Team Vitality announced the signings of former Astralis members Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen, Emil “Magisk” Reif and coach Danny “zonic” Srensen, kicking off their international adventure.
With these transfers, the world’s two-time top CS:GO player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, and Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier, will fight with the Danish trio. After a dismal season in 2021, in which Vitality battled against the best in the world “NAVI” throughout the year, the roster change is underway. They shone most near the conclusion of the year when it was already clear that players like Richard “shox” Papillon and Jayson “Kyojin” Nguyen would be leaving.
We're more than ready to compete at the highest level: 2022 here we are. #WatchUsFollowUs pic.twitter.com/tHJYZBJAYQ
— Team Vitality (@TeamVitality) January 5, 2022
The high expectations are justified, as Vitality‘s bolstered lineup is capable of wreaking havoc in 2022. Magisk and dupreeh’s firepower, as well as the expertise they bring from co-founding Astralis with zonic, combine with Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s otherworldly skills to make an exceptionally dangerous team.
I know there is a lot both myself and the team can learn from them [dupreeh, Magisk and zonic]
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Also read: shox officially joins Team Liquid
Vitality’s Co-Founder and Esports Director, Fabien “Neo” Devide, also feels that signings several Major winners may propel the team from challenger status to the top of the standings.
Since the beginning of our entrance into CS:GO, we have been working with intensity to get to the top and nurture some of the best talent France has to offer,” Devide said in a statement. “It’s now time to think internationally and create a new CS:GO culture of European talent with legacy athletes. As proven winners, dupreeh, Magisk, and zonic have what it takes to move us from not just being a strong contender, but the best CS:GO team in the world.
Fabien “Neo” Devide, Co-Founder of Vitality
The recruitment of the prominent Danish players and coach was made possible by a $50 million investment from startup capital fund Rewired, according to Vitality‘s press statement. The money will be used over the next three years to build world-class teams in several esports disciplines.
Current Vitality roster:
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier
Emil “Magisk” Reif
Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen
Danny “zonic” Sørensen (coach)
Following the current off-season, Vitality will compete at IEM Katowice 2022, which has a $1 million prize pool, will be held from February 15 to 27.
