Vitality confidently advance to the semifinals of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, crushing The MongolZ 2–0 in a series that was expected to test the European roster but instead turned into a one-sided showcase. From the opening rounds, ZywOo’s squad seized control of the tempo and never let go, playing with the kind of assurance usually associated with championship-winning teams. The Mongolian five had their moments, but consistently failed in structure, pace, and individual duels.
Group Stage Trajectories — Vitality stable, The MongolZ explosive but volatile
Vitality — a team that grew stronger with every match
The French-European superteam completed Stage 3 with minimal turbulence:
- 7–13 vs FaZe — a painful early setback
- 13–4 vs 3DMAX — the first confident step
- 13–2 vs B8 — an important win over a strong opponent
- 2–0 vs NAVI — one of their most impressive group-stage performances
Vitality entered the playoffs with a clear structure, sharp aim, and the flawless form of their superstar — ZywOo.
The MongolZ — highs, lows, and a lack of stability
The Mongolian squad once again showed why they’re the dark horse of any Major:
- 14–16 vs Imperial — a disappointing opening
- 13–9 vs Liquid — one of their best maps of the stage
- 13–7 vs FaZe — momentum regained
- 2–0 vs G2 — a brilliant performance sealing their playoff spot
The potential was unmistakable, but their inability to adapt against tactical heavyweights remained a critical weakness.
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Mirage — Vitality completely dismantle The MongolZ’s structure
Mirage delivered the first cold shower for The MongolZ. They picked a map where they usually excel with fast, dynamic play — but Vitality immediately stripped them of that comfort. ZywOo dominated mid control, shutting The MongolZ out of the map; ropz consistently won duels on the sites; and flameZ took space with aggressive entries, denying the opponent any chance to build their attacks.
The MongolZ attempted to shift the tempo, but Vitality anticipated every adjustment. By halftime, the outcome of the map was no longer in question — Vitality were simply a tier above.
Dust2 — ZywOo takes full control of the match
Dust2 was supposed to be The MongolZ’s chance to bounce back — instead, it became ZywOo’s personal showcase. The French superstar dominated mid, won almost every opening duel, and denied The MongolZ the space they needed to develop attacks. Even in promising rounds, Vitality quickly adapted to the tempo: ropz cleaned up sites, flameZ intercepted rotations, and the team’s cohesion shut down every attempt at structure.
By the final rounds, Vitality were in complete command, closing out the map comfortably and ending the series before a third could even be considered.
Player Stats
Match MVP — Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
- 2.18 rating (highest of the playoffs so far)
- 131 ADR
- +12.96% swing
- 1.55 MK rating
- Total domination across both maps
- Crucial multikills on Dust2 and absolute mid control
This was one of ZywOo’s strongest matches of 2025 — a level of play that currently looks untouchable for any opponent.
Teamplay Breakdown — Vitality disciplined, The MongolZ out of answers
Vitality operated like a perfectly synchronized machine. They read their opponents effortlessly, shut down key areas of the map, and controlled round after round. Their defense thrived on composure and precision, while their attack was built on structure few teams in the world can break.
The MongolZ tried to impose their trademark fast, chaotic pace, but Vitality neutralized it almost instantly. Only isolated moments from mzinho and 910 looked threatening, but far from enough to create real pressure.
VRS Changes
- Vitality: +18 pt (#3 → #2) — a well-earned climb
- The MongolZ: –11 pt (#6 → #7) — a predictable drop after a decisive loss
Vitality move forward, The MongolZ bow out in the quarterfinals
Vitality reaffirm their status as one of the strongest contenders for the title. Their structure, pace, and individual form look championship-ready, and ZywOo is playing one of his best tournaments in recent years.
The MongolZ leave with their heads held high — once again proving they can beat top teams — but the gap in stability remains the obstacle keeping them out of the world’s top three.
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Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
