ZywOo Makes History with L’Équipe Cover Appearance
French esports superstar Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut has reached another milestone in his career after becoming the cover star of France’s iconic sports newspaper L’Équipe — a rare honour that highlights the growing global recognition of competitive gaming.
The Counter-Strike 2 professional, who plays for Team Vitality, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. Over the years, he has won three Major championships and numerous top-tier tournaments, helping his team dominate the international scene.
A Landmark Moment for Esports
ZywOo’s appearance on the magazine cover marks a significant step for esports acceptance in mainstream sports culture. Founded in 1946, L’Équipe traditionally focused on football, cycling and motorsport — but recently expanded coverage to competitive gaming as its popularity surged across France.
The cover release symbolizes how esports athletes are now being recognised alongside traditional sports icons, reinforcing the legitimacy and global impact of professional gaming.
Dominance with Team Vitality
Since joining Team Vitality in 2018, ZywOo has been central to the team’s golden era. During the past year alone, the organisation secured multiple Tier-1 trophies and the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 — awarded to teams winning four elite events — confirming their status among the world’s best CS2 teams.
His consistent performance, precision aim and clutch ability have made him a fan favourite and a role model for aspiring esports players worldwide.
Esports Enters the Mainstream
France has increasingly invested in esports infrastructure and international tournaments, while media coverage has expanded significantly. ZywOo’s magazine cover appearance reflects this shift — esports athletes are no longer niche competitors but global sports personalities.
The moment stands as a powerful reminder: competitive gaming has firmly secured its place in the international sporting landscape, and players like ZywOo are leading that transformation.