flameZ

Growing up in Israel, flameZ was introduced to Counter-Strike through his older brother Shiran “shushan” Shushan, a former player himself. FlameZ began playing CS 1.6 at around the age of 10 before transitioning to CS:GO, where he rapidly distinguished himself in local and European teams. Despite facing tournament eligibility restrictions due to his age in the early years, he displayed a relentless work ethic and a drive to compete at the highest level.

FlameZ’s professional breakthrough came in 2020 when he joined Endpoint. Over the course of several months, he impressed the international scene with standout performances in ESEA MDL Season 35 Europe and his first ESL Pro League appearances. His raw aim and fearless playstyle earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising riflers.

In April 2021, flameZ signed with OG, where he spent over two years refining his skills and gaining experience against tier-one competition. During his time with OG, he participated in events such as IEM Summer, ESL Pro League, and made his Major debut at IEM Rio 2022. Though trophies remained elusive, he was instrumental in OG's deep runs at tournaments like BLAST World Finals 2022, showcasing his consistency on LAN.

The defining moment of flameZ’s career came on June 22, 2023—his 20th birthday—when he officially joined Team Vitality, replacing legendary rifler dupreeh. His addition came on the heels of Vitality’s Major victory in Paris, setting the stage for a new era. With flameZ in the lineup, Vitality experienced immediate success, winning multiple high-profile events including Gamers8 2023, BLAST Premier Fall Final 2023, and BLAST Premier World Final 2023.

In August 2024, flameZ added his most prestigious CS2 title to date by winning IEM Cologne 2024, defeating NAVI in a thrilling grand final held in the iconic Lanxess Arena. His impact was undeniable—opening rounds with sharp aim and aggressive map control, often swinging momentum in Vitality’s favor. That same year, he was ranked #7 in HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2024, confirming his place among the global elite.

The 2025 season further solidified flameZ's superstar status. He lifted trophies at IEM Katowice 2025, IEM Melbourne, ESL Pro League Season 21, BLAST Rivals Spring, IEM Dallas, BLAST Open Lisbon, and became a champion of the ESL Pro Tour Grand Slam Season 5. The pinnacle of his journey came at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where he helped lead Vitality to a 2–1 victory over The MongolZ in the final—claiming his first CS2 Major title exactly two years after joining the team.

FlameZ’s role in Vitality is crucial: he serves as the entry fragger, often the first to engage opponents and break through defensive setups. His fearless aggression, combined with exceptional crosshair placement and game sense, makes him one of the most impactful riflers in the current CS2 meta. His performance in both online and LAN environments has drawn praise from analysts, casters, and fans alike.

Despite his on-stage intensity, flameZ is known for his professionalism and humility off the server. While he sparked a brief controversy at BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 for a playful gesture misunderstood by production, he quickly clarified the incident and maintained his reputation as a respectful and focused competitor. In late 2024, Team Vitality extended flameZ’s contract through 2027, underscoring their confidence in him as a long-term cornerstone of their roster.

To date, flameZ has earned over $1 million in prize money and continues to grow his legacy as one of Israel’s most successful esports athletes. His story—from a young, hungry talent on local servers to lifting Major trophies on the world’s biggest stages—serves as an inspiration to aspiring players everywhere.

As the CS2 era advances, Shahar “flameZ” Shushan stands not only as one of the game’s brightest stars, but also as a symbol of what determination, skill, and timing can achieve in the modern competitive scene.