Today marks a decisive step for esports in France with the creation of the French Union of Professional Esports Clubs (UFCEP).
This association brings together the largest French esports clubs - including Karmine Corp, Gentle Mates, Solary and Team Vitality. They sharea single goal: to better defend their interests and those of the fans with public authorities, tournament organizers and publishers. All as part of an initiative aimed at building a solid and sustainable ecosystem.
The timing is crucial because many deadlines are approaching in 2025. It is a
unique opportunity to strengthen France's position as a key player in global esports. It is therefore necessary to build strong collective momentum to structure the sector and support its various stakeholders.
Following an initial General Assembly, Team Vitality, represented by Nicolas Maurer – CEO of the club – will take on the role of President of the Union.
A COLLECTIVE, CONCRETE AND NECESSARY RESPONSE TO DEFEND THE INTERESTS OF ESPORTS
This initiative is part of years of collaboration between French clubs in a maturing market. Together, the clubs work hand in hand every day to defend their interests with the various stakeholders in the sector, including tournament organizers and game publishers. But while this voice is now well recognized by them, it still needs to be represented to public authorities.
By representing all French esports clubs and their millions of fans, the UFCEP becomes the legitimate player to defend its sector and bring its issues to them. The UFCEP also becomes the essential interlocutor to facilitate the understanding of the ecosystem's needs, provide faster and more concrete answers to the sector's development issues to the government.
Furthermore, the UFCEP wishes to promote an open and inclusive model. Any club meeting the eligibility criteria will be able to automatically join the union. This approach makes it possible to represent all professional esports clubs in all their diversity and to unite a unified and structured ecosystem.
The elected members of the Steering Committee will be tasked with defending the interests of the UFCEP and engaging in dialogue with the various players (tournament organizers, publishers, government, parliamentarians, economic and institutional decision-makers). A single representation will make it possible to ensure a framework conducive to the professionalization and sustainability of esports in France, while ensuring the protection of its brands, its fans and its players.
THE SUSTAINABILITY AND STRUCTURING OF THE SECTOR ARE AT STAKE
With the UFCEP, the union is composed of internationally recognized clubs in multiple high-audience games including League of Legends, Rocket League, VALORANT or Counter-Strike. These French clubs also have a pool of players with exceptional talents and worldwide influence. Mathieu “zywOo” Herbaut, Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert, Jérémy "Eika" Valdenaire, Luna "Lilith" Benzerara-Arnoux… France is a land of esports in many ways, starting with its ability to produce talent. It is a strength that must be built upon to develop it.
The clubs are already heavily involved in developing a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. However, they need a framework and institutional support to go even further. This starts with supporting players throughout their careers, which are often far too precarious for the majority of them.
Firstly, by providing them with a real professional framework through a tailor-made arrangement of their training so that they can continue their studies. Secondly, by supporting talent through the creation of dedicated training programs (esports-education, specific training...). Finally, this support will translate into more retraining proposals for the post-career of young and under-qualified profiles.
It is also about ensuring that the issues of the professional lives of players and clubs are better heard. Starting with the establishment of a simplified legal framework, such as facilitating visas during transfer periods. Or even, protecting their mental health. With particular attention paid to the dangers of cyberbullying that many young athletes in esports suffer.
These issues are all the more crucial because they are part of a dynamic of multiplying French players with strong economic weight and the establishment of many international events on the territory.
FRANCE, AN ESPORTS NATION, DRIVEN BY ITS YOUNG SUPPORTERS
The UFCEP is part of an approach based on essential values that govern esports and unite its players: performance, inclusion and passion. These clubs play a major role among French youth, gathering more than 7 million fans on their own, with an average age between 18 and 34. Their involvement in key international competitions strengthens their influence and visibility on the global stage.
While the global audience of esports has experienced significant growth, reaching 544 million people in 2024, France is establishing itself as an essential destination for organizing major international events. Paris is the perfect example: the capital has been chosen several times by Riot Games, the publisher of League of Legends, to host the Worlds and made history in the sector by organizing its very first Counter-Strike Major in 2023, the equivalent of a Grand Slam.
The year 2025 promises to be just as prestigious for French esports, with a major event calendar that will delight the fans of the clubs making up the UFCEP. Among them: the VALORANT Champions (equivalent to the world championships), the Rocket League Worlds, the Evolution Championship Series, the Fortnite Global Championship 2025 or the TFT Open Qualifier.
These events represent a unique opportunity for the UFCEP to work closely with the government to make these competitions unforgettable moments. Whether for the fans, the athletes, the clubs or the players in the sector, this synergy aims to further strengthen France's position on the global esports stage.
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Elected to the Steering Committee ● President: Team Vitality represented by Nicolas Maurer ● General Secretary: Karmine Corp represented by Arthur Perticoz ● Treasurer: Galions represented by Alexandre Job ● Other members ○ Gentle Mates represented by Xavier Oswald ○ GameWard represented by David Laniel ○ Team AEGIS represented by Kévin Ghanbarzadeh Key figures of the French Union of Professional Esports Clubs (UFCEP) ● Cumulative audience : + of 7 million ● Fans aged between 18 and 34: +82% ● Number of French and international trophies: +110 ● Number of employees : +530 |
A new era begins for French esports.
— Team Vitality 🐝 (@TeamVitality) March 12, 2025
Today we launch the French Union of Professional Esports Clubs! pic.twitter.com/wUgvS7dCHt