In December 2025, the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports community witnessed a historic moment at the StarLadder Budapest Major. Team Vitality, led by the exceptional Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, clinched their second Major title of the year, solidifying their dominance in the CS2 scene. ZywOo’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament not only secured the championship for Vitality but also earned him his third Major Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a first in CS2 history.
This achievement underscores ZywOo’s consistent excellence and Vitality’s strategic prowess, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of competitive Counter-Strike.
Vitality’s Path to Victory
Team Vitality’s journey to the StarLadder Budapest Major title was marked by resilience and tactical brilliance. After a challenging start, they faced FaZe Clan in the grand final, a team known for their formidable presence in the CS2 arena. The series began with FaZe taking the first map, Nuke, with a 13-6 victory. However, Vitality quickly regrouped, demonstrating their adaptability and determination. They dominated the subsequent maps, Dust2 (13-3), Inferno (13-9), and Overpass (13-2), to secure a 3-1 series win. This comeback not only showcased Vitality’s strategic depth but also their ability to perform under pressure, a testament to their championship caliber.
The grand final was particularly significant as it marked the first-ever best-of-five format in Major history, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. Vitality’s ability to adapt and overcome the extended series format highlighted their preparedness and mental fortitude, setting a new precedent for future Majors.
Throughout the tournament, Vitality’s cohesion and tactical execution were evident. Their performance against FaZe, especially after losing the initial map, demonstrated their resilience and strategic acumen. The team’s ability to adjust their playstyle and capitalize on FaZe’s weaknesses was a key factor in their success, reinforcing their status as a top-tier team in the CS2 landscape.
ZywOo’s Historic MVP Achievement
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s performance at the StarLadder Budapest Major was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging a 1.38 rating over 13 maps, he consistently delivered high-impact plays that were crucial to Vitality’s success. His best performance came on Mirage against The MongolZ, where he achieved a remarkable 2.47 rating, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure. This level of consistency and excellence throughout the tournament earned him his third Major MVP award, a first in CS2 history. This achievement not only highlights his individual skill but also his leadership and influence on the game’s outcome.
The competition for the MVP title was intense, with teammates Robin “ropz” Kool and William “mezii” Merriman also delivering exceptional performances. Ropz, in particular, had a standout moment with a 2.89 rating on Overpass in the grand final, showcasing his critical role in the team’s success. Despite the close competition, ZywOo’s overall impact, consistency, and round-winning contributions were decisive factors in his MVP selection, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s greats.
ZywOo’s third Major MVP award places him a of other legends in the CS2 community, such as Marcelo “coldzera” David and Nicolai “device” Reedtz, who each have two Major MVPs. This milestone not only cements his legacy but also sets a new benchmark for excellence in competitive Counter-Strike, inspiring future generations of players to strive for similar heights.
Record-Breaking Year for ZywOo
In 2025, ZywOo’s achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. With eight MVP awards throughout the year, he has matched Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev’s record for the most MVPs in a single year. This accomplishment underscores his consistent high-level performance and his pivotal role in Vitality’s success across various tournaments. His ability to maintain peak performance throughout the year highlights his dedication, skill, and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive CS2.
Beyond the MVP awards, ZywOo’s influence on Vitality’s gameplay has been profound. His strategic insights, precise aim, and clutch plays have been instrumental in the team’s victories. His leadership extends beyond in-game actions, as he serves as a mentor to his teammates, fostering a cohesive and resilient team environment. This synergy has been a key factor in Vitality’s dominance in 2025, culminating in their back-to-back Major titles.
ZywOo’s record-breaking year also reflects the evolution of the CS2 competitive scene. His performances set new standards for individual excellence, challenging other players to elevate their game. His achievements contribute to the growing prestige and recognition of CS2 as a premier esports title, attracting new fans and players to the community.
Impact on the CS2 Esports Landscape
The success of Vitality and ZywOo at the StarLadder Budapest Major has had a significant impact on the CS2 esports landscape. Their back-to-back Major victories have set a new benchmark for team performance, demonstrating the importance of strategic depth, adaptability, and mental resilience. Other teams in the competitive scene are now looking to emulate Vitality’s approach, focusing on team cohesion and tactical innovation to compete at the highest level.
ZywOo’s individual achievements have also inspired a new generation of players. His dedication to continuous improvement, his ability to perform under pressure, and his leadership qualities serve as a model for aspiring esports athletes. His success story highlights the potential for growth and recognition within the CS2 community, motivating players to pursue excellence and contribute to the game’s evolving competitive scene.
The broader esports community has taken notice of Vitality’s and ZywOo’s accomplishments. Their success has led to increased media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement, contributing to the growth and professionalization of esports as a whole. The StarLadder Budapest Major, in particular, has gained prominence, setting the stage for future Majors to be even more competitive and prestigious.
Looking A: The Future of Vitality and ZywOo
As 2025 concludes, the future looks promising for both Vitality and ZywOo. Their back-to-back Major titles have solidified their position at the pinnacle of CS2 esports, setting high expectations for the upcoming season. The team’s cohesion, strategic approach, and individual talents suggest that they will continue to be formidable contenders in future tournaments.
ZywOo’s continued excellence raises questions about his potential to achieve even greater milestones. His ability to adapt to new metas, his leadership within the team, and his relentless pursuit of improvement position him as a central figure in the CS2 competitive scene. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he and Vitality will evolve, anticipating further innovations in gameplay and strategy that could redefine the future of competitive Counter-Strike.
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will be remembered as a landmark event in the history of CS2 esports. Vitality’s victory, led by the historic performance of ZywOo, has set new standards for team success and individual excellence. Their achievements not only highlight the current state of competitive Counter-Strike but also pave the way for future developments in the esports industry.
As the CS2 competitive scene continues to evolve, the legacy of Vitality’s back-to-back Major titles and ZywOo’s record-breaking MVP awards will serve as a benchmark for teams and players striving for excellence. Their story is a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that drive the esports community forward, inspiring future generations to reach new heights in the world of competitive gaming.