Counter Strike 2: French powerhouse Vitality's Paris headquarters sustained significant property damage during a wave of public protests..

HLTV reported on Monday, citing local French sources, that the Paris-based headquarters of the prominent French Counter Strike 2 (CS2) e-sports organization, Team Vitality, has sustained significant property damage during a wave of public protests.

According to the report, protesters forced their way into the facility by smashing the entrance doors and glass. Once inside, they used the facility's gaming chairs to destroy equipment, including computers used by the team for practice, and even set some of the damaged items on fire.

During the incident, a championship trophies that Vitality had previously won at a StarLadder StarSeries tournament was also stolen. The total extent of the losses incurred by the organization remains unknown.

Following the incident, Vitality CEO Neo confirmed the events via his personal X ( Twitter) account. He described the situation as "sad," yet noted that he understands the protesters' sentiments and respects their right to demonstrate.

"The right to protest is a fundamental freedom that I will defend for the rest of my life," Neo wrote. "I respect those who take action for their beliefs, but looting and destruction have no place in such protests."

He also confirmed that no one was injured during the incident. However, due to the damage sustained by the headquarters and its facilities, the Counter Strike 2 (CS2) e-sports organization’s headquarters will remain closed and off-limits to ensure public safety while cleanup and repairs are carried out.

Recently, large-scale, violent protests have erupted across France, fueled by public discontent over the rising cost of living, the standard of the education system, and various other social and economic grievances.

Protesters have primarily targeted retail outlets for luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Lancôme, and various footwear labels, as well as supermarkets, hotel chains, and even schools have not been spared.

Image source: Internet / HLTV