Vitality Win PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 But Players Return Home Without Medals — apEX Calls for Change

Team Vitality claimed the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) title with a commanding 3–0 grand final victory over PARIVISION, but the win was overshadowed by a growing debate over the lack of winner medals for players.

Despite being crowned champions of one of the first big LAN events of the 2026 CS2 calendar — featuring 16 elite squads competing for a $625,000 prize pool — players at the Romanian event reportedly left without physical medals, a decision that sparked reactions from competitors and the community.

Key Highlights

Vitality defeated PARIVISION 3–0 in the grand final (Overpass 13–10, Dust2 13–4, Inferno 16–13).

No event medals were awarded to players, prompting criticism.

Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut earned his 30th HLTV MVP medal — a record milestone in CS2 history — underscoring the team’s dominant performance.

apEX: “Organizers Should Give Medals”

Following the victory, Vitality’s in-game leader Dan “apEX” Madesclaire took to social platforms to highlight the absence of medals for winners. He stressed that physical medals are an essential part of esports culture and that “having no souvenirs sucks,” urging PGL and tournament organizers to reconsider awarding medals at future events.

The feedback resonated with fans and players alike, with many citing physical memorabilia as part of the competitive tradition in LAN esports.

ZywOo Makes History

While official event medals were missing, ZywOo’s individual performance earned him his 30th HLTV x 1XBET Most Valuable Player (MVP) medal — making him one of the most decorated CS2 stars ever.

This new milestone places him significantly ahead of other top talents in MVP counts, reinforcing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and attracting increased global viewership attention for the event.

Viewership Growth Underscores CS2’s Rising Popularity

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 wasn’t just notable for competition results — it also registered a major surge in live viewership. Average group stage viewers more than doubled year-over-year, with peak figures rising by over 65%, according to industry analytics.

This growth indicates that early-season LAN tournaments remain a focal point for the global CS2 audience, even beyond Major events.

Why This Matters

Physical medals and souvenirs have become a symbol of competitive achievement in esports, especially in LAN settings. Their absence at a major event like Cluj-Napoca — where top teams and players gather — has sparked a broader conversation about player experience and event presentation standards.

With CS2 continuing to grow — both in competitive depth and audience size — fans and pros alike are watching how organizers like PGL respond to feedback.