Photographs by way of ESL, remixed by Dot Esports
Esportsmanship at its best.
|
Fierce rivals within the server, respectful brothers on stage. That’s precisely what FlameZ and mzinho embodied after the thrilling CS2 Austin Main 2025 grand last showdown between Crew Vitality and The MongolZ.
Whereas the highlight was firmly on Vitality’s historic win—their seventh straight title this yr and first CS2 Main trophy—it was a small, heartfelt second that reminded followers what makes esports particular. Amid the frantic celebrations and confetti, Vitality’s rising star FlameZ didn’t neglect a easy promise he made with fellow prodigy and Mongolz’s younger rifler mzinho the day earlier than.
It began in an off-the-cuff FACEIT match that includes a few of Vitality and MongolZ gamers on the eve of the Austin Main last. Through the recreation, mzinho messaged within the in-game chat: “Tomorrow whoever wins, we hugh one another, shushu (FlameZ).” FlameZ didn’t hesitate: “ofc (after all).” The 17-year-old mzinho additionally greeted FlameZ, who turned 22 that day.
Come the grand last the following day, MongolZ shocked everybody by taking Mirage 13-5, placing Vitality on the again foot. However the French powerhouse confirmed their championship poise, dominating Mud 2 13-4 and Inferno 13-6 to safe the 2-1 victory and cement their CS2 dynasty.
As they wrapped up their celebration, Vitality made their manner over to the MongolZ aspect for the post-match gestures. True to his phrase, FlameZ gave mzinho a giant hug. He didn’t cease there, he went on to embrace the remainder of the MongolZ gamers, displaying real sportsmanship and respect after a hard-fought sequence.
Followers took discover of this heartfelt second. “FlameZ is only a class act, man. At all times enjoyable, at all times good,” one Redditor mentioned.
“Rattling. Glad to see good sportsmanship!” a fan chimed in. “Aw, I used to be ready for that after yesterday’s submit. Healthful,” one other one added.
Within the extraordinarily aggressive setting of esports the place rivalries can run deep and tensions are hovering excessive, it’s moments like these that keep on with us: the handshake, the hug, the mutual respect. FlameZ might have added one other trophy to his assortment, however extra importantly, he confirmed why he’s not only a nice participant, however an excellent human too.
