After a brilliant showing at IEM Melbourne 2025, the French team Vitality secured the ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title. Throughout the tournament, Vitality displayed consistent and confident play: they went undefeated in the group stage, defeating teams like FlyQuest and Liquid, and overcame Falcons in the grand final. This triumph not only reinforced their status as one of the strongest teams in the world but also allowed them to complete their ESL Grand Slam campaign. Among the first to congratulate the team personally was the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Macron and Vitality: How the President of France Supports Esports
Following Vitality’s victory at IEM Melbourne 2025 and their ESL Grand Slam Season 5 title, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the team, stating:
“With their ESL Grand Slam victory, Vitality have elevated France to the top of global esports and made our colors shine. Congratulations to the entire team!”
In April 2022, Emmanuel Macron was seen during a walk with his wife wearing a hoodie from Vitality’s French Touch collection, which features the colors of the French flag.
Throughout his presidency, Emmanuel Macron has consistently shown support for the growth of esports in France. In 2022, he announced ambitious plans to make France a leading nation in global esports, aiming to host major international events such as the CS:GO Major, League of Legends Worlds, and The International for Dota 2. As part of his election campaign that year, Macron met with figures from the French esports scene, including players, streamers, and executives from organizations like Team Vitality and Karmine Corp, to discuss the industry’s future.
In 2023, the French government unveiled a national esports development strategy. This plan focuses on supporting professional players, facilitating major tournament organization, and developing infrastructure for esports events. These initiatives demonstrate France’s clear ambition to become a major force in the global esports landscape.
After the Melbourne Win: Next Stop for Vitality — BLAST Rivals 2025
Vitality now face a new challenge — the BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 1 tournament, set to take place from April 30 to May 4 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Eight invited teams will battle for the top prize of $125,000.
Vitality’s first match is scheduled for Wednesday against Wildcard. Following their triumph in Melbourne, the team is determined to maintain their strong form and extend their winning streak at another prestigious event.
