The champion of "12 noon shots", on TF1, broke a record earnings for his 139th participation: 810,244 euros were won by Eric, who will have to wait to beat the participation record, still owned by Christian Quesada. Coronavirus requires, TF1 starts this Wednesday a series of reruns of the game show. 

A very special day took place this Monday for fans of the game Les 12 coups de midi, on TF1. The champion Eric participated in his 159th edition of the televised game of general culture, and broke the record of gains: 810,244 euros. A historic milestone according to Jean-Luc Reichmann, the presenter. Except for a candidate from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, no one has ever made so much money in a game show. A victory that attracted people: 4.6 million viewers, or more than 37% of audience shares.

>> Find all of Cyril Lacarrière's media journals in replay and podcast here

The old record of Christian Quesada

Incredible news for Eric the candidate, but also for TF1 who can start to erase Christian Quesada from his tablets. Holder of the previous record, he has since been sentenced to three years in prison for corruption of minors and possession of child pornography.

The fallen champion still has a small place in the history of the 12 noon strokes : the record for the number of participations. It had been eliminated after 193 broadcasts. 

Reruns from Wednesday

Eric will have to wait to try to dethrone him. Health crisis obliges, TF1 had to suspend the shooting of its program. To fill the gap, the chain will launch a series of reruns from Wednesday. The opportunity to relive the epic of Paul, a young midday game prodigy, nicknamed "WikiPaul".

>> READ ALSO - "12 Coups de Midi": "It touches me enormously", says Jean-Luc Reichmann about Paul, champion with Asperger's syndrome

Jean-Luc Reichmann will still be on the air every day to greet his loyal viewers from his place of confinement.