LDLC announces exit from eSports after 13 years

French esports organization Team LDLC, known for its long-standing presence in the competitive gaming scene, has announced its decision to cease all esports operations after nearly 13 years. The announcement, made on May 16, marks the end of an era for the team founded in 2010 by electronics retailer LDLC. While Team LDLC had diverse lineups across several esports titles, it gained significant recognition in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).

The Past:

Team LDLC achieved a major milestone in Counter-Strike history by winning the DreamHack Winter 2014 Major, boasting a formidable lineup that included renowned players such as Richard "shox" Papillon, Vincent "Happy" Cervoni Schopenhauer, and Nathan "NBK-" Schmitt. This victory placed LDLC among the elite few, as only 13 organizations have claimed a Major championship in CS:GO.

Shortly after their triumphant win, Team LDLC was sold to Team EnVyUs, which went on to secure another major victory at the DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 Major. This success cemented the team's position as the most successful French CS:GO lineup to date.

Team LDLC was also represented by notable players including Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, Kevin "Ex6TenZ" Droolans, and Kenny "kennyS" Schrub, further solidifying their impact on the CS:GO scene.

The Present:

Beyond CS:GO, Team LDLC expanded its presence in other esports disciplines, fielding two FIFA players and a French League of Legends team. The League of Legends lineup notably clinched victory at the French League tournament for the third split in a row earlier this year after their previous win at the European Masters in Spring 2020.

In January 2020, the French Organization formed a partnership with Olympique Lyonnais, a renowned French soccer team, and rebranded as LDLC OL. The collaboration aimed to boost the French esports landscape, with plans to host major international esports tournaments at a planned 16,000-seat multi-purpose arena. However, after just over three years, the partnership has come to an end, leading to LDLC's decision to withdraw from esports entirely.

The Future:

In a press release on May 16, the LDLC Group stated, "Despite their best efforts, the teams have not managed to achieve sufficient recognition among the general public, despite their considerable reputation and popularity within the gaming community." As a result, the LDLC Group and OL Group have agreed to terminate the LDLC OL partnership prematurely, effective from the end of July 2023. Consequently, LDLC Event will withdraw from the esports scene, marking the conclusion of its operational activities in this sector.

Over the past five years, Team LDLC gradually reduced its presence in various esports titles, ultimately focusing on its FIFA, CS:GO, and League of Legends lineups. The organization had previously competed in Overwatch, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Starcraft 2, the eSports World Rally Championship, and Heroes of the Storm.

In a Nutshell:

As Team LDLC prepares to exit the esports scene in July, their CS:GO team will concentrate on the relegation battle to secure their position in the ESL Challenger League, scheduled from June 8 to 11. Meanwhile, the League of Legends team awaits the start of the LFL 2023 Summer Split, expected to commence in early June.

Team LDLC's departure from the esports industry signifies the end of a storied chapter in French esports, leaving behind a legacy of achievements and contributions to the competitive gaming community.