Vitality sign Magisk, dupreeh, zonic: "It's now time to think internationally"

The French organization has expanded outside of the country with the additions of some of the game's most decorated players.

Vitality unveiled the signings of the former Astralis trio Emil "⁠Magisk⁠" Reif, Peter "⁠dupreeh⁠" Rasmussen, and Danny "⁠zonic⁠" Sørensen on Wednesday, marking the start of their international project.

Co-Founder and Esports Director of Vitality, Fabien "Neo" Devide believes that the signing of multiple Major winners can elevate the team from contender status to the one sitting on top of the rankings.

"Since the beginning of our entrance into CS:GO, we have been working with intensity to get to the top and nurture some of the best talent France has to offer," Devide said in a statement. "It's now time to think internationally and create a new CS:GO culture of European talent with legacy athletes. As proven winners, dupreeh, Magisk, and zonic have what it takes to move us from not just being a strong contender, but the best CS:GO team in the world."

The high expectations aren't without basis, as Vitality's beefed-up squad looks capable of doing serious damage in 2022. The firepower of Magisk and dupreeh, as well as the experience they bring from building their own era alongside zonic in Astralis, combine with Mathieu "⁠ZywOo⁠" Herbaut's otherworldy performances for an extremely dangerous lineup.

The team's star and two-time best player of the year himself shared his excitement about playing alongside the Danish trio. "Together they have achieved so much and I know there is a lot both myself and the team can learn from them. I am so ready to show everyone how far this team can go," ZywOo said upon the signing.

Despite the big overhaul, the leadership of the team will stay with Dan "⁠apEX⁠" Madesclaire, who will cooperate with coach zonic and analyst Mathieu "⁠MaT⁠" Leber in order to get the most out of the star-studded lineup. While ZywOo remaining deadly is questioned by few, a serious concern regarding the team remains the language barrier. Aside from Magisk's stint with OpTic, none of the players on the squad have experience playing in an English-speaking squad, which could prove to be a hindrance to their lofty goals.

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The blockbuster signings Vitality made in CS:GO follow news of the organization's big moves in League of Legends, where they have signed standout players in Luka "Perkz" Perković and Matyáš “Carzzy" Orság. Their goal is to create "European super teams capable of winning the most coveted trophies in esports," with the signings made possible thanks to a €50M investment from esports venture fund Rewired.GG.

"This scale of talent investment has never been seen in esports before," Devide explained, "I am honored to be leading the charge with these rosters which have the potential to make history in Europe and beyond."

The French-Danish squad are expected to make their debut at the BLAST Premier Spring Groups, which are yet to be announced but are expected to take place in late January.

Vitality are now:

Mathieu "⁠ZywOo⁠" Herbaut
Dan "⁠apEX⁠" Madesclaire
Kévin "⁠misutaaa⁠" Rabier
Emil "⁠Magisk⁠" Reif
Peter "⁠dupreeh⁠" Rasmussen

Danny "⁠zonic⁠" Sørensen (coach)