Team Vitality Dominates StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — ZywOo Says “No One Can Challenge Us” When We’re Playing Our Best

Team Vitality Dominates StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — ZywOo Says “No One Can Challenge Us” When We’re Playing Our Best

Team Vitality have successfully defended their title at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, defeating FaZe Clan 3-1 in the best-of-five grand final and cementing themselves as one of the greatest lineups in Counter-Strike 2 esports history. 

Vitality’s Commanding Victory Over FaZe — Score Breakdown

In the Grand Final, Vitality responded after losing map one on Nuke (6:13) by winning the next three maps emphatically: Dust2 13:3, Inferno 13:9, and Overpass 13:2, showcasing strategic depth and firepower across the board. 

This result marked back-to-back Major championships, a feat not seen since Astralis in 2019, and added to Vitality’s historic 2025 season. 

ZywOo: “When Vitality Are Playing Like This, No One Can Challenge Us”

Star Vitality AWPer Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut offered a bold assessment after the victory, highlighting team cohesion and peak performance:

“When Vitality are playing like this and all of us on the server are on the same page… no one can challenge us.” 

ZywOo also reflected on the emotional weight of the achievement:

“I have no words to describe this feeling… back-to-back Majors… It’s an incredible moment for us.” 

His tournament performance earned him the Major MVP award, making him the only player with three Major MVPs in Counter-Strike history. 

Vitality’s Tournament Path: From MongolZ to Major Glory

Vitality showcased dominance throughout the playoffs:

Quarterfinals: Decisive 2-0 victory over The MongolZ, with ZywOo posting a 2.18 rating and a career-best map rating of 2.47 on Mirage. 

Semifinals: Vitality overcame Team Spirit in a tight battle, demonstrating resilience and communication. 

Key Player Quotes From Vitality Roster

flameZ on preparation and mindset:

“Now it’s just about putting the cherry on top of the cake… closing this year with the Major.” — flameZ discussed Vitality’s mentality heading into the final. 

mezii on confidence building:

“We’re getting a lot more confident with each game… much more connected as individuals.” — mezzi highlighted Vitality’s growth through the event. 

FaZe Clan’s Road and Perspective

Despite entering the final as underdogs, FaZe Clan delivered a strong Nuke win and impressive individual performances, notably from karrigan and frozen early in the series. 

After the final, FaZe’s IGL reflected on the challenge:

“We are not ready to beat Vitality yet… we can show up next year and do better.” 

Historical Significance & 2025 CS2 Legacy

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — held from Nov 24 to Dec 14, 2025 in Budapest — was the first CS2 Major with a best-of-five grand final and featured 32 teams from across the globe. 

Vitality’s victory adds to an already landmark 2025, where the team finished in the top four or better at every premier event, solidifying their legacy as a dominant CS2 era team.