Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut: The Pro That Redefined Counter-Strike Greatness

In the ever-evolving world of Counter-Strike, few players have risen as quickly and dominantly as Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut. At just 24 years old, ZywOo has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players in CS:GO and CS2 history. Hailing from Lens, a city in the north of France, ZywOo’s journey from a small-town prodigy to a global esports icon is nothing short of extraordinary. With his unparalleled skill, consistency, and insane accuracy with the AWP, ZywOo is not just a star—he’s a generational talent set to break records and redefine what it means to be the best.

The Rise of a CS Prodigy

ZywOo’s journey to the top of Counter-Strike began in his teenage years in Lens, a city not traditionally known for esports. Unlike many pros who cut their teeth in the semi-professional scene, ZywOo’s rise was meteoric. He quickly gained attention for his exceptional aim, game sense, and ability to dominate servers. By the time he joined Team Vitality in 2018, the buzz around him was undeniable.

From the outset, ZywOo proved he was no ordinary rookie. In his debut year, he claimed the HLTV Player of the Year award, becoming only the second player in history to win it in their first full year on the scene. This achievement placed him in the same conversation as legends like s1mple and device, and he hasn’t looked back since.

A Perfect Partnership: ZywOo and apEX

At the heart of ZywOo’s success is his partnership with Team Vitality’s in-game leader (IGL), Dan "apEX" Madesclaire. A veteran of the game, apEX has been instrumental in creating a system that allows ZywOo to thrive. Known for his aggressive yet calculated leadership, apEX has built a team that balances structure with individual freedom, enabling ZywOo to showcase his full potential.

Together, ZywOo and apEX have led Vitality to numerous victories, including IEM Katowice 2025 and the Paris 2023 Major. The latter was a historic moment for French Counter-Strike, as Vitality claimed the final CS:GO Major on home soil. ZywOo’s performances in these tournaments were nothing short of spectacular, further solidifying his status as one of the best players in counter strike

Breaking Records and Chasing Greatness

ZywOo’s career is already decorated with MVPs , but what sets him apart is his consistency. Year after year, he delivers jaw-dropping performances, earning MVP medals at an astonishing rate. As of 2025, ZywOo is on track to surpass Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev’s record for the most MVP awards in Counter-Strike history.

While s1mple has long been considered the greatest player of all time (GOAT), ZywOo’s relentless pursuit of excellence is challenging that narrative. His ability to perform under pressure, adapt to meta shifts, and elevate his team in crucial moments makes him a strong contender for the GOAT title. With his prime years still ahead of him, ZywOo is poised to break even more records and set new benchmarks for future generations.

The Transition from CSGO to CS2

The transition from CS:GO to CS2 was a test for many players, but ZywOo adapted seamlessly. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his mechanical skill, allowed him to remain at the top of the rankings. In CS2, ZywOo has continued to dominate, proving that his success is not tied to a specific version of the game but rather to his unparalleled talent and work ethic.

A Humble Icon

Despite his incredible achievements, ZywOo remains one of the most humble players in the scene. His quiet demeanor and team-first mentality have endeared him to fans and peers alike. While other stars might seek the spotlight, ZywOo lets his gameplay do the talking. His charisma, combined with his extraordinary skill, makes him a role model for aspiring players around the world.

The Future of ZywOo and Vitality

With the addition of another great power force ropz, Team Vitality continues to compete at the highest level, ZywOo remains the cornerstone of their success. With apEX leading the charge and a roster filled with elite talent, Vitality is well-positioned to dominate CS2 for years to come. For ZywOo, the future is bright. Whether it’s breaking MVP records, winning more Majors, or solidifying his legacy as the GOAT

Who is Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut is more than just a Counter-Strike player—he’s a phenomenon. From his rapid rise to a pro cs player in the small city of Lens to his record-breaking performances on the global stage, ZywOo has redefined what it means to be great in CS:GO and CS2. With apEX and ropz by his side and Team Vitality behind him, ZywOo is on a path to surpass even the loftiest expectations. As the Counter-Strike community watches in awe, one thing is clear: ZywOo’s legacy is still being written, and it promises to be legendary.