ESL Pro League Season 21 Grand Final Preview: Team Vitality vs. MOUZ

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

16 Mar

Kaustavmani Choudhury

As the semifinals of ESL Pro League Season 21 conclude, only two teams remain standing. In a highly anticipated Best-of-5 showdown in Stockholm, Team Vitality and MOUZ will battle for the prestigious title. This rematch from Stage 2 promises intense action, as both squads have made significant roster changes recently and are hungry for victory.

Team Vitality vs MOUZ [Sunday, March 16th / 5 pm CET | 9 am PT]

MOUZ: Proving the Doubters Wrong

MOUZ have silenced their critics with a stellar run, securing their second consecutive Grand Finals appearance. The decision to part ways with star IGL Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek and bring in Lotan "Spinx" Giladi from Team Vitality was met with skepticism, especially with Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin stepping into the IGL role. However, the team has seemingly overcome their early struggles.

A dominant performance at PGL Cluj-Napoca, and a strong showing from Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás, proved that MOUZ can compete at the highest level. Their semifinal victory over Major winners Team Spirit further solidified their position as a top contender.

However, they now face a daunting challenge against Vitality. With Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo struggling to find consistency, MOUZ will need all five players in peak form to stand a chance against the French powerhouse.

Team Vitality: A Well-Oiled Machine

Ranked second in the world, Team Vitality have navigated a rocky start to the season following the departure of Spinx and the addition of former FaZe star rifler Robin "ropz" Kool. While the roster took time to gel, their dominant Katowice performance, where they swept Team Spirit 3-0, reaffirmed their status as an elite squad.

Skipping PGL Cluj-Napoca did not slow the team down. Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut continues to be an unstoppable force, while Shahar "flameZ" Shushan has stepped up as a lethal opener. Their demolition of The MongolZ in the semifinals showcased their firepower. Even with William "mezii" Merriman's respectable performances being considered the "weakest link," the depth of firepower on this roster makes them an overwhelming favorite.

Map Veto: What to Expect

The map veto process will be crucial in this Grand Final. Team Vitality's permaban is Ancient, while MOUZ will remove Anubis as expected. This means the likely map pool will consist of Dust2, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, and Train.

With no clear map advantage for either team, execution and adaptability will be the deciding factors.

Prediction: Vitality in the Driver’s Seat

MOUZ have proven themselves throughout this tournament and the previous one, but not all of their players have hit their peak consistently. torzsi’s form is a huge asset, but Jimpphat’s struggles could be a liability in a long, grueling series.

On the other hand, Vitality have been dominant, showing the poise of tournament favorites. Their star power and experience give them a clear edge in a Best-of-5 setting. Unless MOUZ find another gear, it’s hard to see them outlasting ZywOo, ropz, and flameZ in a full series.

Prediction: Team Vitality 3-1 MOUZ

The ESL Pro League Season 21 Grand Final promises a clash of two elite rosters, each with something to prove. MOUZ seek redemption and validation after their roster overhaul, while Vitality aim to solidify their dominance. With both teams bringing firepower and strategy, this Best-of-5 will be a spectacle. However, if Vitality maintain their form, they are likely to lift the trophy in Stockholm when all is said and done.

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