Les 12 Coups de Midi continues to captivate audiences, showcasing incredible talent and high-stakes competition. The latest updates from the show reveal remarkable achievements from its contestants, which have kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
On February 1, 2025, Émilien, the standout contestant of Les 12 Coups de Midi, celebrated crossing the milestone of 2 million euros in total winnings. At just 22 years old, having joined the competition at the age of 20, Émilien has quickly established himself as one of the most successful contestants in the history of French television quiz shows.
"The goal has been the same from the start; I take pleasure in playing," Émilien said, underscoring the enjoyment he finds in the game as he continues to set records. His impressive run has kept the show popular, drawing 2.9 million viewers as recently as January 31, 2025. His ability to engage with the audience is as noteworthy as his financial success.
Also on February 1, 2025, fellow quiz master Xavier, known for his sharp intellect and competitive spirit, triumphed once again on France 2's Quiz des champions. This marks his third victory, adding to his collection of accolades. Xavier expressed his happiness to be part of this prestigious competition but had some frustrations with how finales are edited for broadcast.
“We delivered stunning performances, but often only the final question makes it to air,” he remarked during his interview with Tele-Loisirs. Reflecting on his earlier participation, he recalled, "It was my first victory... there had been many sudden deaths, and yet only one was shown on television." His comments highlight the selective nature of televised competitions and the reality of the behind-the-scenes efforts.
Xavier’s competitive nature shines through his analysis, as he noted, "I’m perfectionist; I believe there's always room for improvement." He confronted challenging themes yet remained proud of his accomplishments across various quiz formats. His perseverance is inspiring, mirroring the determination seen across all contestants.
Meanwhile, Paul El Kharrat, who gained fame from his time on Les 12 Coups de Midi, reflected on his own experience during his recent appearance on Quiz des champions. A notable figure for his candid discussions about his autism, Paul stated how participating was often challenging due to external distractions. Yet, his efforts have led to significant achievements, including winnings amounting to 691,522 euros.
After leaving the show, he decided to invest his earnings wisely. “I placed 471,850 euros for later,” he told Télé Star back in August 2020, indicating his pragmatic approach to managing his success. Now, as part of RTL’s Les Grosses Têtes, he has also pursued his academic interests alongside his media endeavors.
Reflecting on his winnings, Paul entertained the audience with anecdotes of the six cars he won through the show, earning laughter when he quipped, "What do you do with six cars? You sell them!" This humor embraces his practical outlook, having admitted previously he did not have a driving license.
The competitive spirit of Les 12 Coups de Midi not only continues to draw viewers but also resonates deeply with its contestants, who find joy and purpose in their participation. With such passionate players like Émilien, Xavier, and Paul, the legacy of the show is firmly established, paving the way for new talents eager to step onto the stage.
Overall, as contestants continue to achieve incredible milestones, the allure of Les 12 Coups de Midi remains undiminished, signifying its place as one of France's beloved game shows. With every episode, millions await to witness the excitement and intellect displayed, eager to see who will become the next star of the quiz show world.