The French star of Team Vitality doesn’t hide it: IEM Dallas was a win, but not an “A-game” performance. The toughest challenge of the season lies ahead.
“We didn’t play our best game throughout the tournament, except for the final.”
“We’ll take a few days off and then bootcamp in Paris.”
These two quotes from Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut after Vitality’s triumph at IEM Dallas 2025 reflect not complacency, but a professional mindset. That’s exactly what defines this Vitality era — striving for perfection even in the moment of success.
Gold in Dallas — but not flawless
Vitality won IEM Dallas without dropping a single BO3, but it wasn’t the kind of dominance we’ve seen from them at recent events. They dropped a map to Falcons and nearly stumbled in the group stage. Several matches were marked by uncharacteristic mistakes from an otherwise consistent roster.
“We lost clutches like 1v5s that we used to win.”
That’s a crucial indicator — ZywOo isn’t pointing to tactical flaws or positions. He’s referring to mental aspects: decision-making, composure, responsibility. These are the small details that define semifinal moments at Majors.
Pressure of being the favorites & laser focus
When you win everything, you become a target. Vitality knows this. Every move is analyzed, every demo dissected. That’s why self-discipline and focus need to be flawless.
“There will be more pressure at the Major as the favorites.”
Acknowledging their status is the first step to handling it. Not every champion can bear the weight of expectations, but ZywOo looks like someone who thrives under pressure. And now that pressure isn’t just on him — it’s on the whole of Vitality.
Expert takes: Why ZywOo still isn’t called the GOAT?
Amid Vitality’s dominance, a fair question arises: why isn’t ZywOo universally considered the greatest of all time? Analyst launders recently offered an interesting comparison:
“ZywOo is GSP and s1mple is Jon Jones in terms of the way they play, the wins, and the GOAT debates.”
ZywOo is technically perfect, efficient, and consistent. But he lacks what some call “legendary moments” — viral clutches, history-defining shots. Even his best games often feel “quiet.”
“ZywOo could become the best player across all versions of CS, but he wasn’t the best in CS:GO — and right now Donk is the only true #1 in CS2.”
This comment isn’t criticism — it’s a challenge. Donk has become the face of hype and aggression. ZywOo plays the long game. And Austin Major might be the perfect stage to settle the GOAT discussion once and for all.
Bootcamp in Paris — the final step before domination
The last phase of Vitality’s preparation is a bootcamp in Paris. This is where they aim to elevate their level from “enough to win” to “untouchable.”
“We want to do more before the Major, so we’ll be working hard.”
Even after six straight trophies, this team remains hungry to improve. Their plan isn’t to peak after the Major — it’s to peak at the Major. And if their preparation matches their self-awareness, their opponents should be worried.
Vitality — at their peak, but not at their limit
Vitality today look like champions not only because of their coordinated play, but because of their honesty with themselves. There’s no ego in their words — just precision and clarity. And that’s exactly what makes them more dangerous than ever.
Austin Major is the moment of truth. ZywOo, apEX, ropz, flameZ, and mezii are preparing for their biggest test yet. And this time, it’s not just about winning — it’s about proving that their era is only beginning.
