Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, the world’s best Counter Strike player, re-signs with Team Vitality until 2026 in landmark renewal

• French player Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut renews his contract with Team Vitality until 2026, writing a new chapter in the history of the French esports club.
• This morning, ZywOo was crowned the ‘King of Counter Strike’ in front of his fans at the Eiffel Tower marking an important milestone as ZywOo, who began his professional career in 2018 with Team Vitality, is poised to remain the face of the club for years to come.
• After an unforgettable 2023, Team Vitality has renewed its contract with the prodigious player, who has truly become a franchise player, demonstrating the club’s ability to identify, develop, and nurture esports talent.

Paris, March 12th, 2024 – Leading esports club Team Vitality is thrilled to announce the contract renewal of star Counter Strike 2 player Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut. Having been with the club since the beginning of his professional career in 2018, ZywOo has renewed his commitment to the organisation until 2026, ready to take on new sporting challenges. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for Team Vitality, celebrating in grandeur at the heart of Paris, opposite the iconic Eiffel Tower.

THE KING STAYS IN PARIS UNTIL 2026

ZywOo’s journey with Team Vitality has been nothing short of extraordinary. Even amidst an ever-evolving industry with a variety of opportunities to explore, ZywOo made the resolute decision to renew his contract with the club that nurtured his talent, built a team around his incredible skill set, and propelled him to new heights. This decision underscores his loyalty, commitment, and unwavering trust in Team Vitality and its vision.

“I have always seen Team Vitality as a family, where I can flourish and develop my full potential. I feel there’s a strong sense of unity, it's my second home. I also wanted to stay because I believe strongly in our project, in my team. I think we have a brilliant lineup,” explains Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut. “In 2023, I experienced an incredible moment and managed to win a Major with my teammates. I’m delighted to continue this adventure with the club, and I’m convinced that we can go even further.”

“One of the greatest responsibilities I’ve had to manage as the founder and President of Team Vitality was to ensure that this 18-year-old player who joined us in 2018 could one day be crowned the world’s best player and win a Major,” said Fabien ‘Neo’ Devide, co-founder and President of Team Vitality. “Thanks to his exceptional individual skills, he quickly became recognised as the best player in the world. For the Major, it was a longer, collective effort: it was a project that was held together thanks to loyalty, hard work, repetition, and an appetite for effort. In the years to come, we will continue to help him evolve into a leadership role. He will take even more space because he is not only the face of our future team but also that of Team Vitality.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Team Vitality hosted an exclusive event at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Fans gathered to witness the unveiling of ZywOo’s renewal, which was broadcast live on Team Vitality’s social media accounts.

AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN COUNTER-STRIKE

Mathieu Herbaut began his career with Team Vitality in 2018, joining the CS:GO roster as the French club ventured into the title. Alongside French teammate Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, he negotiated the club’s turning point towards the international scene at the end of 2021. By the end of 2023, the CS2 roster was crowned the best team in the world by HLTV.

Since entering the professional scene, ZywOo’s exceptional skill has not only led Team Vitality to multiple championship titles, such as securing the final CS:GO Major on home soil in Paris, but has also garnered numerous individual awards, including being crowned HLTV’s Player of the Year award in 2019, 2020, and 2023 and his inclusion in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2021.

These accomplishments have earned him the affectionate nickname of ‘The Chosen One’ within the Counter-Strike community. A nickname all the more relevant as the young Frenchman was born in the same month as the release of the original Counter-Strike game.

ZYWOO, THE FACE AND FRANCHISE PLAYER OF TEAM VITALITY

Since its creation in 2013, Team Vitality has had the mission of identifying, developing, and nurturing talent in the esports scene. Among the young athletes who have particularly marked the history of the club is ZywOo.

Ten years later, Team Vitality and ZywOo have left an indelible mark on the esports landscape, winning numerous titles and consolidating their position as leaders in the Counter-Strike scene. As they look towards 2024, their goal is to build on these achievements and continue to lead the way in innovation and excellence in esports.

“This is the third time in his career that ZywOo has renewed with us since 2018,” continues Fabien Devide, co-founder and President of Team Vitality. “We are proud to have such a magical talent among our athletes. I even think he deserves even more recognition on a national scale - just like Mbappé in football, Karabatic in handball, or Wembanyama in basketball. ZywOo is part of this generation of great French champions.”

More information:

• Team Vitality
• Asset folder
• PR contact: vitality@swiperight.gg