Fnatic reverse sweep Vitality to win CS:GO DreamHack Masters Malmo

They seized a golden opportunity.

Fnatic pulled off a remarkable reverse sweep against Vitality with a 2-1 win to earn the CS:GO DreamHack Masters Malmo trophy. With this victory, they draw level with Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses for the Intel Grand Slam’s whopping $1 million prize.

The first map, Dust II, delivered a close back and forth game between the two teams. Fnatic were on the cusp of victory on the T-side, with a 14-12 lead and the bomb planted. However, it was Vitality who held their nerve and put together two quick rounds to draw level. With the momentum on their side, they clawed their way to a 14-16 victory.

Fnatic bounced back on Inferno and stormed to a 15-9 lead, but Vitality managed to bring the map into overtime, having saved six match points. Just as many thought Fnatic had crumbled, they recovered and sealed the map with a 19-16 victory. Veterans, flusha, JW and KRIMZ certainly helped to keep the team’s nerves in check with some confident play and decision making.

Vitality looked to be in control of the final map, Mirage. They led 11-6 and seemed to be cruising their way to the championship, however Fnatic had other ideas. The Swedes brought the scoreline back to 11-11, before racing to a 16-13 finish with the help of their young star Brollan who pulled off an incredible triple kill with the CZ-75 to win the title.

Fnatic’s roster shuffle has worked in their favour, with Maikil “Golden” Selim and Robin “flusha” Ronnquist having rejoined the squad only within the last few weeks. It’s easy to forget that Brollan’s only 17 years old too, as he’s become a key playmaker for the squad.

Vitality has put together some solid performances as of late, and with the addition of Richard “shox” Papillon to their roster, it would come as no surprise if they reach even greater heights in the upcoming tournaments.