Mathieu "ZywOo" Erbeau spoke about his thoughts on competing against rising stars like Donk and m0NESY, his balanced playstyle, and the transformational impact of Vitality's roster changes. With IEM Katowice 2025 nearing its climax, the French superstar shared his thoughts on the team's renewed energy and his unwavering passion for the game in an interview with Bo3.gg.

Between Donk and m0NESY, what do you enjoy most about this rivalry?

I enjoy the competition. That’s why I love this game—there’s always someone pushing you. When I started, it was s1mple; now it’s Donk and m0NESY. Without competition, things would get boring. I like watching them perform, and sometimes I enjoy seeing them lose because it’s part of the rivalry. It reminds me of sports—LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, Messi vs. Ronaldo. It’s a great motivation for me.

In January, the main discussion wasn’t about Donk being top one—we all expected that—but about who would be second, you or m0NESY. How do your playstyles compare? What are your advantages and disadvantages?

My playstyle isn’t as flashy. Donk and m0NESY are more explosive, pulling off flicks and crazy plays that I wouldn’t attempt. People might prefer watching them because of that. My style is more like dev1ce—good positioning, smart plays, controlling the game. I don’t play for the audience; I play my game. Of course, I wanted to be at least top two, but I don’t think I had a great year. This year, I’ll do better.

Do you care about individual achievements like being ranked top one or two?

Not really. During the year, there’s so much to focus on—team problems, tournaments—so I don’t think much about rankings. We don’t know how the year will unfold, so I don’t let HLTV rankings distract me.

You, m0NESY, and Donk are all incredibly talented. Did you feel a gap between yourself and Donk in 2024? Did you try to close it during the player break?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a big gap. We all had strong years. Donk had an insane Katowice run, but throughout the year, it was really close. Before the Major, m0NESY was seen as the real top one, then Donk won the Major MVP, which secured his spot. Until the last month, no one knew who would be number one. It was a great competition, and I believe anyone can beat anyone.

You started your career in a rivalry with s1mple. Do you enjoy this current rivalry more, or do you miss playing against s1mple at the highest level?

I wouldn’t say I miss it, but I think the scene does. He brought so much to the game. For me, though, nothing has changed. Donk and m0NESY are now the rivals, but my mindset remains the same.

Your team made roster changes while others kept their cores. Do you think this gives you an advantage or disadvantage?

I think it’s a big benefit. Ropz brings great ideas, and our chemistry is strong. Last year, we were a top-four team, but we needed something more. After winning the Major and other trophies in 2023, we had to evolve. Ropz has won everything—Intel Grand Slam, Cologne, Katowice, the Major—but he still wants more, and that energy is contagious. It’s exactly what we needed.

What aspects of your team have improved the most?

I wouldn’t say our raw power has changed much, but we enjoy playing together more. With a fresh roster, new strategies, and a new approach, there’s more excitement. Even in practice, we have more fun. Individually, everyone is in great form, which makes a big difference.

In martial arts, fighters develop a connection over time. Do you feel something similar when facing teams like FaZe, NAVI, or Spirit? Do you pick up on their habits?

We play them so often—both in practice and officials—that we already know a lot about them. Of course, we adjust strategies, but at some point, it just comes down to playing our game. CS is like an aim duel—if you shoot better, you win. We recognize we’re among the top teams, but we see ourselves as a unit rather than relying on individual plays.

Your match against 3DMAX was a rare all-French showdown. What makes French CS unique? Did playing against fellow countrymen change anything?

It felt like a derby. We hadn’t played against a French roster since 2021. Apex and I have known those guys for a long time, so it was a strange experience. They wanted to prove that French CS isn’t dead, and we wanted to show that we’re still among the best. That kind of rivalry can lead to mistakes because both sides want to prove something. It was fun, though.

apEX was very vocal during that match. Is that typical for French teams?

Yeah, if you’ve ever been to a French LAN, it’s normal. In 2014, it was the same. If no one is screaming, it’s not a real French LAN. I don’t do it myself, but I’m used to it. Apex brings that energy, and it doesn’t bother me—it just feels like home.

You’ve had two tough games on Anubis this year—against Eternal Fire at BLAST and FaZe. What made those matches difficult? Did FaZe replicate what Eternal Fire did?

No, I wouldn’t say that. We changed our approach on Anubis after Ropz joined, so we’re still adapting. We just need to find our rhythm and get comfortable. Yesterday, we beat VP on Anubis, which is a good sign. The more we play it, the better we’ll get.

EliGE said MR12 needs more gun rounds. Do you agree? What changes would you like to see in CS?

I see his point. If you lose both pistols, you’re already down 6-0, and half the game is gone. Valve could adjust the economy or make other balance changes. Also, some maps haven’t changed in two years. There’s a lot they could tweak—economy, gameplay, maps—to make the game better.

Vitality have reached the semi-finals of IEM Katowice 2025, where they will eagerly await their opponent. They have directly qualified and remain one of the favorites of the tournament. Follow the news, schedule, and results of the tournament here.