Mathieu Herbaut

Mathieu Herbaut, universally known by his in-game alias ZywOo, was born on November 9, 2000, in France. His introduction to competitive gaming came through Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, where he quickly established himself as a player of extraordinary natural talent. Even in his earliest online matches, ZywOo displayed the kind of mechanical skill and game sense that separates generational talents from merely good players.

ZywOo's rise through the French Counter-Strike scene was meteoric. Before joining a top-tier professional team, he dominated online leagues and semi-professional tournaments with performances that seemed almost impossible. His ability to single-handedly carry teams against far more experienced opponents attracted attention from every major organization in French esports. In 2019, Team Vitality secured his services, a decision that would prove transformative for the organization.

The impact of ZywOo's arrival on the professional scene was immediate and dramatic. In his debut year with Vitality, he was named the best player in the world by HLTV, the most authoritative ranking in Counter-Strike esports. This was an almost unprecedented achievement for a player in his first full year of top-level competition. He would go on to receive this honor again in 2020, cementing his status as the dominant individual force in the game.

ZywOo's playing style defies easy categorization, which is part of what makes him so dangerous. He is equally comfortable as a primary AWP sniper, holding angles with superhuman reaction times, and as a rifle player capable of winning aim duels against anyone in the world. His positioning is instinctive, often placing himself in spots that maximize his impact while minimizing risk. Perhaps most impressively, his clutch play in high-pressure situations is legendary, with numerous highlight-reel moments of winning seemingly unwinnable rounds.

The transition from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2 presented challenges for many established professionals, but ZywOo adapted with characteristic excellence. He maintained his elite level of play in the new game, continuing to produce statistics that placed him among the very best players in the world. His ability to translate his skills across the game's evolution speaks to the depth of his understanding of competitive Counter-Strike.

With Team Vitality, ZywOo has competed in and won numerous prestigious tournaments. The team's victory at the Paris Major in 2023 represented a career-defining moment, as he lifted Counter-Strike's most coveted trophy in front of passionate French fans. The emotional scenes following the victory underscored how much competitive success means to a player who, despite his quiet demeanor, burns with competitive fire.

ZywOo's influence extends beyond his individual performances. His presence on Vitality has attracted other top-tier talent to the organization, as elite players recognize the opportunity to compete alongside one of the greatest to ever play the game. He has elevated the standard of French Counter-Strike and inspired a new generation of players who see in him proof that French players can reach the absolute pinnacle of the esport.

Despite his achievements, ZywOo maintains a remarkably low-profile public persona. He is known for being soft-spoken and letting his in-game performance speak louder than any interview or social media post. This humility has earned him widespread respect within the esports community, where his professionalism and dedication to his craft are frequently cited as exemplary.

As Counter-Strike 2 continues to evolve, ZywOo remains at the forefront of competitive play. His combination of natural talent, relentless work ethic, and competitive drive suggest that he has many more years of elite performance ahead of him. For fans, analysts, and fellow professionals alike, watching ZywOo play represents the highest expression of individual skill in competitive Counter-Strike.