Players:
Mezii (William Merriman )
ZywOo (Mathieu Herbaut)
Flamez (Shahar Shushan)
Apex (Dan Madesclaire)
Spinx (Lotan Giladi)
Vitality is more than just a team, it is an esports dream come true, combining passion, talent, and an unrivaled winning spirit. Founded in 2013, Vitality has long established itself as one of the most influential and successful organizations in the world of esports. Their journey is a story of hard work, team play, and striving to reach the top on the world stage. The Vitality team participates in the most popular disciplines, including CS 2 , League of Legends, VALORANT, and others. Their players are world-class stars, known for their strategic genius decisions, instant reactions, and incredible coordination. Every Vitality match is a show, where every second is filled with tension and emotion. All the latest news about Gaimin Gladiators.
This fansite is dedicated not only to Vitality’s achievements, but also to the unique culture of the team. We will tell you about significant victories, best moments, personalities behind successes, and how Vitality inspires millions of fans around the world. Here you will find exclusive content, news, player interviews, epic game footage and much more! Join our community of Vitality fans and share the love of esports with us! Let’s support the legends together, get inspired by their achievements and get charged with the energy of their game. After all, Vitality is not just a team, it’s a lifestyle!
The story of the Vitality team begins with a dream to create an organization that would become a benchmark in esports. Founded in 2013 in France, it quickly gained respect, going from an ambitious startup to one of the leading organizations in the world. Vitality is not just a team, but an entire brand that is associated with professionalism, innovation and passion for winning. Birth of an idea The idea for Vitality belongs to Fabien “Neo” David and Nicolas “NiaK” Moresco. Both were passionate about esports and saw it not only as entertainment, but also as a professional field with great potential. In the early 2010s, esports was rapidly gaining popularity, especially in Europe, where disciplines such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends and StarCraft II already had a large fan base. Neo and NiaK wanted to create an organization that could compete on a global level. They understood that to achieve this goal, they needed to focus not only on recruiting players, but also on building a strong corporate culture, supporting fans, and working with the brand. From the very beginning, Vitality was distinguished by its innovative approach: the organization aimed to combine the spirit of sportsmanship with professional management and marketing. Team Spirit, winners of the Shanghai Major 2024!
First steps in the esports scene Initially, Vitality focused on disciplines that were already popular in France. The first major project was a League of Legends roster, which quickly attracted attention due to its impressive performances. Success in LoL helped the team strengthen its reputation and laid the foundation for expansion into other disciplines. The move to Counter-Strike was a strategically important step for Vitality. In 2018, the organization announced the creation of a CS2 roster that was supposed to compete with the best teams in the world. The signing of promising French player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut was a key moment in the development of the team. ZywOo, then a little-known young talent, quickly became one of the main stars of esports. Rise in the CS 2 Scene Vitality’s C2 roster began to show strong results in 2019. That same year, the team won its first major tournaments, including the ECS Season 7 Finals. ZywOo became not only the leader of the team, but also its face, winning the title of the best player of the year according to HLTV. Vitality’s success allowed the organization to strengthen its position in the world of esports and attract new sponsors. However, the path to the top was not an easy one. The team had to cope with player rotation, changes in the coaching staff, and fierce competition in the CS2 scene. Despite this, Vitality maintained their commitment to high standards, which allowed them to consistently perform on the international stage.
Transition to CS2 and a new stage The release of CS 2 was an important milestone in the history of Vitality. The transition to the new version of the game was accompanied by changes in the gameplay, which required the team to be flexible and able to adapt. Vitality overcame this challenge, proving that they are ready for new challenges. Vitality’s specialty in CS2 is their ability to quickly master new game mechanics and apply them to their strategies. This allowed them to remain competitive at the largest tournaments. Already in the first months after the release of CS2, the team won several prestigious trophies, strengthening their status as leaders of the scene. Key elements of success The development of Vitality as a team was possible due to a combination of several key factors: Strong management base. Vitality’s management set ambitious goals from the very beginning and were not afraid to invest in the development of the organization. Thanks to this, the team always had access to the best resources and support. Innovation and technology. Vitality actively uses modern technologies to analyze games, develop strategies and train players. This gives them a significant advantage over their opponents. Fan support. Vitality pays great attention to interaction with the community. They are active in social networks, organize events and support a fan base all over the world.
Focus on young talent. The organization invests in finding and developing young players, which allows them to regularly refresh their roster and maintain a high level of play. ZywOo’s role in the history of Vitality Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s role in the development of Vitality deserves special attention. His incredible skills and consistency have made him a symbol of the team. Since his debut, he has become not only the best player, but also an inspiration for millions of fans. ZywOo has won numerous individual awards and became the MVP of tournaments. His contribution to the success of Vitality cannot be overestimated, and he has remained a key figure of the team for many years. Vitality’s influence on esports Vitality has made a significant contribution to the development of esports, especially in Europe. They have become an example of how a professional organization can develop and achieve success on the world stage. Their success inspires many young players and teams, proving that hard work and ambitious goals can lead to the top.
One of the key factors behind Vitality’s success in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is their roster, which combines seasoned veterans with young talent. Each player on the team is a world-class star with unique skills, abilities, and gameplay philosophies. Together, they create a powerful synergy that helps Vitality stay competitive at the highest levels of esports. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at each player, their contribution to the team’s success, and why they’re considered one of the best in the world.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut — The Face and Soul of the Team
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut is more than just a player; he’s a Counter-Strike legend. Since joining Vitality in 2018, he’s become the symbol of the team and one of the most recognizable esports players in the world.
Key Achievements: Two-time HLTV Player of the Year (2019 and 2020). Numerous MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards at major tournaments. Record-breaking ratings, making him one of the most consistent players in the history of CS. ZywOo is famous for his versatility. He can play any position and always maintains a high level of play, be it an AWP sniper rifle or an AK-47. His reaction, sense of timing and ability to win clutches make him almost invincible in difficult situations. But ZywOo is valuable not only as an individual player. He interacts well with the team, creating space for his teammates and effectively helping to complete team tasks. His calmness and concentration inspire the entire team, and his leadership on the server makes Vitality stronger.
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire – Leader and Strategic Brain
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire is the captain of Team Vitality, whose leadership plays a key role in the team’s success. ApEX is one of the most experienced players in the CS scene, having started his career back in the CS:Source era. His years of experience and understanding of the game make him an indispensable part of the roster.
Role in the team: In-Game Leader (IGL): ApEX is responsible for the tactical leadership of the team during matches. He analyzes the opponents’ play and adapts the strategy depending on the situation. Mentor: His role goes beyond the game. ApEX helps young players adapt to the professional scene and cope with psychological pressure. ApEX is known for his passion and emotion. He is always charged with winning and knows how to inspire his team, even in the most difficult situations. His creativity in developing tactics and ability to make quick decisions on the server help Vitality stay competitive against the strongest opponents.
Emil “Magisk” Reif – Master of Versatility
Emil “Magisk” Reif joined Vitality in 2021 after a successful career with Astralis, where he won three consecutive Majors. His experience in high-level games and ability to handle pressure have become a valuable asset to the team.
Magisk’s Strengths: Versatility: Magisk is capable of playing in a variety of roles on the map, whether it’s defending a key point or going on the offensive. Stability: He consistently delivers high performance, making him a solid foundation for the team. Work Effort: Magisk is known for his professionalism and dedication to excellence. Magisk also has a great game intelligence. His ability to read the opponent’s game and make the right decisions in critical moments makes him one of the most valuable players on the Vitality roster.
Player | Role | Strengths | Key Contributions |
---|---|---|---|
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut | AWPer / All-rounder | – Incredible reaction speed – Universal adaptability – Clutch-winning ability |
– Two-time HLTV Best Player of the Year – Team leader on the server – Consistently delivers top-tier performances |
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire | In-Game Leader (IGL) | – Tactical genius – Inspirational leadership – Deep understanding of the game |
– Develops team strategies – Mentors younger players – Adapts to opponents’ gameplay |
Emil “Magisk” Reif | Support / Lurker | – Tactical versatility – Consistency under pressure – Extensive experience |
– Strengthens team defense – Flexible role adaptation – Provides stability in high-pressure matches |
Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen | Entry Fragger | – Calm under pressure – Aggressive opening plays – Vast experience |
– Opens space for the team – Adapts to opponents’ play styles – Brings championship-level experience |
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan | Rifler / Aggressor | – Aggressive playstyle – Excellent aim and reflexes – Energetic and ambitious |
– Provides dynamic plays – Wins key duels – Brings youthful energy to the team |
Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen – A Veteran with Impenetrable Nerves
Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen is another player who came over from Astralis along with Magisk. Dupreeh is a veteran of the CS scene with an incredible amount of experience and a collection of accolades, including multiple Major titles.
Role in Vitality: Entry Fragger: Dupreeh is often the first to engage the opponent, opening up space for his team. Experienced Mentor: His experience and level-headedness help the rest of the team stay focused in tense situations. Dupreeh is known for his coolness and ability to stay focused in the most stressful matches. His ability to adapt to different playstyles and opponents makes him indispensable to Vitality.
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan – The Young Blood of the Team
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan is the youngest player on the Vitality roster, joining the team in 2023. FlameZ has quickly established himself as one of the most promising players of the new generation.
Traits: Aggressive Playstyle: FlameZ likes to play aggressively, often taking risks, but also creating dangerous situations for the opponents. Mechanical Mastery: His AIM and reflexes allow him to win duels against the strongest opponents. Hunger for Victory: FlameZ is eager to prove his worth and be a part of Vitality’s great victories. Despite his young age, FlameZ has already proven himself to be a mature and reliable player. His energy and drive for excellence inspire both fans and his teammates.
Tactical approach and innovation are at the heart of Vitality success in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). They are known for their ability to adapt to different game scenarios, develop unconventional strategies, and find new approaches to complex gameplay challenges. It is their innovation and strategic mastery that allows them to dominate the global eSports scene. In this section, we will look at how Vitality creates their unique tactics, uses the latest technology, and improves their game. One of the key elements of Vitality’s tactical approach is deep analysis of their opponents’ gameplay. The team spends hours studying the playstyles of other teams, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. To do this, they use modern analytical tools such as demos, map analysis programs, and statistical data. How it works: Pattern Study: Vitality analyzes the behavior of opponents on different maps, including their usual routes, timings, and preferred spots. Personalized Preparation: Each player on the team is provided with a personalized analysis of their upcoming opponents so that they can better prepare for specific situations. Countermeasures: Based on the data they receive, Vitality develops tactics that are aimed at neutralizing the opponents’ strengths. Example: If the opponent often uses fast attacks through one of the points (for example, point A on Mirage), Vitality can prepare a defense in advance by strengthening this particular area.
Vitality is known for their innovative strategies that often break the usual game script. The team combines classic approaches to the game with original tactical solutions, which makes them unpredictable for opponents. The main elements of Vitality’s strategies: Map Control: They masterfully use throws (grenades, smokes, flashes, and molotovs) to capture key areas of the map. This allows them to control the dynamics of the game and force opponents to act according to their script. Balanced Aggression: Vitality are good at finding a balance between aggressive play and careful positioning. For example, they can suddenly switch from a slow approach to a lightning-fast attack to catch opponents off guard. Team Clutch: The team often wins rounds in situations where they are outnumbered due to excellent communication and understanding of each other’s positions. Example of a successful strategy: On Inferno, Vitality is known for their approach to banana control. They use precise grenades to force opponents out of the area, and then either increase pressure or take better positions to defend.
Vitality actively uses the latest technology to improve their tactics and training. This is one of the factors that sets them apart from other teams. Technological innovations: Demo analysis software: Such tools help to identify mistakes in the play of both the team and the opponent. Vitality uses this data to fine-tune their strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The organization partners with companies that develop AI solutions to analyze large amounts of data. This helps predict the behavior of opponents in certain situations. Training simulators: Vitality uses special programs to simulate game scenarios to better prepare for different situations on the maps. Results of using technology: Improved individual player training. Create more effective team tactics. Ability to predict opponents’ moves and react to them in real time. Vitality demonstrates a high level in both attack and defense. Their approach to these aspects of the game is based on a deep understanding of the map and the synchronicity of the team’s actions.
Defense: Positional advantage: Vitality takes advantageous positions early on, which allows them to effectively close off the entry points of opponents. Coordinated rotations: The team quickly adapts to the situation on the map, closing gaps in defense through coordinated movements. Grenade Use: They make heavy use of smoke screens and molotovs to slow down enemy advances or force them into awkward positions. Example: On Nuke, Vitality makes good use of smoke screens to control the main point (A or B), restricting the enemy’s line of sight. Offense: Accurate Throws: Their grenades always hit their target, disorienting the enemy and creating space to attack. Fake Entries: Vitality often play tactic with fake attacks to distract enemy defenses and then suddenly change the direction of attack. Late Timing Play: They are good at waiting until the last seconds, forcing the enemy to be nervous and make mistakes. Example: On Mirage, Vitality often use double throws on both points, forcing the enemy to split their forces, making it easier to attack the chosen point.
Vitality, one of the most successful teams in the world of eSports, has confidently entered the new era of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). The transfer of their experience, tactical mastery, and team synergy from CS2 to CS2 has allowed the organization to continue to dominate the world stage. Their achievements are the result of not only the talent of their players, but also the painstaking work of their coaching staff, analysts, and managers. Let’s take a look at the key moments of their success in CS2, which have cemented Vitality’s status as one of the strongest teams in the world. The transition from CS2 to CS2 was a significant challenge for all professional teams. The new version of the game brought many changes: updated grenade physics, new textures, mechanics, and an improved Source 2 engine. Vitality were one of the first teams that were able to adapt to these changes and show results at a high level. Key points: Quick adaptation to the new engine: The team spent many hours practicing in the new game to understand the features of CS2. Players focused on learning the changes in grenade physics, which allowed them to exploit new layouts on maps. Support from the coaching staff: Their coaching staff developed a methodology for the transition to CS2, including in-depth analysis of new maps and adaptation of strategies.
Testing new tactics: Vitality began experimenting with unconventional tactical approaches to use the new mechanics of CS2 to their advantage. These efforts allowed Vitality to not only remain competitive, but also become pioneers in the adoption of CS2, which played a decisive role in their subsequent victories. One of the first major CS2 tournaments was BLAST Premier Fall Finals 2023, and Vitality were able to demonstrate their superiority right away. The tournament featured some of the strongest teams in the world, but Vitality showed an incredible level of play, leaving their opponents far behind. Tournament highlights: Group Stage: Vitality cruised through the group stage with confidence, defeating teams like FaZe Clan and Na’Vi. Their tactical preparation and ZywOo’s individual play were the deciding factors. Playoffs: In the semi-finals, Vitality faced G2 Esports, one of the strongest teams at the time. Despite the intense competition, they were able to win thanks to their creative strategies and coordinated play.
Finals: In the final match against Cloud9, Vitality showed incredible resilience and dominance, winning the series with a total score of 3:1. This victory was proof that Vitality has fully adapted to CS2 and is ready for new challenges. The ESL Pro League is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of Counter-Strike, and Vitality’s success at this competition was another important milestone in their history. The tournament lasted for several weeks, which required teams not only to be skilled, but also to maintain concentration over a long period of time. Key accomplishments: Dominance in the group stage: Vitality showed consistency and a high level of play, winning against opponents including Heroic and ENCE. Bright individual performances: ZywOo was, as always, at his best, but it’s also worth noting the contributions of other players, such as Magisk and dupreeh, who supported the team in difficult moments. Trouble in the playoffs: In the semi-finals, Vitality faced BIG, who managed to take a map from the favorites. However, thanks to the leadership qualities of apEX and the well-coordinated play of the entire team, Vitality reached the final.
Finals: In the decisive match against Liquid, Vitality demonstrated tactical superiority and won the title. This tournament was a confirmation of their status as one of the strongest teams in the world, capable of winning in the most difficult conditions. Majors remain the pinnacle of success for any team in CS, and Vitality not only participated, but were also consistently among the favorites. Their preparation for such tournaments was top-notch, which allowed the team to show consistently high results. Vitality’s approach to Majors: Long-term preparation: Vitality began preparing for the Majors long before they started, practicing not only individual skills, but also team chemistry. Map focus: They specialized in certain maps, such as Mirage, Overpass, and Inferno, where they felt most confident. Tactical depth: Vitality brought innovation to their strategies, including unexpected lineups and unusual rotations. While they failed to win the title in some Majors, their consistent performances at a high level have cemented their place among the CS2 elite. Vitality’s success is largely due to the outstanding individual performances of their players. Each of them contributed to the team’s success, but some moments stood out. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut: Tournament MVP: ZywOo has won multiple tournament MVPs due to his consistency and dominant play.
Vitality is more than just a team; they are a phenomenon in the world of esports. They have become an example of how professionalism, innovation, and perseverance can transform a game into an art and a business at the same time. But where is this legendary team heading in the future, and what impact will they have on the development of esports? In this section, we will look at Vitality’s vision for the future, their contribution to the industry, and how they are shaping the next generation of players and fans. Vitality have long established themselves as one of the best teams in Europe. But their ambitions extend far beyond the region. The organization is actively working to expand their influence on the global stage. Key areas of development: Acquisition of international talent: Vitality will continue to search for promising players from around the world to remain competitive and adapt to the changing conditions of the game. Building a fan base around the world: Using social media, events, and collaborations with major brands, they aim to attract more fans from the Americas, Asia, and other regions. Participation in International Tournaments: Vitality plans to participate even more actively in tournaments on all continents, demonstrating their skills and strengthening their reputation.
This approach will allow the team to not only maintain leadership, but also popularize esports in new corners of the world. Vitality has always been an innovator in the use of technology to improve their game. They understand that esports is an industry where technology plays a key role, and they continue to invest in new solutions. Vitality’s technological ambitions: Artificial intelligence (AI) in game analysis: The organization plans to deepen the use of AI in match analysis, predicting the behavior of opponents and automating preparation. Virtual reality (VR) and training: In the future, Vitality may begin to use VR to simulate game situations, which will improve the level of player preparation. Esports analytics platforms: Vitality may invest in the development of their own platforms for data collection and analysis, which can not only improve their results, but also become a commercial product. These innovations will not only strengthen Vitality’s position, but will also set a new standard for other teams to follow.
Vitality has always placed a strong emphasis on developing young talent. This is part of their strategy to ensure long-term success. In the future, the organization plans to expand their programs for young players to create the next generation of stars. Vitality’s initiatives for young players: Esports Academies: Vitality already has successful academy programs, but in the future, they plan to open more branches in different countries to give young talent a chance. Mentorship Programs: Experienced players like apEX and dupreeh can become mentors for young esports players, helping them adapt to the professional scene. Collaboration with educational institutions: Vitality can start collaborating with universities and schools to popularize esports and create educational programs. These steps will help not only the team, but the entire industry, giving young people the opportunity to build a career in esports. Vitality do not just participate in tournaments — they actively shape the face of the modern esports industry. Their successes and approaches inspire teams and players around the world, setting standards for the entire discipline.
Aspect | Description | Future Goals |
---|---|---|
Global Expansion | – Building a fanbase across continents – Recruiting international talents – Participating in global tournaments |
– Establish dominance in Asia and North America – Expand the brand to new regions – Broaden the fan community worldwide |
Technological Innovation | – Use of Artificial Intelligence for game analysis – Virtual Reality (VR) for training – Developing proprietary analytics platforms |
– Lead in tech-driven esports training – Set new industry standards – Create tools beneficial for other teams |
Youth Development | – Expanding esports academies globally – Mentorship programs by veteran players – Collaboration with educational institutions |
– Produce future esports stars – Increase accessibility to esports careers – Support education through esports programs |
Impact on Esports | – Professionalizing the industry – Popularizing CS2 worldwide – Building sustainable esports ecosystems |
– Inspire other organizations – Increase esports viewership globally – Enhance esports infrastructure |
Social Responsibility | – Promoting a healthy lifestyle – Participating in charitable projects – Advocating for equality and inclusivity |
– Engage communities through charity events – Strengthen inclusivity within esports – Promote mental and physical health awareness |
Long-term Vision | – Win more CS2 majors and championships – Expand into other esports titles – Build a lasting legacy in esports |
– Become the most successful CS team ever – Establish a multi-discipline esports empire – Lead the industry as a global brand |
How Vitality influences esports: Professionalization of the industry: Vitality showed how important it is to combine a sports approach with competent management and marketing. Their example inspires other organizations to strive for the same. Popularization of the game: Vitality’s performances at major tournaments attract millions of viewers. They work with brands and media to bring esports closer to a mass audience. Development of the esports ecosystem: Vitality actively cooperates with game developers, sponsors and tournament organizers, helping to develop the industry as a whole. Their contribution to the popularization of CS2 is especially noticeable, as they were among the first to adapt to the new version of the game and show its potential. An important part of Vitality’s philosophy is their responsibility to society. They strive not only to win tournaments, but also to be an example for their fans. Vitality’s social initiatives: Promoting a healthy lifestyle: Vitality actively promotes the idea of a balance between eSports and physical health, inspiring young people to take care of their bodies and minds. Charity: The team participates in charity events, organizes tournaments to raise funds, and supports various social projects. Supporting equality and inclusion: Vitality strives to create an inclusive space.