The ESL Pro League Season 22 quarterfinal between Team Vitality and FURIA turned out to be one of the most intense playoff series of the season. Two teams known for their vibrant form and aggressive playstyle faced off in a direct battle for a semifinal spot. The match delivered three maps filled with drama, clutch plays, and individual brilliance — with the French-European hybrid Vitality ultimately confirming their title contender status with a 2:1 victory.
Prelude: a clash of two worlds
Vitality and FURIA share a long-standing rivalry, and this match became another chapter in the duel between European pragmatism and South American passion. The “bees” entered the playoffs in excellent shape after a strong group stage, with ZywOo and ropz consistently ranking among the top players of the tournament.
FURIA, on the other hand, came into this match fresh off their triumphant victory at FISSURE Playground 2, where they sensationally defeated The MongolZ in a five-map grand final. However, the packed schedule and emotional exhaustion took their toll — FalleN’s team didn’t look as sharp as they did just a week earlier.
Match Chronology
- Overpass (13:9, FURIA’s pick)
The series started with intensity from the very first round. FURIA, choosing Overpass, looked disciplined and aggressive. YEKINDAR led the way as the primary entry, while FalleN controlled the map with his AWP. The “panthers” dominated the first half 8–4 thanks to confident retakes and solid setups on the B-site.
After the side switch, Vitality started to impose their style of play — and it was ZywOo who brought his team back to life with two consecutive 1v2 clutch wins that nearly shifted momentum. Still, molodoy and KSCERATO held firm in the closing rounds, securing the map 13–9 for the Brazilians.
- Inferno (7:13, Vitality’s pick)
The second map proved to be the turning point. Vitality played with discipline and purpose, utilizing their trademark structured mid-round calling. flameZ and mezii applied constant pressure across both sites, forcing FURIA into passive defensive positions. ZywOo dominated the mid area, consistently outdueling FalleN in key moments.
Despite molodoy’s best efforts (38–36, rating 1.01), FURIA couldn’t keep up with the pace. Vitality alternated between fast executes and delayed traps, closing out the map 13–7 and tying the series.
- Nuke (13:7, decider)
On the deciding map, Vitality showed exactly why Nuke is one of their strongest battlegrounds. From the outset, ZywOo was unstoppable — his precise entry frags on ramp and flawless AWP holds helped his team build a 7–2 lead.
flameZ added fuel to the fire with assertive plays on defense, winning crucial duels, while ropz anchored retakes with cold precision. FURIA struggled to adapt: YEKINDAR lost momentum, FalleN misread timings, and KSCERATO couldn’t offset the lack of team coordination. Vitality closed the map 13–7, sealing their place in the semifinals.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
The French superstar delivered another world-class performance, once again proving why he’s the heartbeat of Vitality:
- K-D: 60–43 (+17)
- ADR: 102.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.26
ZywOo was omnipresent — from clutching 1v3s on Inferno to holding A-site on Nuke with calm precision. His composure, timing, and understanding of the game completely dismantled FURIA’s strategies.
Team Performances
Vitality
This was arguably the best version of Vitality in months — structured, confident, and flexible. flameZ (40–37, 1.27 rating) played with perfect rhythm, constantly finding openings. mezii brought balance, connecting the stars with consistency, while ropz delivered surgical precision in retakes. apEX led with veteran experience and infectious energy, keeping the squad sharp and composed.
FURIA
The Brazilians showed flashes of brilliance but lacked discipline when it mattered most. molodoy once again spearheaded the aggression, KSCERATO remained a rock of consistency, but FalleN had one of his weakest showings in recent months. Their tactical structure fell apart when Vitality gained mid control, and fatigue from recent events clearly affected their coordination.
Historical Context
This win marked Vitality’s fourth consecutive victory over FURIA. The Brazilians haven’t beaten the French side since 2023 — a streak that underlines the European team’s clear dominance in this rivalry. Each encounter since then has reinforced the same narrative: Vitality’s composure and adaptability consistently outmatch FURIA’s explosive style.
Conclusions
Team Vitality advance to the semifinals of ESL Pro League Season 22, continuing their hunt for another major title. Their current form — a blend of tactical intelligence, experience, and individual brilliance — makes them one of the top contenders for the trophy.
FURIA, meanwhile, exit the tournament in the quarterfinals but leave behind a strong impression. The team showed resilience and heart, yet their inconsistency against top-tier European opposition remains a hurdle.
Once again, ZywOo proved that his presence is what transforms Vitality from a good team into a championship-caliber force. The “bees” are buzzing louder than ever — and they’re flying straight toward another title.
