Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut has been crowned HLTV’s Player of the Year at the HLTV Awards, securing the award for the fourth time in his career. The French superstar topped the ranking ahead of donk, with ropz completing the podium.
A historic season
ZywOo put together a historic 2025 season, averaging a 1.32 rating, winning nine trophies with Vitality and claiming eight MVP medals, including both Majors. No other player came close to matching the combination of individual brilliance and team success.
donk, who placed second, actually posted a higher 1.42 yearly rating, but Spirit were miles behind Vitality in the trophy race. Despite standout performances, the 18-year-old lacked the silverware to break ZywOo’s hold on the top spot.
Meanwhile, ropz enjoyed another great year after joining Vitality, helping power the team’s dominant run and finishing third overall – tying his placement in 2023 where he also got 3rd.
With another Player of the Year title in the bag, following 2019, 2020 and 2023, ZywOo continues strengthening his case as one of Counter-Strike’s all-time greats.
