On October 17, large-scale demonstrations erupted in several French cities, with parts of Paris experiencing vandalism and opportunistic looting. Team Vitality's esports experience center and headquarters, V.Hive, located in Paris, was affected, resulting in the theft of trophies and computer equipment. The venue subsequently suspended operations.
Videos circulating on social media show masked individuals breaking the venue's display windows and carrying out computer equipment and trophies. Some were seen posing with trophies on site, while others dismantled computers. Team Vitality later confirmed via their official X account that V.Hive had been looted, fortunately with no injuries to staff or fans.
Among the stolen items was the championship trophy won by Team Vitality's Counter-Strike 2 team at the StarLadder StarSeries Autumn Season in September this year. Founded in 2013, the club currently fields teams in League of Legends, Valorant, and PUBG, among other titles.
Club CEO Neo stated that V.Hive has long offered access to players at a rate of €3.50 per hour, maintaining this price despite inflation to ensure that teenagers and those with limited incomes could afford a space for gaming and socializing. While he supports the right to protest, he believes that looting and destruction should not be part of it.
V.Hive will remain closed until a full assessment of the damages is completed. Team Vitality stated that further updates will be provided, but no timeline has been confirmed for the venue's reopening.