- Frenchman Matthieu '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 king of Counter-Strike in front of his fans and the Eiffel Tower. An important symbol for the man who embodies the face of the only major professional club he has known since the beginning of his career in 2018.
- After a remarkable 2023, Team Vitality manages to extend its prodigious player, who has become a true franchise player. The club once again demonstrates its ability to identify, develop and grow talents.
Paris, March 12, 2024 – Team Vitality, a leading French esports club in France and internationally, is delighted to announce the contract renewal of Mathieu 'ZywOo' Herbaut, the star player of its Counter-Strike 2 roster. Having joined the club since 2018, ZywOo is renewing his commitment to the organization until 2026, ready to take on new sporting challenges. This event marks an important milestone for Team Vitality. Celebrated with great fanfare at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower, the announcement of ZywOo's renewal is a part of the history of esports in France.
KING TO REMAIN IN PARIS UNTIL 2026
In an industry that is constantly evolving and offering many opportunities, ZywOo has made the decision to renew his contract with the club that has nurtured his talent, built a team around his incredible skills and propelled him to new heights. This decision underlines his loyalty, commitment and unwavering belief in the Team Vitality project.
“I have always seen Team Vitality as a family where I can flourish and develop my full potential. I feel that there is a strong bond of unity, it is my second home. I also wanted to stay because I believe enormously in our project, in my team. I think we have an incredible line-up. In 2023, I had strong experiences and managed to win a Major with my teammates. I am delighted to continue this adventure with the club, I am convinced that we can go even further together.” explains Mathieu 'ZywOo' Herbaut.
“One of the biggest responsibilities I had to handle as founder and President of Team Vitality was to make sure that this young 18-year-old player who joined us in 2018 could one day be crowned the best player in the world and win a Major. Thanks to his exceptional individual skills, he very quickly managed to become the best player in the world. For the Major, it was a longer collective work: it is a project that has held up thanks to loyalty, hard work, repetition and a taste for effort. In the years to come, we will continue to help him in his evolution towards 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.” says Fabien 'Neo' Devide, co-founder and President of Team Vitality.
To celebrate this highlight in the life of the French club, Team Vitality organized the announcement of his signing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. On site, fans gathered to witness the player's coronation, and online via a live stream on Team Vitality's social networks.
THE KING IS STAYING 👑 @zywoo pic.twitter.com/4I5asVbh5q
— Team Vitality 🐝 (@TeamVitality) March 12, 2024
AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER ON COUNTER-STRIKE
Mathieu Herbaut began his career with Team Vitality in 2018. He joined the CS:GO roster when the French club decided to launch this new game. Alongside his French teammate Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, he negotiated the club's turn to international at the end of 2021. At the end of 2023, the CS2 roster was crowned the best team in the world by HTLV.
Since his entry into the professional scene, ZywOo's exceptional skills have continued to impress. Not only have they helped Team Vitality win numerous major titles, including the last CS:GO Major in history in Paris in 2023. But they have also earned him numerous individual accolades: he was crowned HLTV's best player in the world in 2019, 2020 and 2023, and was included in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 ranking in 2021.
A track record that earned him the affectionate nickname of The Chosen One within the Counter-Strike community. A nickname all the more relevant since the young Frenchman was born the same month as the release of the game Counter Strike.
ZYWOO, FACE AND FRANCHISE PLAYER OF TEAM VITALITY
Since its creation in 2013, Team Vitality's mission has been to identify, develop and grow talents on the esports scene. Among the young athletes who have particularly marked the history of the club, ZywOo.
Ten years later, Team Vitality and ZywOo have left an indelible mark on the esports landscape, winning multiple titles and solidifying their position as leaders in the Counter-Strike scene. As they look ahead to 2024, their goal is to build on these achievements and continue to lead the way in esports innovation and excellence.
"This is the third time in his career that ZywOo has extended his contract with us since 2018. We are proud to have such a magical talent among our athletes. I even think he deserves even more spotlight on a national scale - just like an Mbappé in football, a Karabatic in handball or a Wembanyama in basketball. ZywOo is part of this generation of great French champions." continues Fabien 'Neo' Devide, co-founder and President of Team Vitality.