Vitality continue to confidently hold their place at the top of the professional CS2 scene, securing win after win. Following their qualification for the IEM Dallas playoffs and an impressive 27-match LAN win streak, Robin “ropz” Kool shared his thoughts with HLTV on the team’s mentality, preparation for the BLAST.tv Austin Major, and how they handle pressure. His words shed light on a roster that isn’t just winning — it’s setting the pace for the entire scene.
Key Quotes from the Interview
“We’re mentally one step ahead of many teams”
ropz believes that Vitality’s biggest advantage lies in their mental game. Despite the constant pressure and attention from opponents, the team remains calm and focused. This psychological control allows them to stay consistent, even against underdog teams looking to make a name for themselves.
“We don’t talk about the win streak — we just keep winning”
The team is aware of their winning streak but doesn’t place much importance on it. The primary goal is to win tournaments, not count victories. This shows a pragmatic mindset where results matter more than records.
“A second Grand Slam? We only joke about it”
Even after securing one ESL Grand Slam and winning five titles in a row, Vitality aren’t obsessed with chasing another. This keeps unnecessary pressure off their shoulders and helps them stay focused on more realistic challenges, like the upcoming Major.
“We’re winning — so there’s no time for breaks, but it works”
ropz acknowledges that their tight schedule can be exhausting, but the team has structured their calendar to include breaks between events. As long as they keep winning, the tempo works, and the deliberate planning helps them avoid burnout.
Analysis and Thoughts
This interview shows that Vitality isn’t just a team full of skilled players — it’s a well-organized machine with a clear understanding of what it takes to be champions. They don’t let external narratives or win streaks disturb their inner rhythm. ropz’s calm and confident tone underscores the professionalism within the team.
What stands out is how the team views losses — not as disasters, but as part of the process. They know defeat will come eventually, and they’re already prepared for it. That kind of long-term thinking is a hallmark of elite teams who don’t just ride momentum but build legacies.
What This Interview Means for Fans
For fans, this interview is a glimpse behind the scenes into a serious and composed team that doesn’t panic or chase hype. ropz doesn’t sugarcoat anything — he speaks directly and confidently, which only strengthens fans’ trust in Vitality as a team in control of its destiny.
Moreover, his words reveal a healthy balance within the squad between ambition and realism. That balance is what creates long-term stability — and stability is the foundation of dominance. Fans can be confident that Vitality isn’t just the hot team of the season; this could very well be the start of a new era.
Source: hltv.org
