From Mobile to “terre battue” – eSports on the rise, featuring Tennis Clash at Roland Garros

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  • We attended the Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault 2025 final on 24th May
  • Fans come out in force for a supercharged atmosphere at a historic venue
  • Tennis Clash showcases once again the tremendous potential of mobile eSports

The realm of dark gaming spaces and specialized online groups, once considered obscure, has now become the main event at prestigious venues such as Roland Garros. Those who believed eSports was a short-lived fad were mistaken. In fact, it’s thriving more than ever. This became evident when Tennis Clash held its Finals and announced its 2025 champion, Samuel ‘Sasmis’ Sanin Ortiz, at Roland Garros.

In 2019, when Tennis Clash debuted, no one could have predicted its success – boasting over 170 million downloads so far, the game has solidified its place among the greats in the gaming world, standing shoulder to shoulder with titans of the industry.

Photo provided courtesy of Amélie Laurin FFT

The Tennis Clash 2025 Finals atmosphere

It’s quite obvious – one of the things that stood out the most was the location. Held in the Auditorium of Roland-Garros Tenniseum, the Tennis Clash 2025 Finals were a hit. The decision to make the event freely accessible was meaningful, especially since similar experiences often come with a hefty price tag (think LoL World Championship). Of course, entering the venue had its own cost, but the organisers have thought it through and planned the event on a special day, making it a lot more convenient for the public.

Attending the matches at any time during the day made the event all the more captivating, and it presented a unique chance to be part of such a distinguished setting. This drew in the public’s curiosity, even attracting those unfamiliar with Tennis Clash. Many got their initial look at the burgeoning mobile eSports world as a result. The organization of the venue was impeccable, reflecting the high standards one would come to expect from an eSeries event.

Photo provided courtesy of Amélie Laurin FFT

The occasion was orchestrated by none less than Samuel Étienne, a well-known French journalist, TV host, and passionate eSports aficionado, in conjunction with former professional tennis players Gilles Simon and Marion Bartoli. This collaboration led to an exhilarating Roland-Garros eSeries event.

One thing’s certain – the public never disappoints!

Regardless of age, the public that attended the Finals was on fire. That’s pretty common for a French audience, who are already accustomed to big names in the eSports scene (like Karmine Corp, for instance). The atmosphere and cheers chanted by the public engulfed the stage, and with it, the support for the players was evident.

1. In the Tenniseum, the crowd’s cheers reverberated, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a football game rather than a tranquil rally. This demonstrates that the excitement for mobile eSports is just as fervent as any Grand Slam final, and perhaps even more so for dedicated mobile gamers.

2. The Tenniseum was filled with the thunderous noise of the crowd, making it sound more like a football game than a peaceful rally. This shows that the passion for mobile eSports is on par with any Grand Slam final, and possibly even greater for avid mobile gamers.

3. The Tenniseum reverberated with the din of the crowd, giving off vibes more akin to a football game than a hushed rally. This underscores the intensity of the passion for mobile eSports that rivals any Grand Slam final, and might even surpass it for dedicated mobile gamers.

4. The Tenniseum resounded with the roar of the crowd, suggesting an atmosphere more akin to a football game than a quiet rally. This highlights the fact that the enthusiasm for mobile eSports is as strong as any Grand Slam final, and possibly stronger for dedicated mobile gamers.

5. The Tenniseum rang with the clamor of the crowd, giving off an energy more fitting for a football game than a quiet rally. This emphasizes that the fervor for mobile eSports is comparable to any Grand Slam final, and potentially more so for dedicated mobile gamers.

The evolution of mobile eSports 

As Samuel Étienne briefly mentioned in the interview we had with him, “When you don’t know eSports, you think it’s different from sports – and the more you know eSports, the more you understand it’s the same sport; it requires the same skills and work to get to higher levels,” and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Photo provided courtesy of Amélie Laurin FFT

Games such as Tennis Clash demonstrate that you don’t necessarily need an expensive computer or console to compete at elite levels. All you really need is a smartphone and your skills, enabling players worldwide to learn, qualify, and excel on a global platform. This shift in competitive gaming is what makes the mobile esports scene so thrilling, and events like the Tennis Clash Finals at Roland Garros exemplify this forward momentum in the industry.

Mastering one game requires numerous practice hours, and staying current with the latest strategies (meta) demands even more. Many Tennis Clash players report playing for at least 7 to 12 hours weekly, after achieving an advanced skill level. It’s fascinating to observe the partnership between traditional tennis and eSports. This event represented a unique blend of professional tennis and mobile eSports, possibly the first time it was held in such a prestigious setting, alongside real-life pro tennis matches.

Photo provided courtesy of Amélie Laurin FFT

What does the future look like?

While the future is uncertain, one thing feels likely: the next Tennis Clash championship will reach an even broader audience. People who love traditional tennis, but don’t have the means of playing the actual sport, can pick up their mobile devices and give it a try. And who knows? With enough practice, a new champion may rise through the ranks and challenge Sasmis’ reign!

Experiencing a mobile game like Tennis Clash capturing such a grand platform was not only exhilarating but also motivational for someone who spent their childhood engrossed in traditional sports. While Tennis Clash may reside within our smartphones, during the Roland Garros tournament, it seemed to resonate deeply within the hearts of all spectators. It serves as a testament that sport is continuously evolving, yet at its essence, it continues to be about enthusiasm, rivalry, and most importantly, fostering connections.

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2025-05-30 17:48