Video Game Store Manager in Nice Becomes a Viral Hero
A video game store manager in Nice, France, has become an international social media sensation after trying to protect his store from looters. Pierre Collin was knocked to the ground during the October 17 violence, but he got back up and returned to the entrance. His actions have earned him widespread praise and an unexpected nickname inspired by the world of anime.
Pierre Collin Stands Up to Looters
Collin was on vacation when he received a worrying call from a former employee about trouble at the Micromania video game store on Avenue Jean-Médecin in Nice.
Concerned about his team and the business, he rushed to the store. When he arrived, the storefront had been smashed, objects were being thrown, and people were looting the premises.
Although his partner urged him to leave for his own safety, Collin stepped in front of the entrance in an attempt to stop more people from entering.
Videos shared online show a person kicking him in the back, sending him to the ground. Despite the attack, Collin got back up and returned to his position near the entrance. The store was eventually looted.
Collin reportedly suffered minor injuries, including scrapes and a sprain.
Why the Internet Calls Him the “Goku of Nice”
A photograph of Collin standing in front of the damaged store, beside a poster of Son Goku from the popular Dragon Ball series, quickly spread across social media.
The image inspired users to compare him to the fictional hero, earning him the nickname “Goku of Nice.” Many people praised his determination to defend the store, while his story became a symbol of the impact the violence had on local businesses and workers.
Collin, however, has remained modest about the attention. He has acknowledged that stepping into the confrontation may not have been the safest decision. He has also stressed that the people involved in the looting represented only a small minority of those taking part in the wider demonstrations.
Warning After Fake Fundraising Campaigns Appear Online
As messages of support poured in, another problem emerged: fundraising pages claiming to help Collin began appearing online without his knowledge.
He warned supporters to be careful and not to donate to campaigns that he had not approved. The case highlights how viral incidents can quickly attract both genuine generosity and people seeking to take advantage of public sympathy.
A fundraising campaign organized by the gaming community group Double Pixels on Leetchi was among the initiatives reported in connection with his story. Anyone considering a donation should check that a campaign is legitimate and has Collin’s authorization before contributing.
Public Support Grows After the Attack
The response to Collin’s story shows how a few seconds of video can bring international attention to someone who was simply trying to protect his workplace.
Behind the viral image is a damaged business, a team affected by the incident, and a manager who faced a dangerous situation while trying to prevent further destruction.
For many people online, Collin’s actions have become a reminder of the courage ordinary workers can show in difficult circumstances and of the importance of supporting victims without allowing scammers to exploit their stories.
