Mattéo And Esmeralda Eliminated From Pékin Express Quarter-Finals

The intense competition of the 20th season of Pékin Express reached a crucial point on Thursday, March 20, 2025, as the quarter-finals aired on M6. The episode not only marked the continuation of the thrilling race but also the elimination of a beloved team, the Belgian cousins Mattéo and Esmeralda, leaving a poignant moment in their adventure.

Last week, the dream of Amandine and Alison to snatch the coveted title ended abruptly, leaving the remaining teams focused on their ultimate goal: securing victory in this landmark season. The competition heated up on this tenth stage, which featured a return to South Africa and high stakes, as hosting Stéphane Rotenberg reminded the contestants.

At this advanced stage, four teams stood poised to claim their place in the next round: Adrien and Patricia, Mattéo and Esmeralda, Etienne and Judith, and Cécile and Marion. As they embarked on their challenges, the first task required the players to find a Christmas object to present to a local named Mr. Julius, who would then give them directions to meet with Rotenberg.

Cécile and Marion were the first duo to depart, armed with a thumb piano. This small item would allow them to hitchhike, but only if they successfully played a tune for their future driver. After a night spent with a local family, the trio of teams qualified for the next challenge and reunited with Rotenberg.

This time, no immunity was in play; instead, the stakes were lifted with a significant advantage issued to the day's best-performing team. In a tricky task, one member of each duo had to retrieve a bag containing a diamond, guided only by a walkie-talkie from their partner on the opposite shore. Patricia and Adrien triumphed in this challenge, claiming what had become a formidable symbol in the competition: the feared black flag.

Whoever held the black flag was destined to face severe repercussions, being sent into the final duel. Patricia and Adrien swiftly passed the flag to Cécile and Marion, aiming to deflect the burden on another team. Tension surged as the last-minute sprint of the race unfolded, with Etienne and Judith initially taking charge in the hitchhiking arena.

The fate of the competition twisted as the black flag changed hands several times. By the end of an exhilarating journey, it was Patricia and Adrien who captured the amulet, celebrating their victory over this intense chapter of Pékin Express. On the other hand, Mattéo and Esmeralda fell to the edge of elimination after they ended up carrying the black flag into the final duel round.

The closing showdown saw Mattéo and Esmeralda pit themselves against Judith and Etienne. The mission involved heading to a location called Reduction Works, three kilometers away, where they faced their ultimate challenge: stacking ten bolts on top of each other using a metal rod. Tension escalated, especially for Esmeralda and Etienne, both struggling with the precarious balancing act.

Despite the challenges, Esmeralda managed to complete the task of successfully stacking the bolts after multiple setbacks. However, the pressure of time weighed heavily upon the duo, causing delays. Ultimately, Mattéo and Esmeralda were not able to clinch the victory they sought, marking a bittersweet end to their journey.

“The adventure stops for us, and we felt quite frustrated being so close to the semi-finals,” said Mattéo, reflecting upon their experience. His feelings echoed those of Esmeralda, who also shared her pride in how far they had come, despite the disappointing outcome. “I proved to myself that I am not just someone who shies away from challenges,” she proclaimed while also dedicating the journey to her late mother, who had inspired her strength throughout the competition.

In a generous gesture toward their fellow competitors, Mattéo and Esmeralda handed their winning amulet to Patricia and Adrien, acknowledging the fierce competition and the friendships forged during this arduous expedition.

Looking back, both contestants expressed pride in their growth and lessons learned. “I’ve learned to communicate better in English and open up to people easily,” said Mattéo. Esmeralda echoed similar sentiments about recognizing her adventurous spirit, stating, “Despite not fitting the typical mold of a contestant, I proved we can all surpass our limits.”

As the tantalizing finish of this season draws near, only three teams will continue to the semi-finals. Patricia and Adrien, now securely qualified for the next round with their fourth amulet, alongside Etienne and Judith and Cécile and Marion aim to secure their places in the grand finale.

On April 5, the season will culminate in South Africa, showcasing tension, excitement, and the remarkable resilience of the contestants. As this season's unforgettable journey draws closer to its conclusion, viewers remain captivated by the adventures yet to unfold in this spectacular race.