Vitality’s streak of 24 map wins in a row has been broken by a dominant G2 performance at IEM Rio 2026, where Eetu “sAw” Saha’s troops dominated the world number one 13-5 on Mirage. The streak, which had started at PGL Cluj-Napoca, lasted through Vitality’s run at BLAST Rotterdam, and included a 2-map win over RED Canids in their Rio opener.
G2’s own roster isn’t operating at full-strength at IEM Rio, with IGL Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač sidelined after a foot-injury. Instead, G2 Ares member Vilius “tAk” Keserauskas is taking his place on the roster, with Álvaro “SunPayus” García carrying out leadership duties.
Related—Can Anyone Stop Vitality? IEM Rio 2026: Everything you need to know
G2 slam Vitality 13-5 on Mirage
Vitality’s 5-13 loss on Mirage was the worst loss for the team in the past six-months, with the previous low mark coming against FURIA at BLAST Rivals Season 2 2025. G2 came out of the doors swinging, with Matúš “matys” Šimko, and Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko providing the firepower on the T-side. The squad not only converted the pistol into a 3-0 lead, but also stopped Vitality’s defence at just five rounds in the half. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut in particular was thoroughly shut down across his CT-attempts, ending the half with zero kills.
The second half was even more dominant, with new recruit Guy “NertZ” Iluz stealing the CT-side show. With six rounds in a row, G2 closed the map out, ending the impressive streak.
A boon in disguise for Vitality?
While Vitality’s 2025 campaign was largely aimed at establishing themselves as the dominant team of the year, 2026 has instead seen the team focus on breaking every record they can. So the end of their map-win streak may be considered a small loss for the squad. But in the pages of Counter-Strike history, map-win streaks count for very little. After all, NIP has held the 87-0 record since modern CS began, yet nobody is clamoring to hand them the crown.
In fact, history suggests the end of a streak can be a blessing in disguise. Years after Virtus.pro finally snapped NiP’s 87–0 run, players recalled that “we knew the streak was going to end, we just didn’t know when,” and that defending it had turned into “added stress” on top of simply trying to win tournaments.
Vitality have tried to stay ahead of that trap from the start: even at the height of their 2025 heater, Robin “ropz” Kool stressed that they “don’t really talk about the win streak” and that they “know [they’ll] lose eventually” in a scene this competitive. If anything, the Rio loss might be a pressure release, allowing Vitality to refocus fully on a second Grand Slam and that third Major.
Vitality apEX: “worst game of the last 3 months for sure”
After the Mirage win, G2 also secured match point on Inferno, before Vitality rallied to win the map in Overtime. The third map was just as close, though, with Vitality barely clinching a win 13-11, to qualify for the playoffs at IEM Rio. apEX described it as the team’s “worst game of the last 3 months for sure”, saying that Vitality will need to step up to secure the Grand Slam at Rio.
