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—with a single goal: to better defend their interests and those of their fans with public authorities, tournament organizers, and publishers. All this as part of an effort to build a strong and sustainable ecosystem.
Timing is critical because many deadlines are coming up in 2025. This is an opportunity
unique opportunity to strengthen France's position as a key player in global esports. It is therefore necessary to initiate a strong collective dynamic to structure the sector and support its various stakeholders.
After the first General Assembly, Team Vitality, represented by Nicolas Maurer – CEO of the club – will assume the role of President of the Union.
A COLLECTIVE, CONCRETE AND NECESSARY RESPONSE TO DEFEND THE INTERESTS OF ESPORT
This initiative builds on years of collaboration between French clubs in a maturing market. Together, the clubs work hand in hand daily to defend their interests with various stakeholders in the sector, including tournament organizers and game publishers. But while this voice is now clearly identified among them, it still needs to be embodied in public authorities.
By representing all French esports clubs and their millions of fans, the UFCEP has become the legitimate player to defend its sector and bring its challenges to them. The UFCEP also becomes the essential interlocutor to facilitate understanding of the ecosystem's needs and provide faster and more concrete responses to the sector's development challenges with the government.
Furthermore, the UFCEP aims to promote an open and inclusive model. Any club meeting the eligibility criteria will be automatically eligible to join the union. This approach allows for the representation of all professional esports clubs in all their diversity and the creation of a unified and structured ecosystem.
The elected members of the Steering Committee will be responsible for defending the interests of the UFCEP and engaging with various stakeholders (tournament organizers, publishers, government, parliamentarians, economic and institutional decision-makers). A single representative body will provide a framework conducive to the professionalization and sustainability of esports in France, while ensuring the protection of its brands, fans, and players.
THE SUSTAINABILITY AND STRUCTURING OF THE SECTOR AT STAKE
With the UFCEP, the union is made up of internationally recognized clubs in multiple high-audience games including League of Legends, Rocket League, VALORANT, and Counter-Strike. These French clubs also boast a pool of exceptionally talented players with global reach. 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 foster talent. This is a strength that must be leveraged to develop it.
Clubs are already heavily committed to 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.
First, by providing them with a genuine professional framework through tailor-made training arrangements so they can continue their studies. Second, by supporting talent through the creation of dedicated training programs (esports studies, specific training, etc.). Finally, this support will result in more post-career retraining opportunities for young and less-educated individuals.
It also means ensuring greater attention to the challenges facing players and clubs in their professional lives. This includes implementing a simplified legal framework, such as visa facilitation during transfer periods. This also includes protecting their mental health. Particular attention is paid to the dangers of cyberbullying faced by many young athletes involved in esports.
These issues are all the more crucial as they are part of a dynamic of multiplication of French actors with strong economic weight and the establishment of numerous international events in the territory.
FRANCE, AN ESPORTS NATION, SUPPORTED BY ITS YOUNG SUPPORTERS
The UFCEP is part of an approach based on the core values that govern esports and unite its players: performance, inclusion, and passion. These clubs play a major role among French youth, bringing together more than 7 million fans with an average age between 18 and 34. Their involvement in key international competitions strengthens their influence and visibility on the world stage.
As the global esports audience has grown significantly, reaching 544 million people by 2024, France is establishing itself as a key destination for hosting major international events. Paris is a perfect example: the capital has been chosen several times by Riot Games, 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 calendar of major events that will delight fans of the clubs that make up the UFCEP. These include the VALORANT Champions (equivalent to the world championships), the Rocket League Worlds, the Evolution Championship Series, the Fortnite 2025 Global Championship, and the TFT Open Qualifier.
These events represent a unique opportunity for the UFCEP to collaborate closely with the government to make these competitions unforgettable. Whether for fans, athletes, clubs, or industry stakeholders, this synergy aims to further strengthen France's position on the global esports scene.
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Elected to the Steering Committee ● President: Team Vitality represented by Nicolas Maurer ● Secretary General: Karmine Corp represented by Arthur Perticoz ● Treasurer: Galleons represented Alexander Job ● Other members ○ Gentle Mates represented by Xavier Oswald ○ GameWard represented by David Laniel ○ Team AEGIS represented by Kevin Ghanbarzadeh Key figures from the French Union of Professional Esports Clubs (UFCEP) ● Cumulative audience : over 7 million ● Fans aged 18-34: +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 are launching the French Union of Professional Esports Clubs! pic.twitter.com/wUgvS7dCHt