Team Vitality extends ZywOo and apEX contracts through 2028

Team Vitality has re-signed Counter-Strike 2 players Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut and Dan "apEX" Madesclaire through 2028. The organisation announced the renewals on August 19 in Paris, revealing the news live at the Esports World Cup.

"Team Vitality has been my home for many years, and I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. But we are not done yet,” explains Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. “Extending my contract felt like the right decision for the next chapter of my career. Representing a French organisation at the highest level means a lot to me, and Vitality has always done everything possible to build the best team in the world. We all share the same ambition: to keep winning trophies and stay at the top.”

Vitality said ZywOo has earned a record 32 HLTV MVP awards and three Majors MVPs, and was named HLTV’s best player of 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2025. The organisation also cited additional accolades including Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade, Esports PC Player of the Year by the Esports Awards, and a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe 2021: Sports & Games list.

“Extending my journey with Vitality after eight incredible years is something I'm extremely proud of. This club has given me the greatest moments of my career, and together we've built something truly special. Looking back at everything we've achieved, it's an honour to have played a part in making Vitality the most successful Counter-Strike organisation in the world over that period,” says Dan “apEX” Madesclaire. “What makes this journey even more special is our fans. Wherever we compete, we know we can count on their support. The Golden Hornets and the entire Vitality community have become a benchmark in esports, and we're incredibly fortunate to have them behind us every step of the way. Giving back even a fraction of the love and passion you show us has always been one of our biggest motivations, and it always will be.”

The announcement follows a period of strong results cited by Team Vitality, including a record-breaking 30-match winning streak in 2025 and multiple trophies across 2026. The organisation also described a Paris city campaign tied to the renewals, including posters, a bus activation, and a black-and-white mural by Parisian artist NAIRONE near Quai de Valmy.