Emilien has made history as the longest-running contestant on the French television game show "Les 12 Coups de Midi," achieving remarkable success since he first appeared on September 25, 2023. With over 522 participations and cumulative winnings exceeding 2 million euros, the 22-year-old from Vendée has captivated audiences and become the reigning champion of the show hosted by Jean-Luc Reichmann.
Despite his immense success, Emilien remains humble and grounded. On March 3, 2025, during yet another thrilling episode, he continued to defend his title against new challengers with the same vigor and wit he has demonstrated throughout his tenure. Jean-Luc Reichmann, who has become familiar with Emilien's skills, expressed his admiration, stating, "C'est difficile de le piéger parce que le problème, c'est qu'il était faible sur les people mais maintenant, il se renseigne..." This highlights Emilien's evolution as he continually expands his knowledge base to remain competitive against fellow contestants.
Emilien's remarkable grasp of cultural knowledge and strategic thinking has allowed him to establish himself as the best contestant ever on the show, along with being one of the top performers within the broader scope of French game shows. His impressive performance is reflected by not only his monetary gains but also by the numerous gifts he has accumulated since his debut, including over 18 cars, which showcase his remarkable run.
Interestingly, Emilien chooses to keep his life off-screen largely private. He revealed during the broadcast, "Je voulais rajouter que pour le moment, je n'ai aucun réseau public." His statement has drawn attention from fans who eagerly await any chance to connect with him on social media, which he currently avoids. Emilien’s determination to focus on the game instead of public distractions resonates with many viewers who admire his commitment.
On the show, Emilien’s relationship with his fellow competitors is dynamic. Contenders often employ various strategies to dethrone him, even engaging humorously during their attempts. Nevertheless, they find it difficult to overwhelm Emilien because he retains knowledge exceptionally well, as noted by Reichmann, who remarked, "Il est curieux, de tout, il s'intéresse à tout mais je trouve que c'est merveilleux que ce soit quelqu'un de 22 ans qui défie les lois du jeu." This perspective emphasizes the young champion's capacity to absorb information at a level far above average.
Despite the rigorous demands of the show, Emilien has not lost sight of enjoying the benefits of his success. Recently, it was revealed during the March 3 episode, one of his only extravagant purchases was "la seule folie qu'il s'est permise, c'est de s'offrir une nouvelle paire de chaussures," as shared by Jean-Luc Reichmann. The modesty associated with Emilien's spending habits has intrigued many as he remains unaffected by the newfound wealth.
When discussing his adventures won through the game, Emilien recalls fondly, "J'ai eu la chance de profiter du premier voyage qu'on avait gagné ici. C'était extraordinaire." This reveals his appreciation for experiences gained through the show, all the more meaningful when shared with his girlfriend, Jessica, who supports him fervently from the sidelines.
While Emilien enjoys the spotlight, some viewers have speculated about the fairness of the game's format. Jean-Luc Reichmann addressed these claims defiantly, insisting on the integrity of the show's operations and emphasizing the challenge posed to contestants who wish to dethrone Emilien. He remarked, "Je pense qu'il y a 95% de gens bienveillants; il y a toujours 5% de jaloux... Si vous dites qu'il est favorisé, surtout n'hésitez pas à venir pour le détrôner!" This statement reinforces the message of healthy competition, encouraging critics to step up and challenge the reigning champion.
Notably, Emilien's days of competition are not without challenges. The intense schedule takes its toll, and Emilien has reported some fatigue from the quick succession of tournament filming days. Despite these hurdles, he is committed to maintaining his pace; he mentioned, "Les émissions s'enchaînent, les journées de tournage s’enchaînent donc la fatigue fait partie du jeu." His resilience exemplifies the spirit of competition and dedication to excellence.
Emilien's future on "Les 12 Coups de Midi" remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he continues to inspire many with his performances and approach to both knowledge and life. Every day he returns to the set, audiences await with bated breath to see if he will continue his impressive reign or if new challengers will finally succeed.