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== SMK World Championship 2009==
== SMK World Championship 2009==
[[Image:Sami,_Florent_and_Geoffrey.JPG|thumb|World Championship 2009 - S.Cetin (ENG), F.Lecoanet (FRA), and G.Label (FRA)]]
[[Image:SamiandFlorent.JPG|thumb|World Championship 2009 - S.Cetin (ENG) and F.Lecoanet (FRA)]]
In 2009, the [http://www.championnat-smk.org/ CDF] evolved into its final form, that of a World Championship (CDM, abbreviation for Championnat du Monde, which means World Championship in French). The event in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allenjoie Allenjoie] was open for and advertised towards the global SMK population and in the end karters from two additional continents participated. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_america North America] was represented by [http://speedrunwiki.com/Drew_Blumfield Drew Blumfield] from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA USA] once again and this time [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/south_america South America] was represented as well by the Champion of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil Brazil], [[Guilherme Arantes]]. Of course, much like in 2008, karters from throughout [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] were present, including karters from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands Netherlands], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland Switzerland], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain Spain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/england England], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/germany Germany]. Of course the vast majority of the participants came from the hosting nation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France France] itself.
In 2009, the [http://www.championnat-smk.org/ CDF] evolved into its final form, that of a World Championship (CDM, abbreviation for Championnat du Monde, which means World Championship in French). The event in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allenjoie Allenjoie] was open for and advertised towards the global SMK population and in the end karters from two additional continents participated. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_america North America] was represented by [http://speedrunwiki.com/Drew_Blumfield Drew Blumfield] from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA USA] once again and this time [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/south_america South America] was represented as well by the Champion of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil Brazil], [[Guilherme Arantes]]. Of course, much like in 2008, karters from throughout [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] were present, including karters from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands Netherlands], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland Switzerland], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain Spain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/england England], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/germany Germany]. Of course the vast majority of the participants came from the hosting nation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France France] itself.
== SMK World Championship 2015==
== SMK World Championship 2015==
Florent claimed his 7th World Champion title and his 9th overall 'Championnat' title at the 2016 SMK World Championships. At this CDM, Florent had to fight for the top position with his two fellow French karters [[Geoffrey Label]] and [[Julien Holmiere]], while his traditional rival [[Sami]] endured a series of disappointing results. For the third year running the CDM was hosted in the excellent venue of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Suze-sur-Sarthe La Suze-sur-Sarthe] and this time with a record breaking number of 56 participants. Notably, 6 Americans, 4 of which participated in the competition.
Florent claimed his 7th World Champion title and his 9th overall 'Championnat' title at the 2016 SMK World Championships. For the third year running the CDM was hosted in the excellent venue of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Suze-sur-Sarthe La Suze-sur-Sarthe] and this time with a record breaking number of 56 participants. Notably, 6 Americans, 4 of which participated in the competition. At this CDM, Florent had to fight for the top position with fellow French karters [[Geoffrey Label]] and [[Julien Holmiere]], as his traditional rival [[Sami]] endured a series of disappointing results.
Much like last year, Florent cruised into the final for the [[Time Trial]] event, enjoying crashless races throughout the knock-out stages of the tournament. The final turned out to be an almost exact repeat of the 2014 [[Time Trial]] final, facing [[Sami]] on Marcio Circuit 2. The feeling of déjà vu was further strengthened by the manner in which Florent defeated his opponent, opening the race with 2 Long Boosts, whereas Sami stuck to normal driving once more. In sharp contrast with the predictable Time Trial results, The Match Race tournament turned out to be full of upsets. In the quarter finals, the established pecking order in SMK was firmly put to the test. [[Jey]], a rising star in multiplayer SMK, managed to eliminate [[Sami]] through a convincing 7-4 victory, while [[Guillaume Leviach]] defeated another tournament favourite in [[Julien Homiere]]. The revolution was almost completed by [[Conor Wood]] from Team UK, who came shockingly close to knocking-out Florent in a 7-6 thriller of a match. Florent recovered from this match well and delivered a solid semi final win against [[Geoffrey Label]]. After the quarter final onslaught, Geo was the biggest remaining threat to Florent's overall position, but Florent disposed of him with a 9-6 win. In the final a surprise opponent awaited him in the form of [[Guillaume Leviach]]. Though Guillaume fought with all he had, Florent proved too strong and clinched an 11-6 victory, acquiring already his 3rd MR gold medal in a row.
Much like last year, Florent cruised into the final for the [[Time Trial]] event, enjoying crashless races throughout the knock-out stages of the tournament. The final turned out to be an almost exact repeat of the 2014 [[Time Trial]] final, facing [[Sami]] on Mario Circuit 2. The feeling of déjà vu was further strengthened by the manner in which Florent defeated his opponent, opening the race with 2 Long Boosts, whereas Sami stuck to normal driving once more. In sharp contrast with the predictable Time Trial results, The Match Race tournament turned out to be full of upsets. In the quarter finals, the established pecking order in SMK was firmly put to the test. [[Jey]], a rising star in multiplayer SMK, managed to eliminate [[Sami]] through a convincing 7-4 victory, while [[Guillaume Leviach]] defeated another tournament favourite in [[Julien Homiere]]. The revolution was almost completed by [[Conor Wood]] from Team UK, who came shockingly close to knocking-out Florent in a 7-6 thriller of a match. Florent recovered from this match well and delivered a solid semi final win against [[Geoffrey Label]]. After the quarter final onslaught, Geo was the biggest remaining threat to Florent's overall position, but Florent disposed of him with a 9-6 win. In the final a surprise opponent awaited him in the form of [[Guillaume Leviach]]. Though Guillaume fought with all he had, Florent proved too strong and clinched an 11-6 victory, acquiring already his 3rd MR gold medal in a row.
The next day, Florent enjoyed a strong group phase showing in battle mode. For a brief moment a monumental ‘Grand Chelem’ looked liked it could be in the works, but it was traditionally disrupted by the man Florent fears most in battle, [[Drew Blumfield]]. Whereas Florent had managed to finally overcome Drew in 2014’s BM semifinal, this year things returned to normal through a 9-4 Drew victory. At the same time [[Geo]] managed to qualify for the final after a thrilling fight with gold medal favourite [[Julien Holmiere]]. Florent subsequently lost the ensuing bronze medal play-off versus a rampant [[Julien]], though for the overall rankings his lead on rival [[Geo]] was still substantial. This was also helped by [[Drew]] defeating [[Geo]] in the BM final; the American, who is a big crowd favourite, reclaimed the gold for the first time since 2010.
The next day, Florent enjoyed a strong group phase showing in battle mode. For a brief moment a monumental ‘Grand Chelem’ looked liked it could be in the works, but it was traditionally disrupted by the man Florent fears most in battle, [[Drew Blumfield]]. Whereas Florent had managed to finally overcome Drew in 2014’s BM semifinal, this year things returned to normal through a 9-4 Drew victory. At the same time [[Geo]] managed to qualify for the final after a thrilling fight with gold medal favourite [[Julien Holmiere]]. Florent subsequently lost the ensuing bronze medal play-off versus a rampant [[Julien]], though for the overall rankings his lead on rival [[Geo]] was still substantial. This was also helped by [[Drew]] defeating [[Geo]] in the BM final; the American, who is a big crowd favourite, reclaimed the gold for the first time since 2010.
Keeping his record breaking GP gold medal streak from 2006 to 2012 in mind, Florent was keen on restarting a streak after his victory in 2014’s GP tournament. Though his rival [[Geo]] managed to top the group stage, Florent secured a relatively calm path to the semifinals, knocking out [[Aron Langerak]] and [[Pierre Coste]] along the way. The semifinal pitted him against [[Julien Holmiere]], a duel made especially piquant by the fact that Julien had replaced Florent as the #1 on the GP150cc time ranking website (http://www.smkgp150cc.com/) just a few months prior to the event. Despite this psychological edge, Florent’s decision making, weapon usage and consistency proved enough to overpower Julien through a 4-2 victory.
Keeping his record breaking GP gold medal streak from 2006 to 2012 in mind, Florent was keen on restarting a streak after his victory in 2014’s GP tournament. Though his rival [[Geo]] managed to top the group stage, Florent secured a relatively calm path to the semifinals, knocking out [[Aron Langerak]] and [[Pierre Coste]] along the way. The semifinal pitted him against [[Julien Holmiere]], a duel made especially piquant by the fact that Julien had replaced Florent as the #1 on the GP150cc time ranking website (http://www.smkgp150cc.com/) just a few months prior to the event. Despite this psychological edge, Florent’s decision making, weapon usage and consistency proved enough to overpower Julien through a 4-2 victory.
Although there was still the prestigious GP final at stake versus his friend [[Geo]], Florent had at least already secured his 9th overall CDM title at this point. Florent started the final in dominant fashion, taking a 2-0 lead. At this point [[Geo]] found his fighting edge, using his fearsome arsenal of opponent hindering tricks to full effect. Florent was fully aware of the skills [[Geo]] possesses, but his level during this match might still have surprised him a little. As a result, Florent lost his footing and ultimately the match. [[Geo]] won the decisive special cup (clinching his match point to make it 5-3) mainly thanks to a superb green shell long shot on Koopa Beach 2, a move that effectively summarized the match.
Although there was still the prestigious GP final at stake versus his friend [[Geo]], Florent had at least already secured his 9th overall CDM title at this point. Florent started the final in dominant fashion, taking a 2-0 lead. At this point [[Geo]] found his fighting edge, using his fearsome arsenal of opponent hindering tricks to full effect. Florent was already familiar with Geo's skill-set in this regard, but the level of his opponent during this match might still have surprised him a little. As a result, Florent lost his footing and ultimately the match. [[Geo]] won the decisive special cup (clinching his match point to make it 5-3) mainly thanks to a superb green shell long shot on Koopa Beach 2, a move that effectively summarized the match.
Despite his failure to win GP, Florent expressed to be very happy with his results at this CDM, winning his first world championship title as a sponsored player.
Despite his failure to win GP, Florent expressed to be very happy with his results at this CDM, winning his first world championship title as a sponsored player.
== Awesome Games Done Quick 2016 ==
In 2016, Florent participated in Awesome Games Done Quick ([https://gamesdonequick.com/ AGDQ]), the biggest worldwide speedrunning marathon that is held annually and raises funds for [http://preventcancer.org/ the prevent cancer foundation]. On the first day of AGDQ 2016, Florent faced-off against former [[Time Trial]] #1[[ Karel van Duijvenboden]] (alias KVD). Their race will be ingrained in the memory of most of the people that witnessed it live, as it climaxed into one of the closest finishes in the history of these events. The goal of the race was to complete all cups of Super Mario Kart (GP150cc, [[NTSC]] version) as fast as possible, each on a separate console. Beforehand, there was no clear favourite. [[Karel]] is the World Record holder in this category ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrCD92rqX1Y 31m08s]) and the most trained (for this specific challenge) out of the two, but Florent’s overall GP prowess and ability under pressure would almost certainly be enough to make up for that, leaving a roughly 50-50 winning chance.
The race turned out to be close all the way through, with multiple lead changes. Florent started off strong, jumping into a big lead of 13 seconds during mushroom cup. After this, [[Karel]] clawed back with some clean racing on flower and star cup and actually started the deciding special cup with a healthy 16 second lead. Florent mounted an incredible comeback building all the way through this final cup. His antics included an expert wall-skip shortcut on [[Donut Plains 3]] through the timely use of a mushroom. On the final track, [[Rainbow Road]], [[Karel]] still had 6 seconds of advantage left, implying that Florent needed to get a feather or mushroom to win through a possible final lap trick ending. Instead of that happening, [[Karel]] suffered an unlucky blow as Luigi suddenly rag dolled into his kart upon firing a red shell, which ironically, [[Karel]] attempted to try and move Luigi out of the way with. This set-up a thriller of a final lap that culminated in a highly memorable photo finish. In the end Florent had won by ~0.13 seconds, a mind-blowingly small difference after over 32 minutes of racing. Afterwards, Florent would call this performance one of the absolute highlights of his career as an SMK player.
-The video of the full race can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeAqg-L-tNM
-The video of the photo finish can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWEeiuOoyuc
-Full video that includes the pre-match interview by [https://twitter.com/blechyman?lang=en Blechy] and the donation incentive Match Race performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7JTayEh4SY&list=PLq8o_9QDqDPURJjZ2_tQTLTatriJQavEV
Approximately 150.000 viewers had tuned in live to watch this run via Twitch ((https://www.twitch.tv/gamesdonequick).), easily the largest audience any SMK performance has ever received. Thanks to the generous donations of the viewers ($2,879.19 in total), the donation incentive was met (https://gamesdonequick.com/tracker/bids/agdq2016). This allowed Florent and [[Karel]] to deliver an encore performance. The idea that they both had beforehand was to give the viewers a bite of what top level multiplayer SMK / CDM is like. Therefore they chose to play 1 round of Match Race on [[Choco Island 1]], which is known as the track that has the most interesting meta-game and item dynamics. Shockingly, this race also ended in a photo finish. The race started with a nice weaponry exchange in the beginning laps, after which both drivers collected a feather to set-up a trick finish. This time it was Karel's turn to come out a fraction faster. When the SMK pairing left the stage, the show that they had provided was received with a standing ovation from the audience (approximately 400 people) present in the hall. Much applause was also coming through via Twitch chat. Many also commented on the excellent commentary provided by [[Dan Hoernemann]], who had truly done a stellar job at explaining all the SMK technicalities to the public.
Florent had travelled across the Atlantic ocean to attend this event, which was held in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C. Washington DC] in the [http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/virginia/hilton-washington-dulles-airport-IADAHHF/index.html Hilton Washington Dulles Airport hotel]. This marked the first occasion that Florent undertook intercontinental travel for a Super Mario Kart related endeavor.
== Time Trial ==
== Time Trial ==