The reigning IEM Katowice and Major champions Vitality are looking to extend their era in Kraków.
Their first obstacle in the playoffs will be MOUZ, who are looking for revenge after suffering numerous defeats at the hands of the Bees.
One of these best CS2 teams will make it to the Grand Final. Here’s our Vitality vs. MOUZ preview.
Vitality’s playoff aura is still unmatched. Credit: © StarLadder
After the year Vitality had in 2025, it’s no surprise they are the top dogs yet again.
Bar a minor slip up at BLAST Bounty, which was a warm-up event anyway, they are taking care of business.
They are undefeated in Kraków thus far, having bested BC.Game, 3DMAX, and Aurora without dropping a single map.
The reigning Major champs will face off against their biggest rivals, at least when you look at the number of games between them, MOUZ.
Realistically speaking, unless MOUZ reach new heights that we’ve never seen before, Vitality should have this game and a Grand Final spot on lock.
Can Spinx be the difference maker for MOUZ? Credit: Adam Lakomy | © BLAST
Most people expected MOUZ to come into this year with a revamped roster, but the perennial runners up decided to stick together and ride out another season with an unchanged lineup.
While their presence in the semi-final is nothing new, they way they got here is rather impressive.
The international squad came out on top in multiple overtime affairs – in the group stage do-or-die game against Falcons, and the quarter-final against G2.
Lotan “Spinx” Giladi performed particularly well in the quarter-final, outclassing G2 with his rifle several times. We had the chance to speak to him following MOUZ’s victory. Read the MOUZ Spinx interview.
However, in order for MOUZ to stand a chance against Vitality, all the players need to be firing on all cylinders. Time will tell, if they’ll be able to handle the pressure.
apEX wants Vitality to remain at #1. Credit: © ESL
Understandably, the CS2 betting odds heavily favor Vitality to book themselves a Grand Final spot.
While there is no discussion regarding who the favorite is, there are certain aspects that could give MOUZ a better chance of doing the impossible.
They are warmed up on the stage, they already came out on top in several high pressure scenarios, and Vitality is coming in cold.
That said, the likelihood is that the reigning champions will have the opportunity to defend their title in the Grand Final.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of GG.Bet Esports. Odds are subject to change.
Feature image credit: © ESL
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