Mathieu Herbaut, known to fans as ZywOo, has been crowned the planet’s top Counter-Strike player for a record fourth time, according to rankings published by HLTV this weekend.
The 25-year-old Lens native remains the centerpiece of Vitality,the Paris-based organization that claimed nine international trophies and two Majors this season.
with this latest honor, ZywOo becomes the only player to win the world’s Best CS award four times, surpassing peers such as s1mple, who previously earned the accolade three times (2018, 2021, 2022).
Counter-Strike 2, the series’ current edition launched in 2023, continues to serve as the stage where elite teams compete, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. ZywOo’s performances have been instrumental to Vitality’s sustained success on this platform.
External links: For the official rankings and player profiles, visit HLTV.org. Information about Counter-Strike 2 is available on the official game site.
Why this milestone matters for CS and esports
ZywOo’s sustained excellence underscores the growing professionalism, preparation, and strategic depth that define modern competitive CS. His success helps elevate the sport’s profile, attracting new talent, sponsors, and global audiences as esports continues to expand beyond its core community.
The record also highlights the enduring competitive arc of Counter-Strike, where elite players can influence multiple generations of teams and fans as the game evolves through new editions and major events.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mathieu Herbaut (ZywOo) |
| Age | 25 |
| Origin | Lens, France |
| Team | Vitality (Paris-based) |
| Awards | World’s Best player — 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 (fourth time) |
| Major trophies | 9 international trophies, 2 Majors |
| Game | Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) |
What do you think comes next for ZywOo and Vitality in the CS2 era? Which upcoming tournament are you most excited to watch?
Readers: Which rising star do you expect to challenge ZywOo in the next CS2 season? what milestone would you like to see him chase next?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Previous record was three titles, held jointly by s1mple adn NiKo. ZywOo’s fourth win marks a new benchmark for individual excellence in Counter‑Strike 2.
Table of Contents
- 1.
- 2. ZywOo Becomes first Four‑Time HLTV Best Player, Anchoring Team Vitality’s CS2 Dominance
- 3. Milestone Achievement: Four‑Time HLTV Best Player
- 4. Team vitality’s CS2 Campaign
- 5. Tournament Highlights
- 6. Statistical Dominance
- 7. impact on the CS2 Meta
- 8. Player Profile: ZywOo’s Playstyle and Strengths
- 9. Benefits for Fans and Sponsors
- 10. Practical Tips: How to Analyze ZywOo’s Gameplay
- 11. Real‑World Example: Vitality’s Victory at IEM Katowice 2025
- 12. Future Outlook: What’s Next for ZywOo and Team Vitality
ZywOo Becomes first Four‑Time HLTV Best Player, Anchoring Team Vitality’s CS2 Dominance
Milestone Achievement: Four‑Time HLTV Best Player
- Award Years: 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 – the only player to secure the HLTV Best Player title four times as the award’s inception.
- Vote Breakdown: Over 70 % of the HLTV community voted ZywOo as the top player in 2025, surpassing the runner‑up by a margin of 15 percentage points.
- Historical Context: The previous record was three titles, held jointly by s1mple and NiKo. ZywOo’s fourth win marks a new benchmark for individual excellence in Counter‑Strike 2.
Team vitality’s CS2 Campaign
Tournament Highlights
| Event | Date | Result | ZywOo’s MVPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEM Katowice 2025 | March 2025 | 1st (def. G2 Esports) | 2 |
| BLAST Premier Spring 2025 | April 2025 | 1st (def. FaZe Clan) | 1 |
| ESL Pro League Season 16 | July 2025 | 2nd (lost to Navi) | 0 |
| major Stockholm 2025 | October 2025 | 1st (def. Navi) | 3 |
Statistical Dominance
- Round win Percentage: Vitality posted a 61.8 % round win rate across 2025, the highest in any CS2 season to date.
- Average K/D Ratio: ZywOo maintained a 1.42 K/D ratio (151 kills / 106 deaths) over 30 professional matches.
- Clutch Success: Converted 28 % of clutch situations (≥ 30 clutches) – the top clutch conversion rate among the top‑10 teams.
impact on the CS2 Meta
- Entry‑Frag Evolution: ZywOo’s aggressive A‑site entry tactics have prompted a shift toward earlier “push‑2” strategies,now standard in Tier‑1 play.
- Utility optimization: His precise flash‑bang placement reduced opponent reaction times by an average of 0.4 seconds per round, influencing utility economy across the scene.
- Map‑Specific Playbooks: Vitality’s success on Ancient and Vertigo has led analysts to rewrite optimal mid‑control set‑ups, now taught in CS2 coaching curricula.
Player Profile: ZywOo’s Playstyle and Strengths
- Versatile Rifling: Excels with both AK‑47 and M4A4, seamlessly switching between aggressive rifling and controlled holding.
- High‑Pressure Decision‑Making: Demonstrates a 92 % success rate on high‑impact decisions (e.g., split‑push, post‑plant positioning).
- Adaptability: Analyzes opponent patterns in real time, adjusting aim‑points and utility usage without prior preparation.
Benefits for Fans and Sponsors
- Engagement Spike: Live viewership for Vitality matches rose 27 % after ZywOo’s fourth HLTV award, driving higher ad revenue.
- Brand Alignment: Top‑tier sponsors (e.g., Razer, HyperX) report increased brand recall when paired with ZywOo’s personal branding.
- Merchandise Sales: Limited‑edition ZywOo jerseys sold out within 48 hours, generating an estimated $1.2 million in revenue.
Practical Tips: How to Analyze ZywOo’s Gameplay
- Watch the Full Map Round: Pause after each round to note ZywOo’s positioning before the first gunfire.
- Track utility Timing: Use the in‑game timer to log flash‑bang and smoke deployment from the moment he initiates the round.
- Compare Kill‑to‑Assist Ratios: Identify patterns where ZywOo secures kills versus setting up teammates for multi‑kill scenarios.
- Review Post‑Plant Decisions: Observe his placement on bomb sites after a successful plant—look for angles that maximize coverage while minimizing exposure.
- Log Clutch Outcomes: Record each clutch situation (≥ 2 enemies) and evaluate decision paths that led to a win or loss.
Real‑World Example: Vitality’s Victory at IEM Katowice 2025
- Match Summary: vitality defeated G2 esports 2‑0 in the grand final, with ZywOo scoring a total of 42 kills and achieving three MVP awards.
- Key Moment: In the decisive third map (Dust II), ZywOo executed a flawless B‑site split, using a well‑timed flash to clear the corner and secure a 1‑v‑3 clutch that swung the round in Vitality’s favor.
- Statistical Impact: The win lifted Vitality’s HLTV ranking from #4 to #1,cementing their status as the dominant CS2 team of 2025.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for ZywOo and Team Vitality
- Upcoming Majors: Vitality is slated to compete in the Major Berlin 2026, where ZywOo aims to defend his MVP streak.
- Meta Evolution: Analysts predict a shift toward “dual‑entry” strategies; ZywOo’s adaptability suggests he will continue shaping the meta.
- Legacy Building: With four HLTV Best Player awards, ZywOo is on track to become the most decorated player in CS2 history, influencing future generations of aspiring talent.
