eSports continue to gain momentum in France

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A summer wind blows across the Arena Bercy. Proudly displaying their team jerseys, scarves in the colors of their clubs and sometimes even the huge heads of the athletes they idolize, thousands of supporters came to encourage their team for the Red Bull League of Its Own. A fervor worthy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

In a packed room, the event brought together seven of the world’s best racing teams. League of Legendsincluding: Karmine Corp, G2, NNO and Gentle Mates – without forgetting the icing on the cake, the legendary South Korean team, five-time reigning world champions, T1. “It’s not every day that we have this in France. The best players in the world travel, it’s incredible, I immediately took my place”, exults Maxence, 23 years old.

A mix of entertainment and competition. For the players, the perfect opportunity to compete against the best before the launch of the season in mid-January of the LEC, the European elite of League of Legends (LoL). And the best of the best has a name: Faker. “I’m so happy to see him, it’s a myth. It’s like watching Ronaldo, it’s just spectacular,” explains Mathis to Euronews.

A popularity due to his incredible longevity at the high level. Real name Lee Sang-Hyeok, the T1 captain has ruled the game since his first world crown eleven years ago. His entrance caused the 15,000 spectators in the stands to overheat. An atmosphere that the GOAT of eSports told Euronews to look forward to ahead of the event : “I am happy to meet the French fans again. They are passionate, very active and very funny!” And to add soberly: “I am proud of my career but I want to continue, train even harder and win again.”

The success of the French Touch

An unsatisfied hunger, which delights fans around the world, including the French. France has nearly 40 million casual players and 12 million amateur players. French eSports represents a turnover of 116 million euros in 2022 (+182% in 3 years) and investments in this sector are increasing exponentially. Nearly 200 professional players promote France internationally. For several years, French streamers from the world of gaming have been organizing large-scale events around their passion. “Influencers like Gotaga and Kameto [qui cumulent chacun plusieurs millions d’abonnés, ndlr] took their entire community with them into eSports. It has become accessible to the general public.Arnaud explains to us. His friend adds: “In France, we are very competitive, sporting events are unifying. There is French know-how to bring together, unlike other countries in Europe.”

Best French League of Legends player, Steven “Hans Sama” Liv has seen the competition thicken in recent years: “Before, there were really few of us. But now, a lot of players are becoming professional. eSports has become very big in France”confides to Euronews the reigning European champion with G2. At 25, the Parisian expatriated to Berlin where his team’s HQ is located, is now aiming for the world summit: “It’s my No. 1 priority. I train 12 hours a day, it’s never been this extreme.” But before achieving his dream, Hans Sama will already have to overcome his main competitor on the European scene: Karmine Corp.

Karmine Corp, at home

This was one of the most anticipated posters of the evening, and it did not disappoint. In the central ring, Karmine Corp and G2 are back-to-back for a match intended to give a taste of what LEC 2025 will be like. In the stands, the ultras are in turmoil. The G2 “Samurai” chant their war cry – KCorp returns blow for blow. “He who doesn’t jump isn’t Karmine!” shout the members of the supporters collective, “The Blue Wall”. Hundreds of them came to encourage the main French eSports team, founded in 2020 by the streamer Kameto. “Karmine is the best team because it brings us together around unifying values. We are united in victory as well as in defeat,” Max tells us proudly. This 24-year-old from Bordeaux has been following the movements of his team for two years with the “Blue Wall”. And like many this year, he is particularly confident about the future performances of his team.

Announced as the new “crack” ready to shake up the European game, “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert comes to strengthen the KCorp and should be the main attraction of the school year. A prediction confirmed by the applause meter when he arrived on stage. “There are a lot of expectations on him. He’s the new French prodigy,” says Louise. At only 18 years old, he has just been promoted to the LEC.

Between Marseillaise and drum rolls, the giant screens broadcast a replay of his best actions during the match against G2 – ultimately won by KCorp who created a surprise. “It gives us confidence for the future,” admits Targamas to Euronews, after his performance.“Caliste is very involved, he is a driving force for the team. He pulls us all up”. The Belgian also hopes that the young nugget will help his team steal the European crown from G2 this season and shine at the world championship, scheduled for China in 2025.

The evening ends with one last crazy match between Karmine and T1 – won by the South Korean kings. Good spirits, the different teams meet to congratulate each other, before giving autographs and selfies to a few lucky people. The end of the Paris Games left athletes around the world filled with nostalgia. Good news, this time, you won’t have to wait very long to vibrate again. eSports fans will meet on January 18 for the kick-off of the LEC.