Vitality delivered another statement performance at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, defeating The MongolZ 2–0 in a match for a place in the playoffs. The European side dictated the pace throughout the series, leaving their opponents with little room to respond. From the opening rounds, it was clear The MongolZ couldn’t match Vitality’s structure and intensity. apEX’s squad controlled the map and consistently punished mistakes, shutting down any attempt to build momentum.
Road to the match
This victory is a natural continuation of Vitality’s strong run in Rotterdam. They previously dispatched 9z and now convincingly overcame The MongolZ, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favorites.
The MongolZ, on the other hand, had already made headlines by defeating MOUZ earlier in the event. However, against a team of Vitality’s caliber, that level was not enough. They now drop to the lower bracket, where every match becomes do-or-die.
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Mirage — total control from Vitality
The opening map, Mirage, was one-sided from start to finish. Vitality took control early and never let it go, closing the map 13–4.
Their defensive setups were nearly flawless, with precise rotations, strong communication, and excellent reads of the opponent’s game. The MongolZ failed to find consistent solutions on the T side, often being shut down before they could even execute onto a site. flameZ stood out in particular, constantly finding opening kills and disrupting any attempt from The MongolZ to establish momentum.
Overpass — competitive, but controlled
On Overpass, The MongolZ showed a better level and managed to make the game more competitive. They found more success in duels, and their offense looked more varied.
However, in the key moments, Vitality remained composed. Whenever the scoreline tightened, their experience and discipline allowed them to secure crucial rounds. In clutch situations and retakes, they consistently outperformed their opponents. In the end, Vitality closed the map 16–13, sealing the series 2–0 without needing a third map.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — flameZ
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan was the standout performer of the series:
- 58–27 K-D
- 115.0 ADR
- 1.81 rating
His aggressive playstyle and confidence in duels constantly broke The MongolZ’s structure. He not only won key fights but also set the tempo for the entire team.
Road to the playoffs
This victory is a natural continuation of Vitality’s strong run in Rotterdam. They previously dispatched 9z and now convincingly overcame The MongolZ, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favorites.
The MongolZ, on the other hand, had already made headlines by defeating MOUZ earlier in the event. However, against a team of Vitality’s caliber, that level was not enough. They now drop to the lower bracket, where every match becomes do-or-die.
VRS impact
The result also affected the Valve Regional Standings:
- Vitality: +1 point
- The MongolZ: −10 points
For Vitality, this is more of a reinforcement of their position at the top, while for The MongolZ, the loss could have implications for future invitations.
Team reactions
Vitality reacted confidently after the win:
31 playoffs in a row
A statement that highlights their incredible consistency at the highest level. The MongolZ kept things brief:
lower bracket
A short message that reflects their immediate focus on survival in the tournament.
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Conclusion — a clear message from a contender
Vitality didn’t just win — they controlled the series from start to finish and once again proved their championship level. With this form, they look like one of the strongest contenders for the title in Rotterdam. For The MongolZ, the challenge now is to reset quickly. The lower bracket leaves no room for error, and their response will define how far they can go in this tournament.
