. Maybe even two.”

flameZ and ZywOo maintain elite form in 2026

While ropz took the MVP spotlight, Vitality’s success remains a team effort.

Shahar "flameZ" Shushan has been one of the most consistent players in 2026, maintaining a 1.29 rating, second only to ZywOo’s 1.45 rating.

flameZ подчеркнул командный приоритет:

“I just want to keep the good form and win trophies — that’s what matters most.”

Vitality move closer to ESL Grand Slam

With the BLAST Open Rotterdam trophy secured, Vitality are now one step away from completing the Intel Grand Slam.

To win the Grand Slam, a team must claim:

3 ESL Pro Tour Masters events

1 Championship event

within 10 events

Vitality now have three chances remaining:

IEM Rio

IEM Atlanta

IEM Cologne (Major)

ropz confirmed the team’s focus is already shifting forward:

“The goal now is to peak again at the next event.”

What’s next for Vitality?

Vitality’s current form suggests they are entering another era of dominance similar to their 2025 run.

Key takeaways:

3 consecutive Big Event titles

Unmatched consistency across maps and series

Multiple MVP-level players

Strong internal confidence and structure

If they maintain this level, Vitality are clear favorites not only for upcoming events, but also to secure the Intel Grand Slam.

Conclusion

ropz’s MVP performance in Rotterdam was more than just an individual achievement — it was the latest proof of Vitality’s dominance in CS2.

With NAVI trailing behind and other contenders struggling to match their level, Vitality are setting the pace for the entire competitive scene in 2026.