Team Vitality, currently ranked number one in the world, has entered the IEM Cologne Major 2026 as the overwhelming favorites and defending champions. The French organization’s CS2 roster, featuring mezii, ropz, and the rest of a stacked lineup, has earned the unofficial title of “final bosses” in the competitive Counter-Strike community.
The Cologne Major, running from June 2 through June 21 in Germany, carries a $1.25 million prize pool and features a 32-team field. Playoffs will take place at the LANXESS Arena.
A dynasty in the making
Vitality’s path to “final boss” status was not built overnight. The team secured back-to-back Major titles in 2025, first defeating The MongolZ 2-1 at the Austin Major, then taking down FaZe Clan 3-1 at the Budapest Major.
The roster responsible for this run includes Robin “ropz” Kool, William “mezii” Merriman, ZywOo, flameZ, and in-game leader apEX, with XTQZZZ serving as head coach.
