This paper introduces a novel optimization algorithm that is based on the basic idea underlying the bisection root-finding method in mathematics. The bisection method is modified for use as an optimizer by weighting each agent or vertex, and the algorithm developed from this process is called the weighted vertices optimizer (WVO). For exploitation and exploration, both swarm intelligence and evolution strategy are used to improve the accuracy and speed of WVO, which is then compared with six other popular optimization algorithms. Results confirm the superiority of WVO in most of the test functions.