Vitality’s flameZ Focused on Consistency Amid Strong Form at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026

Israeli rifler Shahar "flameZ" Shushan continues to impress with his individual form as Team Vitality advance through the BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, but the player himself remains focused less on rankings and more on consistency and team success.

Vitality reached the playoffs in Rotterdam without dropping a map, securing clean 2–0 victories over opponents such as 9z, The MongolZ, and PARIVISION. Much of the spotlight during this run has been on flameZ, who is currently enjoying one of the strongest periods of his career. He posted a 1.56 rating during the group stage and maintains an average of around 1.29 in 2026, placing him among the elite performers of the season, second only to teammate Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut in recent events. 

Despite these impressive numbers, flameZ downplays individual accolades. Having already finished twice at No. 7 in HLTV’s annual Top 20 ranking, he stated that his goal is not necessarily to surpass that mark, but rather to maintain his current level. He emphasized that while rankings are important, trophies carry far more weight in his eyes. As long as the team continues to win, he is unconcerned if his individual level fluctuates or if other teammates take over games. 

This mindset reflects a broader philosophy within Vitality. The squad’s structure allows multiple players to step up in crucial moments, creating a system where success is shared rather than dependent on a single star. flameZ himself pointed out that impactful plays from teammates—such as clutch wins or multi-kill rounds—create additional opportunities for others, contributing to his own strong statistics.

The current run is not viewed as a short-term spike either. Analysts note that flameZ has recently set a personal record for consecutive maps with a positive rating, underlining that his performance is the result of sustained improvement rather than a temporary hot streak. 

However, not every match has been straightforward. One of the most challenging series for Vitality in Rotterdam came against PARIVISION, a team known for its slow and methodical approach. flameZ admitted that such a playstyle can be mentally exhausting, requiring constant focus and patience. He also mentioned that unexpected delays before the match disrupted the team’s preparation, which contributed to a less comfortable performance despite the eventual win. 

Another highlight of the event was ZywOo’s remarkable 1v5 clutch, which flameZ described as a product of the French star’s exceptional ability to isolate duels and capitalize on minimal openings. Moments like these further demonstrate the depth of firepower within Vitality’s roster and reinforce why the team is considered one of the strongest in the current competitive landscape. 

Looking ahead, flameZ expressed confidence regardless of the opponent in the playoffs, whether it be The MongolZ or Aurora. His comments suggest that Vitality’s focus is primarily internal—maintaining their level of play and continuing to build momentum—rather than adapting specifically to particular rivals. 

This approach aligns with statements he made earlier in the season, where he highlighted the importance of treating every match as an opportunity to achieve something significant. Over time, this mentality has helped Vitality remain competitive across multiple events while balancing long-term goals such as Major titles and the ESL Grand Slam race. 

In summary, flameZ’s current form is the result of both individual growth and a well-functioning team environment. While his statistics place him among the best players in the world right now, his primary objective remains consistency and team success. If Vitality can convert their dominant group stage into a playoff victory, this period may ultimately be remembered not just as a strong tournament, but as the defining stretch of flameZ’s career.