Team Vitality Win IEM Melbourne 2025, Complete ESL Grand Slam

Team Vitality has solidified its legacy in the Counter-Strike arena by triumphing over Team Falcons in an exhilarating IEM Melbourne 2025 grand final. This remarkable 3-2 victory, marked by a thrilling triple-overtime showdown on the decisive map, not only awarded Vitality the coveted trophy but also completed their journey to the ESL Pro Tour Season 5 Grand Slam.

The Championship Showdown

Held at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, the grand final began with Team Vitality, also known as the Golden Hornets, demonstrating their prowess by dominating the first map, Inferno, with a staggering 13-2 victory. The standout player, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, showcased an extraordinary performance, dismantling Team Falcons with pinpoint accuracy.

However, Dust2 revealed a more formidable challenge. Team Falcons, resilient and strategic, clawed back from an early deficit to secure a 16-12 triumph in overtime, marking Vitality’s first map loss of the event.

Establishing their dominance once more, Vitality rebounded on Train with key plays, finishing 13-9 in their favor. Yet, Team Falcons, fueled by the phenomenal talent of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, fought back on Mirage to clinch a 13-10 victory, driving the match to a nail-biting fifth map on Nuke.

Pivotal Moments in Nuke

On Nuke, the tension soared as Falcons took command, racing to a 12-6 lead while holding championship points. It appeared they were on the brink of a historical upset. Nevertheless, Team Vitality’s unwavering determination led to one of the most remarkable comebacks in Counter-Strike history.

With a series of clutch plays, smoke defusals, and incredible late-game decisions, Vitality pushed the match into overtime. The culmination of skill and experience shone as they edged out Team Falcons 22-20, concluding what many are calling one of the most thrilling encounters in esports.

ZywOo, once again the cornerstone of Vitality’s success, finished the tournament with a stellar 1.34 rating, clinching the HLTV MVP medal for his efforts.

Historic Achievement and Future Prospects

This win not only crowned Team Vitality as champions of IEM Melbourne but also marked their completion of the ESL Grand Slam Season 5. This prestigious achievement places them among an elite group of just five teams in history to secure such a title, following victories in IEM Cologne 2024, IEM Katowice 2025, and ESL Pro League Season 21.

For the dynamic roster — ZywOo, Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, and William “mezii” Merriman — this represents a landmark milestone, as they each celebrate their inaugural Grand Slam title.

Adding to the historical narrative, Robin “ropz” Kool became only the second player to secure two Grand Slams, having previously lifted the trophy with FaZe Clan in 2023.

Breaking Viewership Records

Vitality’s latest victory has not only defined the team’s legacy but also set significant viewership records. The IEM Melbourne grand final peaked at an astounding 1,245,466 concurrent viewers, marking it as the most-watched esports event in Australia and the second most-viewed non-Major Counter-Strike event globally, trailing only behind IEM Katowice 2025.

The global standing of this final ranks it as the third most-watched non-Major Counter-Strike tournament in history, a palpable indicator of the thrilling action and monumental stakes, alongside the starlit players involved.

As esports continues to evolve and capture attention worldwide, the intense competition and high stakes promise an exciting future. Team Vitality’s victory stands as a testament to their skill, resilience, and unwavering ambition, setting the stage for future tournaments and rivalries.

In conclusion, Team Vitality’s historic win at IEM Melbourne 2025 not only elevates their position in esports history but also solidifies their reputation as a powerhouse in the Counter-Strike landscape. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, the call for excellence and the quest for more titles continues.