Lack of French Representatives at Fortnite Worlds in Lyon

The French Fortnite scene is currently facing a significant challenge, with a noticeable lack of representation in this year's World Cup. This dearth of French players is felt not only in the results but also in the dynamics of the competition.

At the 2019 World Cup, 13 French players participated, but since then, many of the best elements have left for other games or horizons, leaving a gap that has yet to be filled. The European level of Fortnite competition has risen in recent months, making it more challenging for French players to secure their spots.

One of the few resilient structures in the French scene is Gentle Mates, but seven out of ten players on their roster are foreigners. This trend is not unique to Gentle Mates, as many major French clubs have left the scene, making financial and sporting support rarer for many French players.

The scarcity of French players in the World Cup qualifiers is further compounded by the slow decline in popularity of Fortnite. Despite this, there are signs of renewed interest in the game, with Nikolas "Nikof" Frejavise, a former World Cup finalist in 2019, stating that the community is beginning to show more enthusiasm.

Nikof, manager of the Fortnite section of Gentle Mates, attributes the French blues' fiasco to a lack of commitment from some players. This lack of commitment is evident in the fact that French players have missed out throughout the season in the three Majors qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.

Clément "Skite" Danglot, the best French player in the 2019 edition, stopped playing Fortnite three years later. This departure, along with others, has left a void that has yet to be filled.

However, there is hope on the horizon. The 2023 Fortnite World Cup will take place in Lyon, France, marking the first major incursion of Fortnite in France. This event could encourage a new generation of players to turn towards the competition and potentially reignite the French Fortnite scene.

It's also worth noting that the 2023 World Cup will be played in trios, which could provide an opportunity for French players to form alliances with players of different nationalities, as is common in the finals of major tournaments. With 29 nationalities set to be represented, including the United States, India, Oman, and Latvia, the stage is set for diverse collaborations.

Despite the current challenges, the French organization with multiple players qualified for the fourth Fortnite World Cup tournament is Karmine Corp. Their presence in the competition serves as a beacon of hope for the French Fortnite scene, demonstrating that with commitment and determination, French players can compete at the highest level.