The grand final of ESL Pro League Season 22 promises to be a true clash of titans — Falcons versus Vitality. Both teams are in excellent shape, riding winning streaks against top opponents and ready to battle for a prestigious trophy. Falcons aim to prove that their recent victory over Vitality was no coincidence, while the “Bees” are determined to reaffirm their status as one of the most consistent teams in the world. What lies ahead is a duel of skill, tactics, and mental fortitude.
How the Bookmakers See It: Vitality Are the Favorites
Bookmakers view the final as an almost even matchup, with both teams showing great form and deep map pools. However, analysts still give a slight edge to Vitality, citing their greater experience in major finals and consistent record against Falcons in previous head-to-head meetings. That said, experts note that the gap is minimal — and with full focus, Falcons are more than capable of turning the tide in their favor.
Current Form of Falcons: What to Expect
Falcons approach the ESL Pro League Season 22 grand final in excellent form. Over the last three months, they’ve played 39 maps, winning 27 — a strong indicator of their consistency and confidence. During the past month, they performed solidly at FISSURE Playground 2, finishing 3rd–4th, falling just short in the semifinals.
- Falcons lineup: NiKo, TeSeS, kyxsan, m0NESY, kyousuke
Their recent streak is especially impressive — five straight victories against top-tier opponents such as MOUZ (twice), 3DMAX, NAVI, and Astralis. This shows that the team is currently peaking, displaying strong morale, discipline, and excellent map preparation. Falcons have proven themselves as a serious contender, ready to challenge Vitality for the title.
Current Form of Vitality: What to Expect
Vitality also come into the grand final in great shape. Over the last three months, they’ve played 56 maps, winning 38, which highlights their consistency and competitive experience. In September–October, the team reached the BLAST Open London 2025 Finals, finishing second after a close grand final.
- Vitality lineup: apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz
Like Falcons, Vitality have also won their last five matches — defeating FaZe, FURIA, G2, HOTU, and GamerLegion. Their tactical flexibility, star power, and composure in high-pressure situations make them a formidable force. Vitality’s balance between aggression and control allows them to adapt seamlessly to any opponent’s style.
Falcons’ Map Pool
Since the series will be played in a Best of 5 format, Falcons will most likely begin by banning Overpass — their least favorite map, which they consistently avoid.
Their strongest maps include:
- Nuke — their go-to pick with an 88% win rate, where they often outclass elite opponents thanks to disciplined defense.
- Ancient — another top map (win rate 100%), though it’s often banned by Vitality.
- Mirage — a potential secondary pick, with a 60% win rate, where Falcons show strong adaptability.
Therefore, Falcons are expected to pick Nuke first and Mirage third. Their deep and confident map pool gives them a good chance to impose their tempo early in the series.
Vitality’s Map Pool
Vitality, on the other hand, traditionally ban Ancient, knowing it’s Falcons’ strongest map. Their preferred picks are:
- Dust2 — a cornerstone of their playbook, boasting an 89% win rate. They dominate on this map through coordinated offense and stellar individual performances.
- Inferno — the second-best map with a 77% win rate, where they excel in structure and clutch situations.
- Nuke — solid for Vitality (67% win rate), but unlikely to be picked against Falcons, who are dominant there.
Hence, Vitality are expected to pick Dust2 second and Inferno fourth. If the series reaches a fifth map, Train will remain — a fairly balanced decider where Vitality might have a slight edge due to experience.
Predicted BO5 Map Order:
- Nuke (Falcons)
- Dust2 (Vitality)
- Mirage (Falcons)
- Inferno (Vitality)
- Train (decider)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, Falcons and Vitality have faced each other four times, and every clash has been intense.
- At IEM Melbourne 2025, Vitality defeated Falcons twice — first in groups (2–0), then again in the final (3–2), with a thrilling map sequence: Nuke 20–22, Mirage 13–10, Train 9–13, Dust2 16–12, Inferno 2–13.
- At BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 1, Vitality once again prevailed 3–2 after a close series (Inferno 13–9, Dust2 6–13, Train 6–13, Mirage 16–14, Nuke 8–13).
- At IEM Dallas 2025, Vitality took another win, 2–1.
- Only at the Esports World Cup 2025 did Falcons finally break the streak, winning 2–1.
In total, the record stands at 3 wins for Vitality and 1 for Falcons. However, Falcons’ latest victory showed they’ve found the formula to challenge their rivals, particularly on Nuke and Mirage.
Match Prediction: Falcons vs Vitality — ESL Pro League S22 Grand Final
This is shaping up to be an exceptionally close and thrilling final between two teams at their absolute best. Falcons have grown tremendously, showing confidence and structure — and after their recent win against Vitality, they will enter the server believing in their chances. Their strong map pool (Nuke, Ancient, Mirage) could easily secure them two maps.
However, Vitality’s experience in major finals, their composure on Dust2 and Inferno, and the reliability of their star players in clutch moments still make them slight favorites.
Prediction: Vitality to win the series 3–2.
