“We Cherish These Moments” Team Vitality On Connecting With Fans At Live Events

Team Vitality, one of Europe’s leading esports organizations, has a huge presence across a number of competitive titles, from League of Legends to Call of Duty Mobile. But their renown can be especially felt in the realm of Counter-Strike, owing in no small part to its talented roster. Led by in-game leader Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, who, alongside Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, has been with the team since 2018, Vitality garners a lot of respect from even the most casual of CS fans. With the current active roster rounded out by Lotan "Spinx" Giladi, Shahar "flameZ" Shushan, and William "mezii" Merriman, those lucky enough to catch them in action are regularly treated to high-level, stirring matches. It’s no surprise that the team has as many fans as they do, especially when they know how to foster a strong relationship with their community.

Back in June, during the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024, Team Vitality met with fans face-to-face during a signing session held by GG.BET at the brand’s on-site booth. The session took place immediately following the team’s 2:1 victory against FaZe Clan in the quarterfinals, cultivating an electric atmosphere among attendees waiting to celebrate with the team in person. Extra dedication was given to ensure that every queuing fan was able to meet the team, something that held a lot of significance not just to fans but to the entire roster.

“It means a lot,” said Team Vitality CEO Nicolas Maurer. “For players who play a lot online, this kind of moment allows them to establish a real connection with their fans. It's a chance to take photos, get jerseys signed, thank them for the support or simply chat. 

It's also a way of measuring the commitment of their community, their fans and the power of their club around the world. That's why we cherish these moments.”

We took a moment to chat with some of the fans waiting in the queue, to find out what they were hoping to get signed and to learn firsthand what these opportunities mean to the community. “It’s great that these happen so regularly,” one fan said, who had previously met Vitality during the Copenhagen Major back in March. “Fans like me, we enjoy this because we can meet the players, have fun, ask questions and get signatures. It’s special.”

From team jerseys and flags, to trading cards and Pot Noodles, the Team Vitality players signed it all over the weekend and the fans couldn't have been happier. “It was really fun,” one attendee said, who admitted he hadn’t been following Vitality all that much prior to the event, but watching their victory against FaZe Clan had won him over in an instant. “These guys are insanely good at the game. You’ve got ZywOo who’s the GOAT right now, and you’ve got mezii who’s the UK dream. It was just so fun getting to interact with them.”

Esports, and Counter-Strike in particular, stands above traditional sports in how personal interactions can be at events, with teams, and with individual players. Fans can physically reach out as a team walks onto the stage, offering high-fives and fist bumps, and then take their seats in iconic arenas just meters away from competing talent, all with minimal restriction and an unspoken respect. To facilitate this level of access is a key reminder that even those competing at the highest level remain ever humble.

“We think it's very important to help establish that link with IRL events. [Team Vitality] are indeed down-to-earth. But they remain top-class athletes with outstanding qualities and skills,” Maurer said. “As one of the world's leading clubs, this kind of reunion is essential for us. All the more so as we are incredibly lucky to have some incredible personalities in our roster, including ZywOo, the best player in the world. Many fans come to see him play live. And as professional players, they know that the media part of their job is essential and a prerequisite.”

It’s a testament to all those involved in CS events that signings, such as the one at the GG.BET booth, are so commonplace. To understand the audience means to understand why a personal touch is so important, and why having that access at one's fingertips makes esports such a joy to participate in. Both online and in-person, fan interactions are a core part of any esport roster’s journey. Even for a team as decorated as Team Vitality, having that community support is as special now as it ever was. Though the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024 didn’t end with Vitality lifting a trophy, the fan base remains unshaken and facing ever-forward. Afterall, the Fall Final is just around the corner.