Rarely has a bowling match unleashed such enthusiasm. Friday, on the big stage of Paris Games Week 2023 and to the ovations of the public, Andrée and Henri lift the seniors trophy of Wii Bowling. The final of this very serious video game competition was organized by the Silvergeek association, which works to include older people.
Back in the past. A little before 10 a.m., after the show had only been open for an hour, the first two teams took the stage to play the first semi-final. In the left corner, apple green bib, Bernard and Robert – known as Le Robs – are favorites, after having scored three strikes in a row in the quarter-finals organized the day before. The audience warms up very, very quickly and soon the atmosphere is worthy of a football match.
Gilles and Lisette, a couple for 59 years and Centre-Val-de-Loire champions, participate in the other semi-final. A slight technical problem disrupts the first throw of “Gillou”, which ends up in the gutter. Despite a strike in money time, it was impossible for them to make up the difference. Coming off the stage, Gilles complains a little about the machine, but regains his good humor to talk about his career: “What I like is the atmosphere we have with our team, the activity of everyone, and the pleasure of being together! »
A tournament that advocates aging well
To train, Gilles and Lisette were able to count on the advice of Léo and Sacha. “We were able to observe them, look for problems and try to correct them with them,” explains the second, a former civic service volunteer with Silvergeek, who is extending his commitment. But, honestly, they are quite self-sufficient! » In their twenties, a little shy, the duo accompanies the team of bowlers on stage. “It’s interesting, it creates a bond, and it’s nice to see them happy,” summarizes Sacha.
Born in 2015 at the Gamers Assembly in Poitiers, the Silvergeek project brings together companies and associations that invest in elderly people. “The objective is to promote healthy aging and intergenerational links” through digital education workshops or video game afternoons, explains Hugo Marolleau, communications manager for the association. Since then, the project has expanded and aims to resemble a real e-sport circuit, with departmental and regional qualifications before the final table. This year, a total of 250 players divided into 90 teams and representing 11 regions participated in the tournament.
A won over audience
Before the last match, the audience is full. Around 2,000 people came to watch the grand finale, commented by Alexandre “Chocobo” Duval and streamer Pierre-Alexandre “Domingo” Bizot. There were at least three times as many of them on the live rebroadcast on Twitch. “It’s magnificent,” Lucas whispers to his neighbor after a successful split from Robs. Despite all the flashy exhibitors in the show’s three pavilions, he preferred to spend most of his morning watching these high-level bowling matches. “There’s a lot of atmosphere, it lasts a long time and it’s a game that everyone knows,” he explains. And then, it’s nice to see so many people encouraging older people. »
For the final, Robs and Bernard face Andrée and Henri, who triumphed over Gilles and Lisette. The Grand-Est against Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Greens versus yellows. ” Straight ahead ! Straight ahead ! », chant the commentators and the public when only one pin remains to be knocked down to score a spare. Every keel sound that comes out of the speakers triggers shouts and flag waving. Despite a good start, the semi-final favorites lost.
“It’s always a blast”
After the final, Alexandre Duval is still excited. “I work with Silvergeek for these moments!” he exclaims. This is the highlight of the association. » He has been speaking since 2019 and intervenes to comment on tournament matches starting from the regional phases. “This type of event allows us to create a link, an exchange, in a caring, unifying way,” he continues. It’s always a blast. When they come out, they have stars in their eyes. »
Exhausted by so much emotion, the winners leave for lunch with their trophy. “It’s great to be acclaimed like that, especially at my age,” rejoices Andrée, oldest of the competition at 97 years old. Henri, his partner, is delighted with the experience. “It’s a game where you make friends,” he sums up, smiling. Video games can be played at any age. » By his own words not bad at real bowling in his youth, will he attempt the double next year?