Gentle Mates sensationally defeated Vitality (2:0), while HOTU triumphed over The MongolZ (2:1) in the first round of the ESL Pro League Season 22 group stage.
These results shook up the CS2 scene — both teams received significant ranking boosts, while favorites Vitality and The MongolZ are now forced to fight for survival.
ESL Pro League S22
The ESL Pro League is one of the most important regular tournaments in the CS2 circuit. Advancing to the second stage of the group phase guarantees teams not only valuable ESL World Ranking points but also a chance to reach the final playoffs of the season.
For Gentle Mates, this is a historic opportunity to break into the top 15, while for HOTU, it’s a chance to become the new sensation of Eastern Europe — approaching the top 30 of the world ranking for the first time.
Gentle Mates vs Vitality — 2:0
- Nuke (Vitality pick) — 13:6 for Gentle Mates.
The Spaniards set the tempo from the first rounds, and Vitality couldn’t find an answer to their aggressive defense. - Train (Gentle Mates pick) — 13:11 for Gentle Mates.
The French side tried to turn the tide, but mopoz and MartinezSa secured the decisive clutch rounds.
Player of the Match — Pere “sausol” Solsona Saumell
- K-D: 41–30
- ADR: 100.5
- Rating 3.0: 1.57
Impact: the key driving force of the series, dominating on both maps, creating space for his teammates, and consistently winning duels even against ZywOo. His aggressive play on Nuke essentially determined the match’s outcome.
The MongolZ vs HOTU — 1:2
- Overpass (HOTU pick) — 13:8 for HOTU.
The Russian squad confidently controlled the pace and never allowed their opponent to dictate the game. - Mirage (The MongolZ pick) — 13:10 for The MongolZ.
The Mongolian team managed to get back into the match — but only briefly. - Ancient (decider) — 13:9 for HOTU.
n0rb3r7 showed exceptional consistency, and the team remained composed under pressure.
Player of the Match — David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan
- K-D: 57–45
- ADR: 97.7
- Rating 3.0: 1.29
Impact: the most consistent player of the series, securing HOTU’s advantage in crucial rounds. His experience and positional discipline proved decisive on Ancient, where he repeatedly saved the team in 1v2 clutch situations.
VRS Rankings After the Matches
- Gentle Mates: +54 points (rose from #22 to #17)
- HOTU: +78 points (rose from #36 to #32)
- Vitality: −35 points (#4 to #5)
- The MongolZ: −30 points (#1 to #1, but with reduced ranking weight)
What’s Next for the Teams
Gentle Mates will now face MOUZ, who confidently defeated GamerLegion in their opening match. This matchup will determine the main favorite of the group.
HOTU will meet Team Spirit, who easily overcame Inner Circle. The match promises to be a real test of endurance for the HOTU roster.
Vitality and The MongolZ have fallen into the lower bracket with a 0–1 record, and their next matches will decide their future in the tournament.
