Who could have guessed that even with ZywOo in the equation, the grand final of BLAST Premier Open Rotterdam would likely come down to which of the two teams’ aggressive rifler has the better day?

For both NAVI and Vitality, flameZ and makazze have been the key this year. Yes, ZywOo is having arguably his best year yet, but flameZ has ascended to donk levels, and makazze is not far behind despite still being a rookie.

Their ways of forcing their teams into rounds are paramount for both teams’ success, and stopping them from doing so is crucial, but that matters a whole lot more in the case of Vitality.

See, with Vitality, they’ve already displayed that they can still win if flameZ has an off day. NAVI, however, well, they rely on makazze quite a bit more. So, if Vitality can nullify the former academy star, you might see some sweat begin to form on the brow of Aleksib.

And not just because he’s got to file a tax return.

But keeping a player like makazze down is harder than it looks. He’s fast, unpredictable, and when required, relentlessly aggressive. He has no concern for his own life, nor the lives of his opponents, just as long as he takes them down with him.

We f-cking love him for it.

That isn’t to say NAVI are a one-man army. Far from it, in fact. iM has also been exceptional so far, and w0nderful had a solid series against PARIVISION, add in the always-reliable b1t, and NAVI do have the potential for firepower that can at least contend with Vitality.

But still…

That just doesn’t feel like it will be enough, does it?

Okay, Aleksib and B1ad3 might have a few tricks up their sleeve - if anyone will, it’s them - but a gimmick can only get you so far, and there’s not much you can do if flameZ and ZywOo are feeling it, or if mezii and ropz have their clutching boots on.

And that’s without mentioning apEX’s frankly insane utility damage.

The fact is, Vitality are just by far the best team in the world right now. So much so that, regardless of everything we’ve just said, barring any freak accidents like at Open London, the final should still be a cake walk.

The key to success, at least for Vitality, is just too easy to find, and there’s too much on top of flameZ for NAVI to contend with. We hope we’re wrong, and that NAVI make it close, it would be nice to see them become a true No. 1 contender for the crown, but let’s face it:

We all already see the look on apEX’s face as he lifts the trophy.