Shahar “flameZ” Shushan finished 7th in HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025, repeating his placement from the previous year. The Israeli rifler played a key role in Vitality’s historic season, consistently delivering impact across deep playoff runs and title-winning events.
A constant difference-maker for Vitality
flameZ entered 2025 as one of Vitality’s most reliable pieces. While the spotlight often fell on ZywOo and ropz, flameZ provided stability, pace, and entry impact throughout the year. Vitality’s early results confirmed the team’s potential. Even when individual numbers dipped, flameZ remained effective in space creation and pressure situations. His value went far beyond raw statistics.
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Titles, finals, and EVP performances
Vitality dominated the 2025 calendar, and flameZ featured prominently in that success.
- Strong start with ropz
The arrival of ropz raised Vitality’s ceiling. After a slow debut at BLAST Bounty, flameZ quickly found form at IEM Katowice. He helped Vitality secure their first trophy of the year with a 1.19 rating at the event.
- ESL Pro League and consistent impact
At ESL Pro League Season 21, flameZ stepped up in playoffs and earned his first EVP of 2025. Vitality lifted another trophy, and flameZ finished as one of the team’s top performers. That pattern continued through Lisbon, Melbourne, BLAST Rivals, and IEM Dallas. Even when not leading the scoreboard, flameZ delivered crucial rounds and mid-round pressure.
Major glory and peak moments
The highlight of flameZ’s season came at the BLAST.tv Austin Major. After a shaky start, Vitality surged through playoffs. flameZ saved his best performance for the grand final, averaging a 1.28 rating and dominating the decisive Inferno map. The win marked his first Major title, achieved on his birthday. Later in the year, Vitality added a second Major at StarLadder Budapest, capping off one of the most successful seasons in Counter-Strike history.
Late-season form and resilience
The second half of 2025 tested flameZ. Vitality’s win streak ended, and flameZ briefly struggled with confidence after Cologne and Riyadh. However, he rebounded strongly. At BLAST Open London and ESL Pro League Season 22, flameZ returned to EVP form and helped Vitality secure yet another trophy. His ability to recover and adapt under pressure stood out.
Why flameZ ranked 7th
flameZ earned 7th place due to consistency, volume, and team impact. He recorded 11 standout events, four EVP awards, and played a major role in nine tournament wins. His numbers in finals and big matches ranked among the best in the Top 20. What kept him outside the top five was peak dominance. Players above him posted stronger MVP-level events or higher peaks against elite opposition. Still, flameZ proved himself as one of the most reliable stars of 2025.
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A pillar of a historic year
Back-to-back 7th-place finishes confirm flameZ’s status among the world’s elite. He was not just part of Vitality’s success — he helped define it. After a record-breaking season, flameZ enters 2026 as a proven champion and one of Counter-Strike’s most dependable riflers.
