Vitality defeated Natus Vincere in a compelling series that exhibited the height of professional esports, and as a result, they emerged triumphant at IEM Cologne 2024, one of the most renowned tournaments in the Counter-Strike calendar. In addition to becoming Vitality‘s first significant prize of 2024, this triumph is a huge accomplishment for their captain, apEX, whose ten years of professional Counter-Strike have finally paid off with one of the most sought championships in the game.
The grand finals at IEM Cologne 2024 began with much anticipation surrounding the map veto process. With both teams sharing similar strengths across several maps, the choices made here would be critical in determining the outcome of the series. The map veto unfolded as follows:
- Natus Vincere removed Vertigo
- Vitality removed Ancient
- Natus Vincere picked Nuke
- Vitality picked Dust2
- Natus Vincere picked Mirage
- Vitality picked Inferno
- Anubis was left over
The selection of these maps set the stage for an epic showdown, with each team aiming to leverage their strengths on their preferred battlegrounds.
Nuke: Vitality Snatches NaVi’s Pick in a Nail-Biting Overtime Finish
The first map, Nuke, was NaVi’s pick, and they were expected to capitalize on their solid performances in previous matches. However, Vitality came prepared. The game started with iM’s impressive USP play, reminiscent of legendary moments in Counter-Strike history. Despite a strong start by NaVi, Vitality managed to stabilize and ended the first half with a slight edge.
The second half saw NaVi mount a comeback, with Aleksib calling the shots and bringing his team back into contention. The game was tied at 11-11, but apEX’s impactful frags kept Vitality in the race, leading to a dramatic overtime. NaVi’s CT-side held strong initially, but their T-side faltered, allowing Vitality to close out the map 16-14, stealing away NaVi’s pick and setting the tone for the series.
Dust2: ZywOo Shines as Vitality Fights Back
Moving on to Dust2, Vitality’s map pick, the French squad sought to assert their dominance. However, NaVi, led by the awakened b1t, started the map with a commanding 3-0 lead. jL’s double entries on the B site should have extended NaVi’s advantage, but Vitality’s resilience, particularly from ZywOo, began to shine through.
ZywOo’s clutch play with a Deagle in hand, followed by masterful AWP performances, turned the tide in Vitality’s favor. The French star was unstoppable, consistently delivering round-winning plays that left NaVi scrambling. Although NaVi managed to take a minor lead into the second half, their CT-side struggled to contain Vitality’s relentless aggression.
What a retake 👏👏@jLcsgo_ & @w0nderfulof #IEM pic.twitter.com/rA5BJhPQr6
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) August 18, 2024
Mirage: NaVi’s Stubborn Defense Forces a Grueling Overtime
The third map, Mirage, saw both teams fiercely contesting each round. NaVi kicked off the map with another pistol round win, but Vitality quickly responded. b1t was in top form, cracking open the B site and forcing Vitality into difficult retake scenarios. However, Vitality’s captain apEX continued to take risks, trying to lead his team by example, though often at great personal cost.
As the game progressed, NaVi held a slight lead, thanks to clutch plays from iM and jL. Despite being on the back foot, Vitality fought back, pushing the game into overtime with a mix of tactical brilliance and individual heroics. In the overtime, ZywOo once again proved why he is considered one of the best players in the world, leading his team to a perfect CT-side half.
However, NaVi refused to back down. w0nderful held his nerve in key moments, preventing Vitality from running away with the map. The battle raged on, with each team trading blows in one of the most intense Mirage games in recent memory.
Inferno: Vitality’s Decisive Victory Secures the Championship
With the series on the line, the final map, Inferno, was expected to be a close contest. However, Vitality had other plans. From the very beginning, they took control of the map, executing their strategies with precision and ruthlessness. NaVi’s defense crumbled under the relentless pressure from Vitality, who stormed to a dominant first-half lead.
flameZ and apEX were instrumental in this victory, with apEX leading from the front, displaying the experience and determination that had brought him to this point in his career. NaVi, despite their best efforts, could only muster two rounds in the first half, finding themselves in an almost insurmountable position.
apEX: A Ten-Year Journey Culminates in Glory
For apEX, this victory is the culmination of a decade-long journey in the world of professional Counter-Strike. From his early days in the French scene to becoming the captain of an international roster, apEX has seen it all. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding Vitality to this historic win. The victory at IEM Cologne 2024 is a symbol of apEX’s commitment, tenacity, and love for the game—it’s more than simply another trophy.
ZywOo: The MVP of IEM Cologne 2024
While apEX’s story is one of perseverance, ZywOo’s performance throughout the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. ZywOo, Vitality’s main AWPer, produced clutch plays and reliable fragging that kept his team in the game when it mattered most. He was the tournament’s best player because of his capacity to change the course of a game with a single stroke or a well placed clutch. This win confirms ZywOo’s place among the greatest players in Counter-Strike history and adds a great deal to his already excellent resume.
Vitality’s victory at IEM Cologne 2024 signifies more than just one accomplishment; it’s a declaration of intent for the remainder of the season, which includes the Shanghai Major coming up. Their triumph demonstrates that they remain a formidable power on the global arena. Vitality has demonstrated that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world because to the leadership of apEX and the star power of ZywOo.
