AC Boulogne-Billancourt Eyes Historic Double at Judo Pro League Final Four

The road to judo supremacy in France arrives at a fever pitch this Saturday. After a season defined by clinical precision and an impenetrable home record, AC Boulogne-Billancourt (ACBB) descends upon the Dojo de Paris for the Judo Pro League Final Four on May 16, 2026. For the “Orange and Blacks,” the mission is clear: translate their domestic dominance into a professional title and secure a prestigious double.

The stakes could not be higher. ACBB enters the final stage as one of four unbeaten teams remaining in the competition. Having already established themselves as the first mixed-gender team French champions in 2025, the Hauts-de-Seine club is no longer just a contender—they are the benchmark. Now, they must navigate a high-pressure semi-final against Arts Martiaux Saint-Gratien (AMSG) to keep their championship dreams alive.

The Quest for the Double

In the world of elite judo, consistency is the hardest currency to earn. ACBB’s 2025 campaign, which saw them crowned as the first mixed team French champions, provided the blueprint for their current professional assault. By targeting the Judo Pro League title this weekend, the club is chasing a “double” that would cement their era of dominance over the French judo landscape.

President Yoann Catherin has built a culture of aggression and intensity, transforming their home base, the Souriau gymnasium, into what observers have called an “impregnable fortress.” This psychological edge—the belief that they cannot be beaten—is what ACBB will attempt to transplant from the local gym to the grand stage of the Dojo de Paris.

Star Power on the Tatami

A team is only as strong as its depth, and ACBB boasts a roster that reads like a Who’s Who of international judo. The strength of the squad lies in its ability to produce high-impact victories across multiple weight classes, leaving opponents with no room to breathe.

Leading the charge is Sarah-Léonie Cysique. A double Olympic medalist in the -57kg category, Cysique has shown remarkable versatility by competing in the -63kg division for the Pro League. Her “supersonic armbar” has already become a signature of ACBB’s offensive strategy, providing the team with a reliable weapon in the middle-weight brackets.

The technical engine of the team is Romain Valadier-Picard. Competing at -60kg, Valadier-Picard is coming off a stellar 2025 where he became the vice-world champion. His ability to dominate even when pushed into higher weight classes suggests a level of technical superiority that few in the league can match.

Rounding out the heavy hitters is Yoann Benezra (-90kg), whose execution of the tai-otoshi has been pivotal in neutralizing larger opponents. For the uninitiated, the tai-otoshi (body drop) is a high-amplitude throw that requires perfect timing—Benezra’s mastery of it has been a primary driver in ACBB’s ability to close out matches decisively.

An Unbeaten Path to Paris

ACBB’s journey to the Final Four was not a matter of luck, but a demonstration of force. Their “baptism by fire” in the league began with a statement victory—a 5-0 shutout of the defending champions, US Orléans Loiret JJ. That match served as a warning shot to the rest of the league: the Orange and Blacks were not there to participate. they were there to win.

The momentum continued at the Souriau gymnasium, where they dismantled Dojo Nantais in an 8-1 rout. However, the true test of the team’s character came during their away fixtures. ACBB survived two grueling encounters—a narrow 5-3 victory in Bordeaux, secured in the final moments by the tenacity of Naomi Cabaret, and a points-based win (4-4) in Pontault-Combault. These matches proved that ACBB could win not just with overwhelming power, but with the grit required for championship judo.

The final hurdle before the Final Four was a quarterfinal clash against FLAM 91. In an atmosphere amplified by DJs and fervent supporters, ACBB “stifled” their Essonne opponents, ensuring their place among the final four undefeated squads.

The Hurdle: Arts Martiaux Saint-Gratien

While ACBB enters as a favorite, Arts Martiaux Saint-Gratien (AMSG) is a dangerous opponent known for their resilience. AMSG’s path to the Final Four was defined by “Sudden Death” drama, most notably in a legendary quarterfinal against Juniville-Marnaval Grand Est. That contest saw the score tied at 1-1, 2-2, and eventually 5-5, before being decided in the final bouts.

AMSG possesses the ability to stay in a fight long after the momentum has shifted. For ACBB, the challenge will be to maintain their aggressive pace and avoid the kind of stalemate that AMSG thrives in. If ACBB can dictate the tempo from the first bout, their superior star power should prevail; if the match becomes a war of attrition, the outcome becomes far less certain.

The Final Four Landscape

The Dojo de Paris will host four teams that have yet to taste defeat this season. While ACBB battles AMSG, the other semi-final will feature a clash of titans: RSC Montreuil versus Judo Nice Métropole.

RSC Montreuil enters as the statistical leader of the playoffs, boasting twenty-nine wins across four matches. They are facing the 2024 champions, Judo Nice Métropole, a team with a storied history in the Final Four. This creates a volatile bracket where the winner of the ACBB/AMSG match could face either a statistical juggernaut in Montreuil or a seasoned champion in Nice.

What to Watch For

As the action unfolds on Saturday, three tactical keys will determine if ACBB secures their place in the final:

• Cysique’s Impact: Can Sarah-Léonie Cysique maintain her dominance in the -63kg category, or will AMSG find a tactical counter to her armbars?
• The Depth Gap: ACBB has relied on star power, but the Final Four often comes down to the “middle” of the roster. The ability of the supporting cast to hold the line will be critical.
• Pressure Management: Moving from the “fortress” of the Souriau gymnasium to the neutral, high-pressure environment of the Dojo de Paris can affect a team’s rhythm.

For global fans following the event, the Judo Pro League represents the pinnacle of the professional mixed-team format, combining the individual brilliance of Olympic-level athletes with the strategic depth of club sports.

The first semi-final between RSC Montreuil and Judo Nice Métropole kicks off at 15:15 local time, followed by the ACBB clash at 17:00. The winner of the day will be crowned the champion of the most competitive professional judo league in the world.

Next Checkpoint: The final results of the semi-finals will be confirmed immediately following the 17:00 match on May 16. Stay tuned to Archysport for the full recap and analysis of the championship final.