ZywOo’s AWPing prowess was on display again as Vitality emerged champions in the final of the IEM Cologne for their first CS2 trophy of the year. The long wait was finally over, but it was definitely worth it after a long and entertaining battle against the reigning Major champions.
The win is also Vitality’s in-game leader’s first major title in Counter-Strike. However, it didn’t come easy as the game showed a lot of strategies and raw aim, and ZywOo’s AWPing prowess was the major difference between what was a close-fought series.
Nevertheless, despite the dramatic game, it didn’t get to five maps before a winner was crowned between the two evenly-matched sides in the grand final of IEM Cologne. NAVI and Vitality enjoyed the luxury of being the first finalists in the first time the prestigious tournament will be played on CS2.
The final was a third-time luck for Vitality’s in-game leader ApEX, who has come very close to winning in this venue twice in previous years. The combative Frenchman was a losing finalist in 2015 and 2019.
Two maps went into overtime, while one needed around three points to decide. The third game on Mirage was the highlight as the two teams went on strong on the map, going 22-20 in Vitality’s favor. They then went on to win Inferno to complete the series.
W0nderful and his NAVI teammates were left to rue their unconverted points from several big opportunities on Mirage. In contrast, ZywOo went to post a 100-78 across the series compared to the young Ukrainian’s 75-75.
However, despite winning and playing the IEM Cologne, neither team will be at the approaching BLAST Premier Fall Showdown, as they have already made it to the seasonal CS2 Final. Meanwhile, they will be at the next season of the ESL Pro League on September 3.
