Team Vitality Return to HLTV World No. 1 After StarLadder Budapest Major Triumph

Team Vitality Return to HLTV World No. 1 After StarLadder Budapest Major Triumph

Team Vitality have climbed back to the top of the HLTV world rankings as they head into 2026, reclaiming the coveted No. 1 spot following their victory at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the French organisation, which has enjoyed one of the most successful competitive years in Counter-Strike 2 history. 

According to the updated HLTV rankings, Vitality lead the world with a comfortable 149-point gap over second-placed FURIA. The climb back to the summit came as a direct result of their second consecutive Major win, cementing their status as the best performing team of the 2025 competitive season.

Back-to-Back Major Champions in Budapest

Vitality’s Major triumph occurred at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, which took place in Hungary from November 24 to December 14, 2025 and featured a record 32-team field under Valve’s official Major format. In the best-of-five Grand Final, Vitality defeated FaZe Clan 3–1 to secure back-to-back Major championships – a feat not seen since Astralis in 2019. 

In the final, Vitality dropped the first map to FaZe but responded emphatically, winning three straight maps with commanding scores: Dust2 (13–3), Inferno (13–9), and Overpass (13–2). The victory capped off a remarkable tournament run that saw Vitality advance through the playoffs by defeating prominent teams such as The MongolZ and Team Spirit on their way to the title. 

Dominance Throughout 2025

The Budapest Major title was the final highlight in what many consider one of the most dominant seasons by a single team in CS2 esports. Vitality’s 2025 campaign has been defined by consistency, top-level performance, and a remarkable trophy haul. Before the Budapest Major, Vitality had already achieved historic success earlier in the year, including multiple tournament victories and long win streaks across premier Counter-Strike 2 events. 

Notably, Vitality claimed the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 in June, defeating The MongolZ 2–1 in the final to secure another Major crown and further affirm their status as a global powerhouse. That victory was part of a string of results that included wins at other major ESL and BLAST events, contributing to their lengthy run atop the world rankings earlier in the year. 

Earlier in the season, Vitality enjoyed an extraordinarily strong run, highlighted by a historic 30-match LAN win streak. During that period, with the addition of star rifler Robin “ropz” Kool to the roster in January 2025, the team captured numerous trophies across the competitive calendar and established themselves as the dominant force in CS2. 

The HLTV Ranking Rollercoaster

Vitality first ascended to the No. 1 spot in early 2025, holding it for 26 consecutive weeks from March through September, a run that coincided with some of their most prolific results in franchise history. 

However, as the competitive year progressed, shifts in the competitive landscape saw the French team briefly yield the top spot. Brazilian side FURIA, who enjoyed strong results with titles at IEM Chengdu and BLAST Rivals Season 2, temporarily overtook Vitality in the HLTV rankings, reflecting how closely contested the top tier of CS2 competition remains. 

Despite this, Vitality’s resurgence at the Budapest Major has once again placed them above all other teams in the world heading into the new season — a testament to their resilience and capacity to perform at the highest level when it matters most. 

What This Means for 2026

Reclaiming the No. 1 ranking not only reflects Vitality’s success in 2025 but also sets the tone for what could be another defining year for the roster. With the competitive calendar gearing up for events like IEM Cologne 2026 and the next Major cycle later in the year, expectations will be high for the squad to continue delivering elite performances. 

The team’s victory in Budapest also underscores the strength and depth of the CS2 competitive scene, where leading organisations such as FaZe, The MongolZ, and FURIA continue to push the boundaries of high-level play. As Vitality prepare for 2026, they do so with clear momentum, confidence from recent successes, and the validation of being recognized as the world’s best CS2 team by HLTV.