The ZLAN 2025, an electrifying multi-gaming tournament organized by streamer ZeratoR, kicked off on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Zénith Sud in Montpellier. This year, the competition has attracted 200 players, split into 100 duos, all vying for a share of the impressive €52,025 cash prize. The event runs until April 20, promising an action-packed weekend filled with intense gaming battles.
The tournament format is structured into several phases: seeding, knockout rounds, group stages, and finals. On the first day, participants engaged in the seeding phase, which determines initial rankings and sets the stage for the knockout rounds. The knockout phase will see 100 duos whittled down to 32, who will then compete in a group stage on Saturday, April 19. The top four duos will clash in a thrilling final on Sunday, April 20, in a Best Of 7 format.
Among the games featured in this year’s lineup are crowd favorites like Mini Royale, Party Animals, and Warcraft III: Reforged, alongside unique offerings such as Chained Together and a mystery game that will be unveiled during the finals. Each game has been selected to test players' skills in coordination, strategy, and quick thinking, ensuring a well-rounded competition.
Lockness, a prominent streamer and two-time solo champion of the ZLAN, returns this year, teaming up with KennyStream, who won the 2021 edition. The duo will be one of the favorites, battling for the top prize of €40,000. “It’s always a challenge to compete with someone else, but Kenny and I have great synergy,” Lockness remarked before the tournament. However, the competition is fierce, and surprises are always around the corner.
In addition to the gaming action, the ZLAN 2025 is also notable for its community engagement. The event will be streamed live on ZeratoR's Twitch channel, allowing fans from around the world to follow the action. The commentary will be provided by popular figures in the gaming community, including Damdamlive, MisterMV, Alphacast, and Antoine Daniel, who are sure to enhance the viewing experience.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the final day, where the public will be able to attend and witness the concluding matches live. Doors will open at noon on Sunday, with the final showdown expected to last until midnight. With 3,800 seats available, fans are eager to support their favorite duos in person.
The ZLAN has become a staple in the French gaming scene since its inception in 2019, filling a void for competitive gaming events in the country. “The players need to reconnect, especially after the isolation caused by COVID-19,” said Kelly Marini, project manager for the ZLAN. “This event not only brings together gamers but also builds a community around shared passions.”
This year’s ZLAN features a mix of 50 invited streamer duos, 49 duos selected through a draw, and one duo that qualified through preliminary rounds. This diverse mix ensures that both established names and emerging talents have the opportunity to shine on this grand stage.
In addition to the main prize pool, there are also additional bonuses totaling €3,500, which will be awarded to participants based on their performance. The excitement is palpable as players strategize and prepare for their matches, knowing that every point counts.
As the tournament unfolds, viewers can expect to see not only skillful gameplay but also the camaraderie that arises from such a collaborative and competitive environment. Each game will test the players' abilities to adapt and thrive under pressure, making for an exhilarating spectacle.
With the ZLAN 2025 already generating buzz, it is clear that this event is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of gaming culture and community. Fans and players alike are looking forward to an unforgettable weekend filled with thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and the joy of coming together through the love of gaming.
The ZLAN 2025 is not just about the competition; it’s about the connections made, the memories created, and the shared experiences that will resonate long after the final game is played. As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on Montpellier, where champions will emerge, and legends will be made.