Emilien, the reigning champion of the French quiz show Les 12 Coups de Midi, has made headlines with his astonishing record since his debut on September 25, 2023. The 22-year-old has not only amassed over 500 victories but has also accumulated more than 2 million euros, making his presence on the show unforgettable. While many viewers are still captivated by his remarkable performance, others express concern over his prolonged reign.
Reflecting on his motivation to join the show, Emilien stated, "L'émission a été créée en 2010 et j'avais 8 ans…" He shared how the show had been part of his life growing up. "J'ai passé une partie de mon enfance et toute mon adolescence avec Les 12 coups de midi en filigrane," he explained, highlighting the emotional significance of participating.
Support from his family has played a pivotal role throughout his incredible run. Emilien’s grandmother and girlfriend Jessica have been present on the set multiple times, providing encouragement. He expressed gratitude for their backing, stating, "J'ai toujours leur soutien." Despite the support, some media reports indicate he might feel solitary as the competition progresses.
The young champion’s quick thinking and knack for recall have impressed many, including host Jean-Luc Reichmann and television personality Cyril Hanouna. Hanouna remarked, "C'est un monstre. C'est incroyable," underscoring the widespread admiration for Emilien's abilities. This praise places Emilien at the forefront of public discourse surrounding the show.
Yet, with each new victory, criticism begins to surface, hinting at audience fatigue. Viewers point to the relentless nature of Emilien's winning streak and call for potential rule changes to limit his participation. Emilien addressed some of these concerns candidly, saying, "Chacun a effectivement le droit de penser ce qu’il veut, après moi je suis là pour jouer donc je joue et je m’amuse. Je reste tant que je m’amuse et je m’amuse beaucoup!" His commitment to enjoying the game reflects his genuine passion for the show.
Jean-Luc Reichmann weighed in on the possibility of changing the show's rules, emphasizing the contractual agreements involved: "Pour l’instant, dans la mesure où on a signé des papiers, on ne peut pas…" His stance suggests respect for the commitment Emilien has made to participate. Similarly, Bruno Hourcade, the second most successful contestant on the show, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Ça serait un peu injuste pour les suivants." He argues changing the structure mid-game could lead to unfairness among contestants.
Despite the mixed reactions to his long-standing dominance, Emilien's record-breaking tenure brings excitement to many fans. He proudly maintains his dedication to the show and remains eager to compete for as long as he finds enjoyment. "Je joue, après je fais au mieux de mon côté," he commented, showing resilience against the mounting pressure to step down. His attitude underlines the essence of why he joined the show: for the love of the game.
With the potential for rule changes and the discussions of audience fatigue circulating, Emilien stands firmly as the face of Les 12 Coups de Midi, inspiring future contestants and captivating viewers across France. Will he continue to shatter records, or will new challengers finally dethrone him? Only time will tell as Emilien remains at the helm of this beloved quiz show.