s1mple and Natus Vincere win $1 million Intel Grand Slam

The competitive landscape of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has witnessed the steady ascent of Natus Vincere, with Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev spearheading what many analysts now characterize as the organization’s golden period. This sustained excellence represents more than just tournament wins—it signals a fundamental shift in team dynamics and strategic execution that sets new standards for professional play.

Their latest triumph at ESL Pro League Season 14 netted the squad $195,000 in direct prize money while cementing their status as the world’s premier CSGO roster. The hard-fought 3-2 finals victory over Team Vitality extends an already impressive 18-month competitive streak that has redefined expectations for consistency at the highest level.

By capturing first place in ESL Pro League Season 14, Na’Vi achieved the prestigious Intel Grand Slam championship designation, triggering an additional $1 million prize payout. This elite accomplishment requires teams to secure four designated ESL or DreamHack tournament victories within ten consecutive events, testing both skill and endurance under pressure.

Na’Vi’s qualification pathway included championship performances at IEM Katowice 2020, DreamHack Masters Spring 2021, and ESL One Cologne 2021 preceding their Pro League success. They join an exclusive club of only three organizations to ever complete this challenge, following historic runs by Astralis and Team Liquid.

Pro Tip: The Intel Grand Slam represents the ultimate test of team consistency in CSGO, requiring adaptation across multiple metas and opponent styles. Teams must maintain peak performance through roster changes, patch updates, and evolving strategies—a challenge where Na’Vi has excelled where others faltered.

The championship series commenced on Dust 2, where Denis “electronic” Sharipov delivered a masterclass performance with 29 eliminations. Na’Vi established early control with a commanding 10-5 offensive half, then weathered Vitality’s attempted comeback after pistol round conversions to secure a decisive 16-10 victory.

Team Vitality responded emphatically on Inferno, transforming a competitive first half into a dominant defensive showcase. Their flawless 7-0 CT-side performance leveled the series with a convincing 16-6 scoreline.

Nuke presented an intriguing strategic battle, with recent meta developments favoring offensive play. Na’Vi capitalized on these shifts, building an 11-4 T-side advantage that ultimately propelled them to match point despite Vitality’s late resurgence attempts.

Under championship pressure on Overpass, Vitality’s Richard “shox” Papillon and Jayson “Kyojin” Nguyen Van delivered exceptional individual performances, each recording 25 kills to force a decisive fifth map with a 16-7 result.

The final confrontation unfolded on Mirage, where electronic once again shouldered carrying responsibilities. Despite Vitality mounting a significant comeback from an 11-5 deficit, Na’Vi maintained composure to clinch the title 16-14. This victory pattern demonstrates the team’s resilience—able to win through different players stepping up across varied map scenarios.

While s1mple remains the franchise star and consistent threat, electronic’s evolution into a reliable secondary carry has been instrumental to Na’Vi’s championship success. His ability to deliver MVP-caliber performances when opponents focus resources on neutralizing s1mple creates matchup nightmares for opposing teams.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Many teams over-commit to containing s1mple, creating opportunities for electronic and other role players to exploit. Successful counter-strategies require balanced defensive approaches rather than singular focus on one player.

The supporting cast’s development has been equally crucial. Players like Perfecto and Boombl4 have refined their roles to provide consistent support fire and strategic flexibility, enabling Na’Vi to adapt mid-series when initial game plans encounter resistance.

s1mple, Na`Vi show they’re best CSGO team in the world

This ESL Pro League championship represents another milestone in s1mple’s already legendary career. His trophy collection now includes multiple ESL One championships, two Cologne titles, IEM Katowice victory, and the recent BLAST Global Finals achievement—establishing him as one of the most decorated players in CSGO history.

Despite this extensive success, the absence of an official CSGO Major championship remains the singular gap in his competitive resume. This pursuit will undoubtedly drive Na’Vi’s motivation through the upcoming competitive season.

Optimization Insight: For players looking to improve their own gameplay, studying s1mple’s positioning and decision-making in clutch situations provides invaluable learning opportunities. His ability to read opponent tendencies while maintaining aggressive play creates a template for aspiring professionals.

The organization’s achievement places them in rare historical company, with only Astralis and Team Liquid having previously completed the Intel Grand Slam challenge. This accomplishment cements their place in Counter-Strike history while setting new benchmarks for team excellence.

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