The Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault has unveiled its eight finalists, cementing its status as one of the premier esports tournaments. With a staggering 515,000 participants from 221 countries engaging in over 9.5 million Tennis Clash matches, the competition to reach the Final Stage was fierce. The chosen few who have made it to this prestigious event are set to compete in an unforgettable showdown.
Reigning champion Alessandro Bianco, alongside Hizir Balkanci, the victor of the first Open Qualifier, will be joined by a talented lineup including Anyndia Lestari, Omer Feder, Adjua Thembisa Boucher, Eugen Mosdir, Bartu Yildirim, and Samuel Sanin Ortiz. These finalists will clash on May 24th at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum, promising a spectacle of high-caliber eSports action.
Adding to the excitement, this year's tournament format introduces a thrilling twist. The eight finalists will be divided into two teams, each led by a tennis legend. Gilles Simon, a former ATP world Number 6 and a finalist from last year, will captain one team, while former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli will lead the other. The teams will compete in a series of matches, with the victors advancing to the Winner Bracket. Meanwhile, those eliminated will have a second chance in the Loser Bracket, where individual prowess will determine the ultimate Roland-Garros eSeries champion.
To keep the audience engaged, Samuel Etienne, a celebrated French personality and Twitch streamer with over 1 million followers, will host the event. He'll be joined by esports expert Quento and former Tennis Clash number 1 player Benny, known as GP365. The tournament will be held in the spirit of Roland-Garros, featuring a replica of the iconic Philippe-Chatrier court and custom outfits. Esteemed French umpire Aurélie Tourte will officiate the matches, ensuring a high standard of play.
250 spectators will witness the action live at the auditorium, and the event will be broadcast on Samuel Etienne’s Twitch channel and the Roland-Garros YouTube channel, starting at 4pm CEST. Viewers can expect to watch every match and enjoy interactive segments, with special guests contributing to passionate discussions and fun around the worlds of tennis and eTennis.