Brief Introduction of Mathieu Herbaut
Mathieu Herbaut, globally recognized by his in-game alias “ZywOo,” is a French professional Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) player who currently plays for Team Vitality. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the Counter-Strike franchise, ZywOo has fundamentally shaped the modern competitive scene with his exceptional skill, versatility, and calm demeanor under pressure. Since his professional debut with Vitality in late 2018, he has achieved remarkable success, earning the prestigious title of HLTV’s Player of the Year three times (2019, 2020, and 2023). His impact is marked by numerous tournament victories, including two Major Championships, and a record-breaking number of individual awards. His journey from a young prodigy in a small French town to a global esports icon serves as an inspiration for aspiring gamers worldwide, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the world of professional esports.
Mathieu Herbaut Overview
| Full Name | Mathieu Herbaut |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France |
| Profession | Professional Counter-Strike 2 Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $4 million to $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Mathieu Herbaut
Mathieu Herbaut was born on November 9, 2000, in the northern French town of Lens. His introduction to the world of Counter-Strike came at the tender age of seven, influenced by his older brother and cousins who he would watch play the game. His mother, though initially cautious, became a cornerstone of support in his burgeoning passion. She allowed him to play for limited hours each day, ensuring that his gaming did not overshadow his life and education. This balanced approach was crucial in his development. His family, particularly his mother and grandmother, were incredibly supportive, even accompanying him to local tournaments when he was just nine years old. As his talent became undeniable, offers from professional organizations began to arrive when he was only sixteen. However, his mother wisely insisted that he complete his secondary education before dedicating himself fully to a professional gaming career. Prioritizing his studies, Herbaut successfully obtained his baccalauréat (the French high school diploma). Immediately after graduating in 2018, he was free to pursue his dream and signed his first professional contract with Team Vitality, a move that would launch his storied career.
Mathieu Herbaut’s Career
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s professional career is a testament to prodigious talent meeting unwavering dedication. His journey in competitive Counter-Strike began before his high-profile signing with Team Vitality. He played for several smaller French teams starting around 2016, including dizLown, WySix, and against All authority (aAa), where he began to build a reputation within the national scene for his extraordinary abilities. However, it was his arrival at Team Vitality in October 2018 that marked his explosive entry onto the international stage.
The impact was immediate. In his very first full year as a top-tier professional, 2019, ZywOo achieved what many veterans strive for their entire careers: he was ranked the number one player in the world by HLTV.org. This incredible feat made him one of the youngest players to ever receive the award and set the tone for the dominance that would follow. That year, he led Vitality to significant victories at cs_summit 4, Esports Championship Series Season 7 Finals, and EPICENTER 2019, securing five HLTV MVP awards in the process.
The following year, 2020, ZywOo continued his reign, once again being crowned the world’s best player by HLTV despite the challenging circumstances of the online era of competition. He showcased remarkable consistency, leading his team to victories at IEM Beijing-Haidian and the BLAST Premier: Fall Finals. Over the next two years, he remained firmly in the elite echelon of players, securing the #2 spot in HLTV’s rankings for both 2021 and 2022, narrowly behind Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, who became his primary rival for the top spot.
2023 proved to be a monumental year for ZywOo and Team Vitality. He reclaimed his throne as the #1 player in the world, and more importantly, led his team to the most coveted prize in Counter-Strike: a Major championship. On home soil, Vitality won the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, the final Major for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, with ZywOo delivering a stellar performance that earned him the Major MVP award. This victory cemented his legacy as not just an individually skilled player, but a champion capable of leading his team to the highest honor.
His success has continued unabated into the era of Counter-Strike 2. He has continued to rack up tournament wins and individual accolades. By 2025, ZywOo had won a second Major at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, once again earning the MVP title. His team also completed the prestigious Intel Grand Slam Season 5. His collection of HLTV MVP medals has grown to a record-breaking 27, surpassing all other players in the history of the game. Throughout his career with Team Vitality, ZywOo has been the cornerstone of the team’s success, a consistent superstar whose presence elevates the entire roster and ensures their status as a perennial contender for any trophy.
Mathieu Herbaut Personal Life & Family
Mathieu Herbaut is known for being a relatively private person, with much of his life outside of the game kept away from the public eye. His family, however, has been a significant and publicly acknowledged part of his journey. His parents divorced when he was ten, and he was raised by his mother, brother, and grandmother. His mother, in particular, has been a guiding force in his career, instilling in him a sense of humility and ensuring he completed his education before turning professional. She and his grandmother were his early “little fan club,” supporting him from his first local LAN tournaments. In a tragic moment in 2019, his stepfather passed away while he was competing at cs_summit 4 in Los Angeles. Despite being given the option to return home, he chose to play on, dedicating his performance to him and ultimately winning the tournament and the MVP award. As for his romantic life, ZywOo is not publicly known to be in a relationship, and there is no information available about a wife or girlfriend. He is based in France and appears to maintain a quiet, focused lifestyle dedicated to his craft.
Awards and Achievements of Mathieu Herbaut
- 3x HLTV Player of the Year (#1 in 2019, 2020, 2023)
- 2x HLTV Player of the Year Runner-Up (#2 in 2021, 2022)
- 2x Major Champion (BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025)
- 2x Major MVP (BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025)
- Intel Grand Slam Season 5 Champion
- Record 27x HLTV MVP Medals
- Esports PC Player of the Year at the 2025 Esports Awards
- Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade at the 2025 Esports Awards
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2021: Sports & Games Honoree
- Winner of dozens of premier tournaments including IEM Katowice, IEM Rio, and BLAST Premier World Final
Mathieu Herbaut Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $4 million to $5 million. This substantial wealth is the result of his position at the absolute pinnacle of professional Counter-Strike. His income is derived from multiple streams. A significant portion comes from his salary at Team Vitality. Following a contract extension in 2024, reports suggest his base salary is at least $108,000 per month, which amounts to over $1.3 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid players in the sport. Another major source of income is tournament prize money. Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned over $1.67 million from tournament winnings alone. His largest single prize came from winning the Intel Grand Slam Season 5, where he took home $200,000. Additionally, ZywOo benefits from sponsorships and brand deals, although the specifics of these are not publicly disclosed. His presence on platforms like YouTube also contributes, though it represents a smaller percentage of his overall earnings.
Legacy and Influence
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s legacy is that of a generational talent who redefined excellence in Counter-Strike. Nicknamed “The Chosen One” for the coincidental fact he was born on the same day the original Counter-Strike was released (November 9, 2000), he has more than lived up to the moniker. He is consistently placed in the conversation for the greatest player of all time, often compared to legends like “s1mple”. His influence stems from his incredible mechanical skill, game intelligence, and his remarkably calm and composed demeanor, which allows him to perform at an elite level in the most high-pressure situations. ZywOo’s rise to prominence brought French Counter-Strike back to the forefront of the international scene, with Team Vitality becoming a global powerhouse under his lead. He has inspired countless aspiring players with his journey, proving that talent nurtured with dedication and a supportive environment can lead to unparalleled success. His record-breaking number of MVP awards and multiple Major titles have set a new benchmark for individual and team achievement in the modern era of esports.
Interesting Facts about Mathieu Herbaut
- He was born on November 9, 2000, the very same day the first retail version of Counter-Strike was released, earning him the nickname “The Chosen One”.
- His mother insisted he finish his secondary education and obtain his baccalauréat before he was allowed to sign a professional esports contract.
- He started playing Counter-Strike at the age of seven after watching his brother and cousins play.
- At his first local LAN tournament at age nine, he was accompanied by his mother and grandmother.
- He holds the record for the most HLTV MVP awards in the history of Counter-Strike, with 27 as of late 2025.
- He is one of only three players to be named the HLTV Player of the Year in their first full year as a professional.
Controversies
Mathieu Herbaut has maintained a largely uncontroversial career, known for his professionalism and calm demeanor. However, in August 2025, he became the target of online harassment following a match at the Esports World Cup. During a game against Chinese team TYLOO, ZywOo shot the in-game body of player Ji “Jee” Dongkai after a kill—a common form of “bad manners” or taunting in competitive play. This act was interpreted by a segment of the Chinese fanbase as a sign of major disrespect, leading to a wave of toxic comments and personal attacks against ZywOo on social media, with some users making remarks about his deceased father. The situation de-escalated after Jee himself posted on Chinese social media asking fans to stop the harassment, clarifying there was no disrespect meant. Subsequently, ZywOo and Jee appeared in a friendly video together, effectively putting the matter to rest and highlighting cultural differences in the perception of in-game actions.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Over 310,000 followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Over 7 million total views
- Twitch – Over 88,400 followers
Final Words about Mathieu Herbaut
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut continues to be a dominant force in the world of professional Counter-Strike. As the superstar AWPer for Team Vitality, he remains at the peak of his powers, consistently delivering MVP-level performances and leading his team to major international titles. His career, already laden with historic achievements, shows no signs of slowing down. Having conquered the biggest stages in both CS:GO and its successor, CS2, his focus remains on cementing his team’s era of dominance and further building upon his already legendary status. His combination of sublime skill, quiet humility, and a relentless will to win ensures that ZywOo’s legacy as one of the all-time greats is secure. As he continues to compete, the esports world watches in anticipation of what new heights “The Chosen One” will reach next.
