Vitality face The MongolZ for the BLAST Austin Major Title!

Then they were two. The MongolZ and Team Vitality are set to clash today in the Grand Final of the BLAST Austin Major. The old David versus Goliath cheap metaphor feels accurate in this case. Yet the beauty of Counter-Strike resides in the fact that, at any given time, in a specific series, anything can happen. Let's unpack all there is to know about this clash.

How did they get here?

The MongolZ survive s1mple

Let's be real. As the bracket was drawn for the first time, a significant part of the community anticipated a FaZe vs Vitality Grand Final. The s1mple storyline, the impact of the big stage and the incredible support of the fans made FaZe a real threat. In the quarter-final, The MongolZ did not let themselves get intimidated. A comfortable victory on their map pick (Mirage), thanks to a rock solid defense, was followed by a true battle of the nerves on Anubis, on which The MongolZ found the opportunity to showcase the growth of their group. Surely, individually both 910 and Senzu gave us goosebumps. Yet what is more impressive is how level headed this young group was able to remain throughout such a daunting game. They beat FaZe (and s1mple, mind you) in a playoffs game, on stage, at a Major. That's an achievement. In their next match-up, paiN couldn't maintain the illusion of a competition. As many expected, bLitz led his men to a comprehensive 2:0 victory. The MongolZ never were in danger. They plowed their way through to the Grand Final.

Vitality with authority against MOUZ

The playoffs campaign started against Natus Vincere. Although not regarded as a "championship caliber team" anymore, one must admit that NaVi put up a much better fight than expected. They were dialed in, fierce and decisive. Vitality had what could be referred to as a slower start. Their hero, in that case, turned out to be mezii. The British anchor had a blinder of a series, fantastically solid on his defensive positions and bringing stability to the CT sides. Of course, ZywOo topped the charts, as ZywOo does. Nevertheless, without mezii early rebellion, it is tough to foresee what would have happened. The semi-final versus MOUZ was peculiar. Vitality had a true up-and-down rollercoaster type of performance. Map one (Mirage) was dominant from head to toes, no contest. Possibly, apEX and his men left the foot off the gas pedal on Inferno and, man, did they get punished. The sniper torzsi had a field day and destroyed (genuinely) Vitality. Off to Train we were. There we have to salute the ability, of Vitality, to shake off any negative energy and re-enter the server with a different mentality. Led by ZywOo (possibly on track for a record rating at a Major), Vitality outclassed MOUZ to book their Grand Final spot.

What do the numbers say?

This year, Vitality holds, without a doubt, four of the top 20 players of 2025. This statement is no exaggeration. The duo ropz & ZywOo is the best duo there currently is in the game and, as we can see, they have been performing even above their usual numbers here in Austin. This is a terrifying prospect for The MongolZ. With 1.49 rating currently, ZywOo could even possibly dethrone donk's record from Shanghai. FlameZ has shown some inconsistency but also an ability to bounce back and deliver impactful kills even without a huge about of confidence to back it up. For The MongolZ, Senzu and 910 will have to be the difference maker. Senzu has always been the X factor, the creator and the disturbance. 910 is reliable but he will have to take another step if he wants to survive the duel against the best player in the world.

What is at stake?

Let's address the obvious, winning a Major title engraves your name in the legends of Counter-Strike forever. It is the highest honor a player could even dream of. Both these teams will enter the Arena ready to make history.

An era cemented

Should Vitality win the Austin Major, the use of the word "era" would become necessary. This would mean seven titles in a season, with a Grand Slam, Katowice and now a Major on top. This would legitimately be the most dominant display from a team in Counter-Strike ever, post-NiP madness.

An entire region behind them

The MongolZ are putting Asian CS in a place it's never been before. The dreams of an entire community are carried through the destiny of these five players. Their ascension, in the last two years, has been remarkable. Today, they have the chance to create of the greatest upset in the history of CS.

G.O.A.T status

ZywOo could put an end to any conversation. A title here would have the following ramifications; Firstly, this would be ZywOo's second Major success, putting s1mple's only title in the rearview mirror. A second Major MVP medal would be a guarantee as well, taking his total up to 27, furthering his own record. This alone, coupled with the fact that Vitality would have dispatched of three top10 teams during their playoffs run, would elevate ZywOo to a new level of prestige. Additionally, the Austin Title could virtually already guarantee ZywOo's 4th HLTV #1 at the end of the year, considering how stupidly dominant Vitality have been. Enough said.