Orange Belgium raises awareness of the risks of digital abuse in esports

As part of its #ForGoodConnections program, Orange Belgium is strengthening its commitment to a safer and more responsible digital world. By supporting the semi-professional women’s team ZennIT Orange GC, the operator aims to raise young people’s awareness of cyberbullying in esports. In this context, Orange Belgium is organizing a Boot camp from 30 March to 3 April. It will be an opportunity for the team to build cohesion and sharpen its strategic preparation, while also sharing its journey.

Tackling cyberbullying in gaming communities

With the growth of esports (several million active players in Belgium), online interactions between players are increasing. Yet cyberbullying remains a reality: nearly 40% of gamers say they have already been insulted online, and 24% of 12–18-year-olds report being victims of cyberbullying.

Gaming communities can be particularly exposed to toxic behaviors such as insults, trolling, or targeted harassment. Women and people from under-represented groups often report higher levels of exposure. By supporting ZennIT Orange GC, Orange wants to use the visibility of esports to promote responsible online behavior and encourage a more respectful digital environment.

“With #ForGoodConnections, Orange Belgium is taking action to protect young people from the negative aspects of the digital world. Esports is now an important space for online interactions. By supporting ZennIT Orange GC, we want to help raise awareness of cyberbullying issues and promote a more respectful digital environment,” says Nathalie Rahbani, Director & Acting Chief Brand, Communication and ESG Officer at Orange Belgium.

First Belgian team on the European stage

Behind the ZennIT GC Orange team is the Brussels-based organization ZennIT, active on the esports scene since 2019. Initially competing in Belgium’s third division on League of Legends, the organization gradually established itself through steady progress, marked by several successive promotions up to the Benelux division. That rise was crowned last year with a historic title: ZennIT became the first French-speaking organization to win the Benelux championship.

At a time when the women’s competitive scene is booming globally and attracting millions of viewers, ZennIT chose to fully invest in it by launching a Belgian Game Changers team on Valorant, made possible thanks to Orange Belgium’s support. “Our ambition is to continue to shine a light on Belgian talent and resources,” says Denis Lefebure, General Manager of ZennIT Gaming.

The players, aged 22 to 25, come from Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, England and France. They compete in the Valorant Champions Tour Game Changers circuit, the game’s official competitive program designed to increase opportunities and visibility for under-represented talent in esports. Thanks to Orange Belgium’s support, ZennIT Orange GC takes part in regional and national tournaments and is aiming for the world championship followed by more than 450,000 people.

About #ForGoodConnections

In Belgium, the #ForGoodConnections program includes conferences in schools, information sessions for parents, and educational tools for young people. Last year, nearly 13,000 people benefited from free training on digital usage, including 7,991 young people under 18 and 6,848 participants in cyberbullying awareness initiatives.

In practice

The boot camp will take place from 30 March to 3 April at the Bourse. The players will be available for interviews on site on Wednesday 1 April between 9:00 and 12:00.