On April 16, 2025, Emilien reached a remarkable milestone by participating for the 566th time in the popular French game show "Les 12 Coups de midi". Since his debut on September 25, 2023, Emilien has become a household name, amassing an impressive total of 2,259,777 euros in winnings and gifts, making him the most successful contestant in the show’s history.
During this episode, Emilien found himself in a heated exchange with fellow contestant Lydie over a question regarding a film featuring a former Bolshoi dancer. Lydie confidently answered "GoldenEye," while Emilien hesitated, leaning towards "Piège de cristal." This moment of uncertainty prompted the show’s host, Jean-Luc Reichmann, to express his frustration, saying, "He annoys me; I never know what he’s going to say. Every time, I bet 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000 euros, and he costs us a fortune at TF1!"
In a playful twist, Reichmann called Rodolphe Belmer, the president of TF1, to propose a bet of 40,000 euros to a viewer if Emilien answered correctly. To everyone’s surprise, Emilien did indeed provide the right answer, leading to a jubilant Reichmann exclaiming, "No... No, but this is impossible! We’ll never get out of this!" This unexpected turn of events meant that a lucky viewer walked away with a substantial prize.
As the show progressed, the stakes escalated further. During the second duel, Reichmann and the production team decided to increase the prize to 50,000 euros for another correct answer from Emilien. Once again, Emilien delivered, leading to another significant win for a viewer.
Emilien's success has not gone unnoticed. His ability to consistently outperform his competitors has led to speculation about the sustainability of his winning streak. Former champion Paul El Kharrat, who once held the record with 692,522 euros in winnings, expressed concerns about Emilien's dominance. In a recent interview, he remarked, "At some point, we need to consider a limit; otherwise, it could ruin the game. It’s important to listen to the audience's impatience for a change."
Despite the critiques, Emilien’s charm and intellect have made him a favorite among viewers. His journey on "Les 12 Coups de midi" has transformed him into a media sensation, drawing attention from various platforms. On April 17, 2025, during his 567th appearance, Reichmann referred to him as "an idol for both young and old," highlighting the broad appeal of Emilien’s persona.
Reflecting on his newfound fame, Emilien shared, "It feels very strange to be recognized. You’re warned that this notoriety will fade, but it’s unpredictable how things will unfold. It’s quite surreal to be acknowledged like this." His honesty about the pressures of fame resonates with many, as he navigates interviews and public appearances.
Jean-Luc Reichmann has taken on a mentorship role, guiding Emilien through the media landscape. He noted, "He is being sought after everywhere, and I try to give him advice to avoid potential pitfalls in the media world." This support has been crucial for Emilien as he balances his academic pursuits with his television career.
As Emilien continues to break records and win hearts, the question remains: how long can this streak last? With each episode, viewers are treated to a thrilling display of knowledge and strategy, making "Les 12 Coups de midi" a must-watch. The excitement surrounding Emilien’s journey has injected new life into the show, and fans are eager to see what the future holds.
In conclusion, Emilien's record-breaking run on "Les 12 Coups de midi" exemplifies the blend of entertainment and intellect that has captivated audiences. His ability to engage with both contestants and viewers, coupled with his impressive knowledge, ensures that he remains a central figure in the show. As the stakes continue to rise, one can only wonder how much longer he will reign as the champion of midday quizzes in France.
