The Blue Wall, the bridgehead for eSports in Tours

For them, there is only one color: blue. The Blue Wall (literally “blue wall”, in reference to the supporters’ walls of the football stadium) in Tours has its districts, where events are held. Viewing Parties (VP)Supporter meetings.

But it is e-sport, or electronic sport, that these fans come to watch, especially on League of Legends. A game with a very developed competitive scene and on which one of the biggest French teams, Carmine Corp (KC), plays. The team is generating so much enthusiasm that an association of supporters, Le Bleu Wall, was created in 2021 and has spread to local groups in dozens of French cities.

The same passion, no matter the jersey

In Tours, Menon is the representative of Debut Blue Wall. She has been following the League of Legends competitions since the first lockdown and quickly won “A team that delivers a great game” And that forces her to volunteer in the organization.

On match days, he meets fans at Le Jeu du Sort Bar, where matches are broadcast live. “Depending on the matches, we gather ten to thirty supportersshe explains. VPs were first organized in Paris, Lyon or Nantes, then they grew. »

On site, on match nights, “It doesn’t matter if you come alone or not, whatever your age, there’s a good atmosphere. We see fans as young as 16 as well as others over 40. »

These gatherings are open to everyone, KC fans or not. Case in point is Casey’s long-time rival Jonathan Tissot, a historic member of the Golden Hornets, the supporters’ association of French team Vitality. “Last week, our two teams faced each other

He says with a smile. We threw barbs at each other, but always with kindness, it was a great time. »

Initially, he had some reservations, which were quickly put aside. “On social networks, we argue a lot between supporters. But there, everyone gets along well. Even when we wear different jerseys it is easy to talk to each other and meet new friends. »

That evening, the bar does not welcome fans of the Solari team, which is historically based in Tours and which plays in the same division. “We are still waiting for themCharlie DeQuard room, also a KC fan. But if they want to come, they are welcome. The atmosphere is good both during and outside the matches. Some fans arrange to carpool or take the same train to the event, regardless of the team they support. »

That evening, KC fans would be delighted, with a resounding victory over Aegis in thirty minutes, while Vitality would lose to BK ROG. But, in wins as in losses, appointments have already been made for the next matches.