It’s unbelievable to think that the clash between NAVI and Vitality in 2024 was the first meeting of these two teams. The wait was undoubtedly worth it, as Vitality dominated with a 3:1 series win over NAVI in the best-of-five final at IEM Cologne 2024, featuring an exceptional Grand Final map.
Continue reading to discover the key storylines from Vitality’s triumphant performance at IEM Cologne 2024 in the LANXESS Arena!
Third time’s the charm for apEX
Credit: Michał Konkol | © ESL
The Vitality vs. NAVI match held significant importance in apEX‘s career. Having experienced heartbreak in Cologne twice before, this was his third opportunity to claim the elusive top prize, and he did not let it slip away this time.
NAVI had no chance against the sharpness of apEX. His exceptional leadership and performance led his team to victory. With this win, apEX moves closer to completing his trophy collection, with only Katowice left to conquer.
ZywOo stakes his claim to the CS2 throne
Credit: IEM on X.
In the IEM Cologne 2024 Grand Final, ZywOo showcased his prowess, making a compelling case for being the best CS2 player globally. His standout performance on the grand stage demonstrated why he is considered one of the game’s greatest players.
ZywOo’s exceptional performance in the Grand Final, with 100 kills across four maps, solidified his reputation as a top-tier player. It’s a delight to witness a player of his caliber begin to amass the trophies that match his extraordinary skills.
NAVI lose another best-of-five
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
NAVI’s 2024 has been successful with victories in major tournaments, but losses in best-of-five finals like IEM Cologne 2024 have prevented them from establishing a dominant era. The struggles in this format for IGL Aleksib continue, highlighting an area for improvement.
The intense triple-overtime Mirage loss took its toll on NAVI’s energy, leading to Vitality’s eventual victory. This experience will be valuable for the NAVI lineup as they aim to bounce back in future Grand Finals.
IEM Cologne always brings the heat
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
IEM Cologne continues to deliver memorable moments in Counter-Strike history. The intense matches between top teams like NAVI and Vitality showcase the excitement and competitiveness of the event. The legacy of IEM Cologne persists, setting high expectations for future CS2 tournaments in 2024.
