Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, captain of Team Vitality, believes that his team is on the right track as they prepare for the IEM Cologne 2024 playoffs. In an interview with HLTV, apEX shared his thoughts on the team's performance in the group stage, as well as his dreams and ambitions.

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Vitality is on the right track

This year, Vitality faced difficulties in trying to regain the form that brought them success in 2023. Although the team consistently reached the finals, they failed to win a trophy. However, their performance in the group stage of IEM Cologne demonstrates that Vitality can once again become a dangerous force.

The team started the tournament with a confident victory over FURIA, demonstrated its strength in the match against FaZe, and easily defeated MOUZ, securing a place in the playoffs.

“We've improved since the last tournament, and that's the main thing. I'm very proud of the preparation we did before the tournament in Saudi Arabia, and it's already starting to pay off,” said apEX.

The importance of energy for Vitality

apEX emphasized the importance of energy for the team's success: “We know that Vitality is a team that needs energy to perform at a high level. The problem is that we have four players who are a bit depressed and me, who has to energize the team.”

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The importance of winning in Cologne

It is important for apEX to win a tournament like Cologne. He believes that winning a prestigious tournament like IEM Cologne or Katowice is part of his big dream before he retires. “My dream is to win at least one Katowice or Cologne and one more Major before I finish my career,” he said.

A look at the opponents

apEX also noted that NAVI are the main favorites of the tournament, emphasizing that the team led by B1ad3 is showing the best level of CS play at the moment. However, he believes in the strength of his team and is ready to compete for victory.