A $10 billion billionaire shocked onlookers when he appeared at Lidl, challenging someone to a one-on-one fight over a video game dispute.
Billionaire Xavier Niel made headlines when he showed up at a Lidl supermarket for a one-on-one fight.
Niel, who has a net worth of around $10 billion, decided to respond to an online challenge linked to a video game.
This unusual situation has captured the attention of many.
A video game dispute between user and billionaire arose
The story began when a frustrated gamer, known as Fuego 7, complained about Niel’s internet service.
The gamer was unhappy with the slow speed while playing Call of Duty. In his frustration, he took to social media, calling out Niel.
“Xavier Niel I hate you. I propose a one-on-one in front of the Lidl on Rue Sainte in Marseille,” user Fuego 7 wrote on X back in May.
He jokingly proposed a fight in front of the Lidl store on Rue Sainte in Marseille.
This kind of challenge is often seen among school kids, but it took a wild turn when Niel decided to accept it.
Man worth $10 billion shows up for ‘one-on-one’ fight at Lidl over video game dispute
On November 15, Niel was in Marseille for an AI conference. He took the opportunity to show up at the Lidl, ready to meet his challenger.
He even posted a video on social media, announcing, “I’m here! I’m waiting for you! Where are you, come on!”
His excitement was clear, and many found it amusing to see a billionaire waiting for a fight in a supermarket parking lot.
“I’m here! I’m waiting for you!” he shouted on a video posted to social media, “Where are you, come on! Do you want to meet in the car park?”
The user did not show up despite his public challenge
However, Fuego 7 did not show up. Instead, he replied to Niel’s video, humorously saying he was unable to attend due to feeling unwell.
“I would have liked to but 34.2 temperature plus stomach ache plus headache sorry I give up,” the user joked.
He mentioned having a fever and a headache, making it clear he was not ready for a fight that day.
His response humorously indicated the contrast between a billionaire and a regular gamer.
Xavier Niel is not just known for his wealth; he is also the founder of Free, a major telecom company in France.
His decision to engage with a gamer in this manner has surprised many.
It raises questions about how public figures respond to criticism and how they connect with fans and customers.
Je t’attends https://t.co/jdCOL0j5nc pic.twitter.com/2SHPHSVIPf
— Xavier Niel (@Xavier75) November 15, 2024
Social media reactions
Niel’s presence at Lidl drew attention, not just from the media but also from the store’s social media team.
They jokingly tweeted about the situation, asking someone to come and help the “gentleman” waiting outside.
This light-hearted interaction showed how social media can turn an unusual event into a moment of community fun.
Still more entertaining than the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson scrap, one user said.
To be fair, our leased line is down more than my home internet, so had it been over that, I would have tysoning his ear off! The second user wrote.
Any body is should not disrespecting while shopping for whom they are knocked him down, the third user wrote.
Keyboard gangsters can talk the talk but canny walk the walk, but Xavier can, another wrote.
A man truly standing up for his brand, someone said.