Team Vitality is expanding its esports footprint with a move into the Age of Empires II competitive scene, marking a notable crossover between one of the industry’s most prominent modern organizations and one of real-time strategy’s longest-running franchises.

The French-based esports club announced the new division this week, positioning the entry as part of its broader ambition to compete at the highest level across historically significant titles. Age of Empires II, originally released in 1999, remains a cornerstone of the RTS genre and continues to sustain an active global competitive circuit more than two decades later.

Rather than taking a gradual approach, Team Vitality is entering the scene with an established roster that includes several of the game’s most accomplished professional players. The lineup signals immediate competitive intent, with championship experience across nearly every major modern-era event.

Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher headlines the roster after a dominant run in recent seasons. Widely regarded as the defining player of the current era, Hera recorded a 14-tournament S-tier winning streak in 2023 and most recently captured the Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024 title. He enters the Vitality lineup as the reigning Player of the Year.

Joining him is Kai “Liereyy” Kallinger, an Austrian standout known for his mechanical precision and aggressive style. Liereyy is a multi-time Red Bull Wololo champion and has long been considered one of the most mechanically gifted players in the game’s history.

Rounding out the trio is Hernán “Hearttt” Pizarro, a veteran competitor with professional appearances dating back to 2012. With more than 80 tournament entries to his name, the Peruvian player brings long-term experience and strategic depth to the roster after being named Comeback Player of the Year in 2023.

First Test on a Global Stage

The team’s debut under the Vitality banner is expected to take place at Red Bull Wololo 2026: Londinium, one of the most prestigious events on the Age of Empires II competitive calendar. The tournament will serve as an early benchmark for how quickly the roster can adapt to its new organizational structure.

In a statement, Team Vitality corporate director of global operations Danny Engels said the move aligns with the organization’s goal of competing for world championships in iconic titles, citing the RTS genre’s foundational role in esports and the publisher’s long-term support of the scene.

With a veteran roster and immediate championship expectations, Team Vitality’s entry adds another high-profile organization to a competitive ecosystem that continues to evolve while honoring its legacy.