VALORANT: TakaS becomes one of the first player to surpass 2,000 kills in the VCL France

Jonathan “TakaS” Paupard has made history in the VALORANT Challengers France. On Sunday, during the match between Mandatory and F9 Eicar in Stage 3, the Duellist became one of the first player ever to surpass 2,000 kills in the French league. This achievement reflects his consistent high performance in VCL France since its launch in early 2022, and his enduring skill and importance to each team he has represented.

TakaS' journey in competitive VALORANT has taken him through several prominent French squads within the VCL ecosystem. His initial exposure came through Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates, the influencer-backed organisation founded by Lucas "Squeezie" Hauchard, Corentin "Gotaga" Houssein, and Kevin "Brawks" Georges. He departed M8 in August 2024, one year after winning the first Ascension tournament and qualifying for VCT EMEA.

Before joining Mandatory in March 2025 during the Stage 2, he competed under the banners of Sector One, Team BDS, and DVM, challenging VCL-level competition and making significant contributions during that period. However, it was with Mandatory that he found true continuity, anchoring the roster through every VCL France split since the league began in February 2022.

Mandatory secured a top finish in Group B during the 2025 Stage 2 regular season, with TakaS being named MVP in a pivotal match against his former team, DVM. Finalist of Stage 1, Le Marteau ultimately finished in 3rd place in Stage 2. Adrien "ZeratoR" Nougaret’s team continues to carry the curse of never having managed to win the championship. If MDR succeeds in breaking that streak, there's no doubt that TakaS will have played a key role.

Reaching the 2,000-kill milestone is ultimately not just a testament to TakaS' skill, but also a celebration of his adaptability, persistence, and lasting impact on French VALORANT. As Mandatory aims for greater success in the playoffs, TakaS embodies the resilience and dedication at the heart of VCL France's competitive journey.