Ceb believes that there is potential and virtue in French esports, and that more successes in the industry will only improve the nation’s reputation.
The OG superstar Sebastien 'Ceb' Debs was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to give a speech on the state of esports in France at the Elysee Palace for an event called "Reception for honors of French esports."
Honored to be given the opportunity to share his story
I play a game that's internationally known. But I sadly was the only French playing at that level for more than 10 years now. When I started there was very little attention given to esports here. It didn't stop me from making it. And I think it's great proof that French esports has a lot to offer. It's of great quality. There is super deep talent pool.
Ceb's speech translation by OG staff
As one of the biggest representatives of esports in France, Ceb's speech highlighted his journey, and provided some encouragement for youngsters looking to emulate him.
"First of all I would like to thank the President for acknowledging us and organizing this event, as well as everyone participating," he said.
"It's an immense honor to be here today. I will spare you the complete list of everything that happened. It would bore you pretty fast. But I can definitely talk about what allowed me to reach that level. It's a lot of work, a lot of efforts, a lot discipline.
And I know that many young people wish to do the same. And I encourage them to do so. It's of course filled with obstacles like whenever you try to reach the highest level at anything. But it's really worth it.
I play a game that's internationally known. But I sadly was the only French playing at that level for more than 10 years now. When I started there was very little attention given to esports here. It didn't stop me from making it.
I play a game that's internationally known. But I sadly was the only French playing at that level for more than 10 years now. When I started there was very little attention given to esports here. It didn't stop me from making it. And I think it's great proof that French esports has a lot to offer. It's of great quality. There is super deep talent pool.
So, every opportunity or even like this one today that aim to promote or support esports in France I can only celebrate really, because there is a lot to offer and there is a lot to do. And that's the only way I think that France can reach the status that it should have meaning being a reference in esports.
I see so much potential and virtue. It also participates in the country's image overseas so why not?"
Other highlights of the event
Macron tweeted after the event, "Through your commitment and your victories, you have made France a great esports nation. Your collective strength, you put it at the service of causes. For these reasons, I say to you the recognition of our country. Thank you. Together, let's take esports even higher!"
There is a promising future for esports in France
Ceb felt sad knowing he was the only French player to play at the highest level of Dota 2. While that is true, it is important to note another French player who shared the same journey as Ceb: Titouan "Sockshka" Merloz.
Sockshka was OG's coach when the team spectacularly achieved their second back-to-back victory at TI9 in Shanghai, China. He also played with Ceb in TI2 under the team mTw where they placed a 13-16th finish.
Outside of Dota 2, there are other players such as CS:GO's Dan 'apEX' Madesclaire and Fortnite's Clément 'Skite' Danglot who would embolden esports in France.
ApEX and Skite are some of France's wealthiest esports players with total earnings of $968,847 and $865,264 respectively. However, none of them compare to Ceb's net worth of $5,813,909. A detailed list of the highest-earning French esports players can be found here.
Ceb celebrates events that "promote or support esports in France"
Ceb stated that the only way for France to reach a status where it becomes a reference in esports is by having opportunities like the one he received from President Macron. He believes that esports in France has potential, and that participating in it will only improve the country's reputation.
Luckily for Ceb, Macron has plans to expand esports in France if he is re-elected in 2022. In his interview with French tech portal thebigWhale, Macron mentioned that he wants to "promote France as THE country for video games."
Finally, I'm not forgetting the esport, another field of French excellence with teams like Team Vitality or Karmine Corp. In this respect, we have a historic opportunity: the 2024 Olympic Games. It is up to us to take full advantage to establish a link between the two worlds’ Olympiads by hosting the world's greatest esporting events: CS:GO Majors, Worlds' League of Legends and The International of Dota 2. If the French trust me, we will work on it as soon as I am elected.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest Dota 2 news and updates.