Vitality ropz: “We know we’re eventually going to lose — the scene is so competitive”

Robin "ropz" Kool has found his groove with Team Vitality in 2025. The Estonian superstar is back to his best, helping Vitality carve a path through the best in CS2 and setting up an unprecedented, historic streak the likes of which haven't been seen in the game since 2018.

There's extra stakes at IEM Melbourne with the ESL Grand Slam up for grabs, but it's not something that's actively on ropz's or Vitality's minds. His goal is to continue delivering for his team as they cement themselves as favourites for the Austin Major.

Vitality's Ropz sat down with Esports.gg before the team's semi-final at IEM Melbourne to talk the team's hot 2025, his individual form resurgence, and how far CS2 as a game has come since it's rocky introduction at IEM Sydney two years ago.

We last saw you here for IEM Sydney two years ago; it’s looking like you're well on the way onto another one here. Have you guys been happy with your performance here so far in Melbourne? 

"We’re definitely happy. There was a close match against Falcons but now we’re straight to the semi-finals. I think that's the goal and maybe the expectation as well. 

"Setting goals and then doing them are two different things, so I'm really happy how it's gone and couldn't have made it better."

It goes without saying that you guys are serious at every event but the stakes are obviously a little higher here in Melbourne with the ESL Grand Slam hanging over your heads. Have you guys gone to an extra level in terms of preparation or has it just been taking a game at a time? 

"In terms of like an extra level, I wouldn't really say so when talking about prep and going into the matches. I think we live by a standard when it comes to prep and performance, or things outside of the server like how you speak to your teammates — we have really high standards for that."

"We do it by the book as we've done the last few tournaments and that's what's been working for us; we're keeping it like this for Melbourne."

Does the win streak hang over your heads? 19 series in a row is no mean feat. Is it an active component in your play? What do you credit to the streak, and does it add any pressure to your game?

"I mean, I think the win streak is definitely credited to just having extremely good form both as a team and individually, but also the form in the way apEX is calling and his reading of enemies. Everything is playing into each other, I think is the reason why.

"We don't really talk about the win streak actively, but every time we win a match, we're like, ‘oh yeah, now we're at 19!’ We know we're eventually going to lose. The scene is so competitive and there's really good teams out there and there's no way you can stay unbeaten for that long, yeah."

There's a common phrase in sport where the undefeated world best team needs a loss of some sort before getting their hands on the trophy. Is that a mentality you subscribe to? What are you and Vitality doing to stay grounded during this purple patch?

"I think it's quite easy because we have a constellation of players that have a lot of history in terms of playoff experience, the tournaments they played, the trophies they won and the ones they've lost as well. 

"I think that's what apEX is really good at — keeping himself humble. I wasn't here last year, but he says that [in 2024] they were not happy about how things went and when they were losing. They just keep reminding each other of that and, you know, reminding yourself of the bad times makes a difference now, you don't want it to end the same way."

I last spoke to you in Sydney two years ago, where CS2 debuted at a tier-one tournament. The game was quite raw, many things weren’t working on LAN, stuff like the sound was no good, there were subtick issues… Where do you see CS2 now, technically? What would you like to see changed?

"I actually haven't thought about it for a long time now, I try to keep my focus on playing so it's easier. But I think comparing those things, [Valve] has done big and small tweaks in every department since Sydney. 

"Obviously, there's been a map change as well with Overpass out, Train back in… there have been small things everywhere that have improved and it’s definitely gone the right way.

"We'll see what’s next. think most of the complaints nowadays are about how the game behaves online. There's not much you can wish for on LAN, just some gameplay changes, but those are more personalized opinions. I think the problem the game is having right now is like mostly online."

The economy was also brought into question with the move to MR12 but we’re seeing adjustments on that front, like the FAMAS and M4 price adjustments. Do you think it’s enough, or are the two sides a little imbalanced still?

"It's an interesting discussion. People were talking about it at some points a lot, but then there's no reaction from Valve and then the discussion kind of burns out and no one really really talks about it.

"It's definitely worth looking at, I feel, especially with MR12. Pistol rounds have a big impact and us winning a lot of pistols has for sure been helping out with the win streak and winning matches."

It's your fourth time in front of the Aussie crowd, your first in Melbourne. What makes the Aussie crowd one of the best to play in front of? 

"I think the crowd is just is very unique in a way where they're very passionate. They have their own chants that are very Australian, and they don’t give a damn. I remember the first chant, the “f**k you, ropz” one — I think it’s very cool and funny and I go with it.

"Having personalized chants like that is nice, and I can’t wait to play in front of them."

Ropz and Vitality look to extend their incredible record win streak when they take to the stage this Saturday, April 26, live from Rod Laver Arena.

For more IEM Melbourne and CS2 news stay tuned to esports.gg.