Team Vitality to drop Spinx for ropz, but why?

Fariha Bhatti Published 23/12/2024

The alleged troubles within Team Vitality appear to have reached a boiling point, as the French organization has allegedly signed Robin “ropz” Kool for next season while dropping star rifler Lotan “Spinx” Giladi.

The CS2 Shanghai Major recently wrapped up in China, which means that roster swaps at the top level are imminent. Vitality seems to be the first team to make waves, reportedly securing a jaw-dropping signing. Despite a lackluster run at the Shanghai Major where it finished in the 5th-8th range, the French organization is eager to kick off 2025 on a high note. If the reports hold true, Vitality has managed to land ropz for free.

According to reports, FaZe’s star rifler ropz has agreed to join Vitality, replacing Spinx. While the potential signing could spark some role clashes, it may have been the best offer Vitality could secure, assuming the reports of ropz’s free agency are accurate.

Leaks suggest ropz has signed with Team Vitality

Reports suggest that all has not been well within Vitality, which may have led to the organization parting ways with Spinx from the starting roster.

Earlier in 2024, French streamer KrL claimed that Vitality was exploring major roster changes due to internal conflicts. He suggested that Spinx was at the center of these issues, though this claim was never verified. However, a post from in-game leader Dan “apEX” Madesclaire following the team’s loss at the Major confirmed that internal conflicts were indeed present.

Hot off the heels of a Major loss, Vitality has reportedly replaced Spinx with ropz. This move may come as a shock to some, given that Spinx was generally considered a top ten player throughout 2023. However, ropz’s free agency likely played a key role in this bold decision. According to the report, ropz’s contract with FaZe had ended, allowing Vitality to secure one of the best players of 2023 without having to break the bank. Considering ropz had also been courted by major teams like Falcons and G2, it’s clear that Vitality struck gold.

ropz boasts an impressive list of achievements, having led FaZe to two Major finals in 2024, in Copenhagen and Shanghai. Over the course of his CS career, he’s competed in 10 Majors with a standout victory at Antwerp in 2022. Given his track record, it’s no surprise that some fans are a bit phazed by FaZe’s decision not to re-sign him.

Here’s how Vitality’s roster will look with the new signing.

Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
William “mezii” Merriman
Robin “ropz” Kool

It’s currently unknown what position ropz will take up on certain maps where his role might clash with Mezii’s, but it’s likely that Vitality will adapt its strategies to accommodate both players.

Fariha Bhatti

About Fariha Bhatti

Fariha Bhatti is a long-time gaming writer who loves competitive FPS games and slots with particularly fun themes. She got her start playing classic games developed by SNK, from legendary fighting game series The King of Fighters to challenging platform franchise Metal Slug. She now spends most of her time playing Valorant and Counter-Strike 2 while working her way through new slot releases to find her next favorite. Fariha has been published at PCGamesN, TalkEsport and ONE Esports.

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