The WCT7 France Open Division came to a dramatic conclusion this past weekend, Saturday, July 5th, at the Gymnase du Lac in Evry-Courcouronnes. Broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch in French (with English rebroadcast to follow), the event brought together eight elite teams for the Open Division, and three more for a Women’s Exhibition Tournament, all battling on the WCT official Quad™ for a chance to secure their place at the WCT7 World Championship, set to take place later this year in Les Arènes, Evry-Courcouronnes.
Group Stage: Emerging Powers and Shocking Exits
In Group A, reigning WCT6 France champions Parkour59 dominated their group once again, going undefeated with standout performances against WCF (4-0), The Crow (4-0), and a close call against underdog Is Back Family (3-2). Despite their inexperience, Is Back nearly pulled off a massive upset, taking the early lead and showing immense growth with a roster of promising new talent.
Group B saw seismic shifts in the competitive tag hierarchy. Fakaw, a rising force from Paris, upset former world champions Mamba and WCT6 vice-world champions KIMEO, finishing top of the group. Mamba—quarterfinalists at WCT6 Worlds and WCF (4th at last France event) were both eliminated early, signalling a new generation of European Chase Tag® contenders.
Semi-Finals: Titans Clash, Local Rivalries Burn
The semi-finals delivered fireworks:
- Parkour59 vs. KIMEO: In a highly anticipated rematch of World Chase Tag® royalty, Parkour59 asserted total control, winning 4-0 and leaving KIMEO without answers. The Northern French powerhouse showed why they are considered Europe's most consistent tag team since WCT5.
- Fakaw vs. The Crow: A local derby between two teams training regularly on the Evry-Courcouronnes Quad™. Fakaw edged The Crow 2-1, punching their first ticket to a WCT World Final.
3rd Place Playoff: The Crow Make History
With a WCT7 Worlds ticket on the line, The Crow stunned KIMEO 3-1 in the bronze medal match. The home team, supported by a vocal local crowd, overwhelmed the WCT6 Worlds runner-up with relentless energy and smart tactics. The result is one of the biggest upsets in recent WCT history: KIMEO is now out of Worlds, while The Crow will represent Evry-Courcouronnes at home later this year.
Final: Parkour59 Clinches Second French Crown
In a gripping finale, Parkour59 defeated Fakaw 2-1 to claim their second consecutive French title. The match was a technical masterclass from both teams. Parkour59 leaned on their maturity, depth, and tactical discipline, while Fakaw showcased speed, creativity, and sheer hunger. Ultimately, it was one extra evasion that tipped the balance in favor of the reigning champions.
This win cements Parkour59’s position as France’s top Chase Tag® team and one of the favorites to win Worlds 2025. With their Spark youth team recently winning the WCT Academy™ league, the future looks incredibly bright for the northern club.
Women’s Exhibition: Valkyrie Rise, New Talent Shines
The Women’s Exhibition Tournament brought together Volt (France), Valkyrie (UK), and Rooftop Queens(Netherlands). In an impressive display, Valkyrie secured first place with key victories over both rivals.
Two standout performances came from Johanne (Fakaw66) and Callie (Phenix), both athletes of the WCT Academy™, making their senior debuts with Volt and Valkyrie respectively. Their impact was immediate, signaling a promising new wave in women’s competitive tag.
Looking Ahead
With over 8,000 live viewers tuning in to the French broadcast and more content (analysis, highlights, shorts) on the way, WCT7 France has proven once again that Europe, and especially France, is at the heart of World Chase Tag’s global rise.
All eyes now turn to the WCT7 US Final, happening July 12–13, which will determine the final Open Division (3 spots)and Women’s Division (2 spots) qualifiers for WCT7 Worlds.
Qualified for WCT7 Worlds (France Edition)
Parkour59 (Roubaix), Fakaw (Paris) & The Crow (Evry-Courcouronnes)
Photos by Justine Fortun Alhinc
