Vitality CEO Fabien Devide on pressure, PSG, and CS2 dynasty

Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike 2 dynasty carries a peculiar burden: the higher the wins pile up, the heavier the next loss feels. After a historic run that began in 2025 and included an Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 trophy, the French organization stumbled at a Major — only to reset within ten minutes. CEO Fabien Devide describes that reflex as part of the team’s DNA. “We’re not done,” he said, outlining a mindset that filters out external noise while keeping internal hunger alive. For Devide, managing fan expectations while chasing a legacy requires a deliberate separation between what the public demands and what the team expects of itself.

Vitality’s success has been so dominant that Devide admits the scene has been “spoiled kids.” The run is unique, he says, and other teams will struggle to match it. But the organization isn’t resting. With the Esports World Cup 2026 on the horizon — potentially hosted in Paris — the stakes are even higher. Devide learned of the possibility after rumors surfaced, and the preparation began immediately. Competing in front of a French crowd, he believes, adds confidence rather than pressure.

Parisian Giants: Vitality and PSG Join Forces

Vitality’s partnership with Paris Saint-Germain is more than a sponsorship. Devide sees it as a natural union of two French powerhouses. PSG has built a global audience through premium positioning, and Vitality wants to connect with a younger generation. The collaboration bridges traditional sports and esports, with room to grow. “We felt it was a natural match,” Devide said, noting that both brands dominate Paris in their respective fields.

Building a Global Footprint Without Breaking Local Scenes

Beyond CS2, Vitality entered Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in May 2024 by acquiring the Bigetron Era roster. The women’s team has since won six titles, including the EWC MLBB Women’s Invitational 2025. Devide emphasizes that entering new markets requires humility. Instead of spending millions to outbid local teams, Vitality works with existing organizations, mentoring and sharing commercialization expertise. “We’re here to support, not replace,” he said.

• Vitality’s CS2 team won IEM Rio 2026 after a dominant 2025 run.
• The organization has already qualified for 16 titles at EWC 2026, with more qualifiers ahead.
• The MLBB women’s squad claimed six trophies in two years, including the EWC 2025 invitational.
• Devide prioritizes mental health support, calling it one of the biggest challenges for the current generation.

Managing the Weight of a Dynasty

The pressure to maintain a winning standard is real. Devide says players need a filter to separate their own expectations from fans’. After losing a Major, the team gave themselves ten minutes to be disappointed before fighting back. That resilience is built into the organization’s culture. Devide also notes that the competitive calendar is expanding, making mental health support a required investment. The CEO insists that supporting players goes beyond performance — it’s about enabling long-term careers and personal lives.

Devide’s ambition is simple: keep winning. With the EWC potentially coming to Paris, Vitality has a chance to perform on home soil in front of what Devide calls the most passionate crowd in the world. The preparation is already underway, and the hunger remains undimmed. “We want to become the greatest team in history,” he said.