An Ahri cosplayer by the name of Seckooh recreated at the recent NLC finals of League of Legends’ most beloved memes. During the event’s cosplay contest, they delivered a pitch-perfect callback to the iconic “I’m French” moment that has lived rent-free in the community’s collective memory for over a decade.
The original meme dates back to the early 2010s, when a Renekton cosplayer struggled with an English interview on stage. Their solution? Simply declaring “I’m French” before walking off, creating an instant classic that still gets quoted today. It was awkward, endearing, and perfectly captured the growing pains of early esports events.
Fast forward to the NLC finals, where Seckooh and the event host staged their own version of the legendary moment. The bit was carefully planned in advance and approved by event staff, ensuring the homage would land perfectly. When the moment came, the cosplayer delivered the line with the same energy as the original, sending waves of recognition through the audience.
The performance didn’t win the cosplay contest, but it won something arguably better—the hearts of longtime League fans. Attendees immediately caught the reference, with many approaching the cosplayer afterward to express their appreciation for the throwback. The moment proved that some jokes transcend time in the League community.
Why memes matter in esports
The NLC, one of the EMEA Regional Leagues covering the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions, has built a reputation for embracing community culture at its events. Cosplay contests and fan segments at regional finals often become breeding grounds for these kinds of memorable moments that connect different eras of the game’s history.
This staged callback shows how esports has matured while still honoring its roots. What was once an awkward interview mishap has become beloved lore, worthy of tribute at official events. For a game entering its second decade, these shared memories create bonds between veteran players and newcomers discovering the classics for the first time.
