With the playoff teams now locked in for the Budapest Major, France’s hopes of lifting another Counter-Strike Major rest once again on the shoulders of Team Vitality, led by ZywOo, apEX, and their coach XTQZZZ, on their way to their 9th trophy of the year.
Missed Opportunity for France
3DMAX, along with G2 assistant coach Aymeinstein, were the other hope for a French title, but their elimination during Stage 3 put an end to those ambitions. Despite great promises this year, 3DMAX’s run fell short for the third Major, finishing 1–3 in the final stage for a third consecutive Major.
But Back-to-back still possible
This tournament could crown another team to win back-to-back Major trophies, a legendary feat only recorded 3 times in history: by the Swedes of Fnatic in 2015, the Brazilians of Luminosity/SK in 2016, and finally with the legendary Astralis roster who achieved a three-peat in 2018 and 2019.
apEX and ZywOo’s greatness
With another Major under his belt, apEX could enter one of the most exclusive clubs of four-time champions, joining Magisk, device, gla1ve and Xyp9x. It would also bring him within one trophy of the all-time record held by his former teammate Dupreeh, who lifted five Majors across his career.
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It could also be a perfect end to a stellar year for ZywOo, taking home 7 MVP medals one of which being a Major, surpassing s1mple in individual awards. Winning a 3rd Major trophy could elevate him even further in the heights of greatness, and could also rewrite history, becoming the first and only player to be awarded 3 Major MVPs. This trophy could also help him secure the number 1 spot on the HLTV Award for the 4th time, a feat never seen in the history of the game.
Vitality’s Legacy
For Vitality, winning a second Major in a row would also cement their legacy. Despite a second season being less dominant, the team still lifted a trophy at the ESL Pro League Season 22 and reached multiple grand finals. A late resurgence at the end of the year could also reignite momentum for the roster, while a disappointing finish at the playoffs could push changes within the team.
During the playoffs, they’ll fight off enemies they know too well, with a first match against The MongolZ, where the last two clashes ended in the favor of the mongolian side. Their next opponent would be the winner from the Spirit and Falcons games, two rivals they fought a lot this year. And, even if the Russian side seems to be a better opponent for Vitality, donk’s form at the event cannot be underestimated.
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But the final boss of this Major lies on the other side of the bracket in the form of FURIA. The team who won the last three events they attended and whose form coming into the playoffs seemed to be the best out of everyone could definitely be the last hurdle for Vitality’s crowning at the Budapest Major.
