Team Vitality enters the IEM Atlanta 2026 playoffs as the clear frontrunner to reach the May 17 Grand Final, leveraging ZywOo’s consistent star performances and one of the deepest map pools among the 16-team field. The French roster advanced through the group stage with strong showings in the GSL double-elimination format, where all matches are best-of-three, while several top contenders opted for the concurrent PGL Astana event. NAVI remains the primary threat in the upper bracket after securing its own group placement, but Vitality’s recent form and historical head-to-head edge create a significant barrier for underdogs. Any late roster adjustments or map veto surprises could shift momentum heading into the best-of-five final.