apEX credits form as Vitality reach BLAST Open Porto playoffs

Team Vitality recovered from an opening loss at the BLAST Open Porto in Porto, Portugal, beating 9z, Legacy and FUT in the lower bracket to reach the tournament playoffs. Captain Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire credited his form and the contributions of stand-in Justin; apEX has averaged a 1.07 player rating at the event.

The tournament began with a loss to Inner Circle, where Vitality dropped Cache and lost Anubis 13-8. apEX attributed the defeat to inconsistent individual form across the roster, noting that star rifler ZywOo had a poor best-of-three.

After that result, Vitality moved into the lower bracket and posted consecutive wins over 9z, Legacy and FUT. The team gained about 150 VRS ranking points across the three series and moved closer to the top of the standings.

apEX praised Justin’s performance, calling him a ‘phenomenal stand-in’ and adding that the team grew more confident as the event progressed. ‘I’m really happy. We’ve been through difficult times, and it’s getting better right now, even with a stand-in,’ he said.

With William ‘mezii’ Merriman on parental leave, apEX described the team as missing a calm voice and an effective support player. He said mezii had been regaining form before the leave and that he would be sad for him if the team won in his absence.

apEX said he has put in extra hours to recover his form after a dip earlier in the season and at the EWC event. He described his recent maps as some of the best in a long time and said stronger individual performances have allowed him to play more aggressively as an entry and in rotations.

He also pointed to tactical improvements, including clearer reads on CT sides and better collective execution, which helped against teams with strong aim. Vitality will enter the BLAST Open Porto playoffs with a temporary lineup while trying to regain higher ranking positions.