apEX on Team Vitality’s CS2 roster: “I’d like to get us back to where we used to be.”
Team Vitality captain Dan “apEX” Madeskler spoke about the team’s challenges in an interview at the Esports World Cup 2026 and admitted that things have been tough for the team following their loss at the IEM Cologne Major 2026.
On Team Vitality’s challenges
I’d like to get us back to our previous level. We’ve been facing challenges more often than usual over the past two months. But that’s normal—this is competition. We’ll see if we can overcome this.
On his feelings after the IEM Cologne Major 2026
We didn’t have any problems for a year and a half; we won two Majors, after which we took a well-deserved break. Back then, we didn’t think about difficulties because we kept performing at the required level. Now we’re all upset about what happened at the Major [IEM Cologne Major 2026. — Ed.] and with our preparation. We want to get revenge and prove that we’re still the best. I’m confident we’ll be able to do this step by step; we just need the right mindset.
On temporary substitutions on the team
We’ve discussed this with the team. Of course, we want to compete with our original five-man lineup, but some players have certain circumstances. In my 20 years playing Counter-Strike, this is the first time I’m prioritizing my personal life over my career; I have to do this, even though I know it’s not easy for the team.
Read also: npl on the Esports World Cup 2026: “Even before the tournament, we knew we were in good form.”
Earlier, B8 Esports secured a spot in the Esports World Cup 2026 playoffs for Counter-Strike 2 by defeating Team Vitality. The match ended with a 2-1 map score in favor of the Ukrainian team. Dan “apEX” Madeskler’s team continued their run in the lower bracket, and the captain took responsibility for the loss.
Photo by Stephanie Lindgren, BLAST.
