Tristan Peron of France claimed the 2023 eSailing World Championship title at the live final on October 6 held in Trieste, Italy.
Arthur Farley of Great Britain was second overall, 17 points behind, with Peron’s compatriot Tim Carpentier, winner of the 2023 Olympic Esports Series, three points further back.
The 11 finalists from six countries had competed in a season-long campaign beginning in January where thousands of players from around the world took part in three stages. Competition was whittled down through more than 63,000 races across 32 challenges.
The World Championship used the Star, Nacra 17, ILCA, J/70, 49er, and F50 boats, with the final race worth double points to take home the title. A grand prize purse of 10,000 USD was provided by Virtual Regatta.
After an error saw him finish last in the second race of the day, Peron – who sails as UOL Asere – displayed the consistency needed to succeed at this level and led by seven points at the halfway stage, but with the next six places separated by just four points.
Peron was hunted in the second wave of races and his lead was cut to three points by Farley after the ninth, the second 49er contest, but won the 10th race in ILCAs to stretch his advantage back out to nine points.
A disqualification for three-time 49er World Champion Bart Lambriex (NED) saw Peron promoted to first place in the penultimate race on Nacra 17s. That meant the Frenchman took a 13-point lead into the medal race, a J/70 contest in which Peron comfortably held on to his place at the top of the overall table.
Peron, who will take a 5,000 USD prize back to France, was jubilant after twice falling short in previous eSailing finals.
“It feels good after two failures. I’m super happy for my friend Pepito (Carpentier) and Arthur finishing second a second time. He’s so good he will probably make it another year.”
Farley paid tribute to Peron but was left to rue what he believes was an opportunity he missed.
“He (Peron) sailed really well today, and I’m just really frustrated that I sailed nowhere near my ability,” shared Farley. “I just felt like I beat myself. It’s mixed feelings really, as the last race was really close to get second, so I’m happy overall.”
Farley is battling leukemia and traveled to Trieste after a bone marrow biopsy earlier in the week. He added, “I just want to say I love you Mum and Dad. It’s been a really hard seven months and it’s been a big step coming here but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
The eSailing World Championships was hosted by Barcolana 55, presented by Generali, the world’s largest sailing regatta, held annually in Trieste on the second Sunday of October.
