Team Vitality has announced that Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut and Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire have signed contracts to continue with the French organization through 2028.
The French pair both joined Vitality’s Counter-Strike roster in 2018, building Vitality from its initial form as a fully French roster to the powerhouse international roster we see today, with the pair securing three Major titles together in that time.
apEX and ZywOo continue historic collaboration
The extension sees the two pillars of Vitality roster retained until at least 2028. In ZywOo’s case, that means the continuation of the AWPer’s presence on the only Tier 1 team of his career, joining from French roster aAa in September 2018.
ZywOo shared, “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. 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.”
Joining Vitality from a turbulent time in G2 in October 2018, apEX has developed from a potent entry rifler into a complete IGL, retaining the ability to deliver fragging power when necessary, and leading his team to three Majors, and two ESL Grand Slams.
“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,” said Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire.
The confirmation of apEX’s continuation may put to rest anxieties over the 33-year-old’s upcoming leave for the birth of his first child. apEX will miss PG Masters Bucharest as he prepares to become a father. However, the Vitality player pledged to continue to push himself and the historic roster.
apEX stated, “Every time we think we’ve reached our peak, we find a way to push even further. This past year proved that once again, and it’s why I’m so excited for what’s next. I’m grateful for the trust of the club, my teammates and our fans, and I’m looking forward to writing the next chapter of Vitality’s story together.”
Vitality CEO, Fabien ‘Neo’ Devide, celebrated the extensions and the history that the pair have built in Vitality, stating, “We signed both players together in 2018, and by 2028, they will have spent a remarkable ten years with Team Vitality. In esports, that level of loyalty and longevity is incredibly rare, and I am immensely proud that we have built this journey together.“
Neo continued, “What makes it even more exceptional is that, throughout all these years, they have maintained an extraordinary level of excellence and consistency competing at the highest level. Their commitment, loyalty, and dedication have been instrumental in making Counter-Strike the flagship of our organisation and in shaping Team Vitality’s legacy.
“We have shared some of the greatest moments in our history, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together. I’m incredibly excited to see what we can accomplish in this next chapter!”
Do you think Vitality will maintain their dominance with apEX and ZywOo secured? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, FURIA announced that their CS2 female roster will move to Valorant. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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