He was the best of the 32 best maestros. After more than a month of competition between the greatest champions of “Don't forget the words”, the final of the “Masters” delivered its verdict at the end of a high-flying final between Margaux, title holder, and Laurens, 2nd in the ranking of maestros behind her. And it was the 24-year-old Toulouse who won, winning 73,000 euros. A sum which is added to his very nice prize pool won almost a year ago: 457,000 euros. For Puremédiasthe doctoral student in mathematics, already impatient to put his title back on the line, looks back with humility on his performance.
Comments collected by Léa Stassinet
Puremédias: What does being “the maestro of maestros” mean to you?
Laurens : I don't even realize yet what's happening to me. It's a huge source of pride to have managed to measure myself against all these maestros that I watched on television before me, and to have managed to prevail over them.
You won the “Masters” against Margaux, the greatest maestro of the show, against whom you lost last spring in the team tournament. Did you take it as revenge?
I saw it more as a chance to measure myself against the best and last year's winner, but it's not really a revenge. That's not my philosophy. And then, at the tournament, it was in teams of 4 against 4, so I had never really experienced a direct match against her.
What was the most difficult match for you to manage during these Masters?
The closest match in terms of points was the very first against Pierre, in the round of 16. But the final against Margaux was the one where my head shook the most. I remember a song that I made while shaking, because the stakes were so enormous. Stress-wise, it was the most difficult match.
“Nagui always has a word to encourage us”
Laurens
It was your first “Masters”, did you find the same emotions as during your first participation a year ago?
Yes, it was the same pleasure of hearing the bell, of winning. It's almost better because we are aware of the ephemeral side of our presence in the show, so I savored each moment even more. For a year, I had missed the set a lot and I couldn't wait to go back.
What is the atmosphere like between the maestros? Do you see any of them outside of the show?
The atmosphere is great, we try to see each other and go on weekends together from time to time, even if it's difficult because we are scattered across the four corners of France and Belgium. When a maestro passes through another's city, we make sure to see each other. I made a lot of friends.
On set, is Nagui’s presence a support for you?
Nagui is there to put us at ease, to put us in the best conditions, and he always has a word to encourage us. It is really no stranger to the fact that the maestros feel so good on the set.
Before your first participation, you said you had revised more than 1,000 songs. How did you prepare for these Masters?
Since my defeat (November 30, 2023, editor's note), I have learned, when I had the time and the desire, songs to enrich my repertoire. Especially since for the Masters, there is the “unloved” category, these are little-known songs, so we are obliged to expand our repertoire as much as possible. And last summer, I rewatched all the classics from the show, to have them firmly in mind.
Has music always had an important place in your life?
My parents listened to it a lot, so it probably comes from there. From the age of 6, I started playing the djembe, then I played drums from the age of 16 to 18. When I come home, rather than watching a series, I listen to music. And as I have quite a few friends who have already participated or who are trying to participate in the show, we often do karaoke or blind tests with this small group of “NOPLP” fans, in bars in Toulouse. I never really had a passion for singing but watching the show made me want to participate, so I gave it a go.
Who is your favorite artist?
If I had to name one, it would be Georges Brassens. My father was a big fan, we listened to him a lot when my brother and I were young.
“For the moment, my money is sleeping”
Laurens
You won 457,000 euros last year, 73,000 euros with these Masters. What are you going to do with these winnings?
For the moment, my money is sleeping (laughs). I will wait until I have the opportunity to buy real estate. This is not yet relevant since I am a doctoral student at the university and it is not something stable. I will probably move to France later, geographically, so I will wait until I am settled to buy something.
Did you still indulge in some little pleasures?
Yes, I bought a pair of skis! And even some equipment that I didn't have last winter, because I usually rent my equipment.
Has your daily life changed?
I just increased my standard of living a little, without it being excessive. My daily life has changed little, my routine is the same: going to college every day. The only thing that changes is that at the end of the month, I don't look at how much is left in my bank account. It’s never ric-rac and that’s a luxury.
“Every time I stop at a motorway rest area, people recognize me”
Laurens
Do people recognize you, in the street or at university?
During broadcast times, I am recognized from time to time in stores. The place where I am most recognized is on motorway rest areas! I don't know how to explain it. Most of the time, people congratulate me. The most delicious thing is the moment when I see that they know my face, but without knowing where. There, they stare at me without daring to come see me, it's a dumb game. (laughs)
Has this television experience made you want to participate in other TV games or try other media adventures?
Not really because, among the existing TV games, “Don't forget the lyrics” is the only one that seems really accessible to me. I watch “100% Logic” from time to time and I think it might be fun, but I don't have the ambition to participate in it. It's only “Don't forget the lyrics” that has always tempted me.
“I'd get crushed in the 'Champions Quiz' but it would be funny”
Laurens
Were you contacted after your visit?
No, but if I am contacted, I will think about it. (laughs) I know that there are things like the “Champions Quiz” (a show presented by Cyril Féraud which brings together the greatest TV game champions, editor’s note) where I think I would be crushed because there to all general culture nerds. But hey, that would be funny.
Are you ready to put your title back on the line next year?
Yes, it's the game and I will happily return to it. If I can win back, I won't say no. And then if someone else wins, they will have deserved it. I'm already looking forward to next year.
Do you already miss these strong emotions?
Yes. In fact, a year is a long time! (laughs) And it's such a rush of adrenaline and emotions… It's a life experience condensed into a few days of filming.
