TEAM VITALITY WINS INTEL EXTREME MASTERS KATOWICE 2025

• Team Vitality beat Team Spirit 3-0 in Katowice (Poland).
• After dominating the group stage and playoffs, the Bees managed to dictate the pace and display exemplary composure to claim one of the most coveted trophies on the Counter-Strike scene. 
• The arrival of Robin “ropz” Kool in the roster last January strengthened an already formidable team. Together, they are determined to write a new chapter in the club's and esports history.
• By breaking the Katowice curse, Team Vitality adds a new line to its trophy cabinet. The team is now in a strong position for the rest of the year, ready to reclaim its place as number one on the international scene.

Tonight, Team Vitality was crowned champions of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2025 at the Spodek Arena against Team Spirit. This is the first time the French club has won the prestigious trophy, a true benchmark on the Counter-Strike scene. 

For Team Vitality, this is a new line added to its flagship FPS game. After a transitional 2024 and the victory in Cologne, the roster is back in rhythm with first place in the HLTV rankings in sight. The club's ambition is to deliver iconic performances year after year and etch Team Vitality's name into the annals of major competitions.

This tournament has never smiled on Team Vitality or any other French team. But it was this formidable new roster that managed to go all the way and break the curse. Together, the five players managed to overcome the best teams on the scene, and [MVP] was named tournament MVP for their decisive role in the grand final.

After a disappointing result at BLAST Bounty in January, the team had to reassure fans and prove its strength, especially after the arrival of its new recruit ropz. From the group stages, the roster led by French captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire showed perfect mastery, stringing together victories against 3DMAX, FaZe Clan, and then Virtus Pro. Qualifying directly for the semifinals, Team Vitality shone against The Mongolz (13-7, 13-9), proving its ability to dominate.

In the grand final, Team Vitality pulled off the feat of bringing Team Spirit to their knees, inflicting a 3-0 victory (13-6, 13-5, 13-11).

The victory in Katowice marks the club's first success of the year in Counter-Strike. By beating Team Spirit at the Spodek Arena, Team Vitality etches its name into the annals of Counter-Strike. And the club manages the feat of winning the two most prestigious tournaments on the international scene with Cologne's "Cathedral of Counter-Strike" (2024) and Katowice's "Hall of Heroes" (2025). 

Fabien Devide, President of Team Vitality, states: "After winning a Major and Cologne, we were still missing Katowice to be among the most prestigious clubs in Counter-Strike. That is now done thanks to this exceptional roster! Beyond the performance, it is also a strong message sent to the international scene. We want to become the formidable team we were in 2023 again, put zywOo in the best conditions, and go after many titles this year."

By winning this major tournament, Team Vitality secures a leading position for the rest of the year. The team fully intends to regain its place at the top of the team rankings, just as in 2023 after its multiple victories, including the Paris Major.