Gentle Mates Launches Esports World Cup in Paris
The Esports World Cup, the largest video game competition, began in Paris on July 11, 2026, with an opening ceremony featuring French artists Aya Nakamura, Theodora, and DJ Snake. The event kicked off with a showmatch between influencers Inoxtag and Squeezie on Valorant. Gentle Mates, founded in 2023 by Squeezie, Gotaga, and Brawks, is one of France's top esports clubs alongside Vitality and Karmine Corp. The club specializes in Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Valorant. CEO Marceau Lambert highlighted the advantage of playing at home without time zone constraints and with local community support. The competition runs until August 23, 2026.
Key facts
- Esports World Cup launched in Paris on July 11, 2026.
- Opening ceremony featured Aya Nakamura, Theodora, and DJ Snake.
- First showmatch between Inoxtag and Squeezie on Valorant.
- Gentle Mates founded in 2023 by Squeezie, Gotaga, and Brawks.
- Club specializes in Call of Duty, Counter Strike, and Valorant.
- CEO Marceau Lambert cited home advantage and local support.
- Event runs until August 23, 2026.
- Gentle Mates sells merchandise including sportswear.
Entities
Artists
- Aya Nakamura
- Theodora
- DJ Snake
- Inoxtag
- Squeezie
- Gotaga
- Brawks
- Marceau Lambert
Institutions
- Gentle Mates
- Vitality
- Karmine Corp
- Esports World Cup
- Spacestation Gaming
- RFI
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Nanterre
- La Défense Arena