Inside the Judo Pro League Final Four: A Night of Drama, Triumph, and French Judo’s Future
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief
French judo fans witnessed a thrilling climax to the 2025-2026 Judo Pro League season on Saturday, May 16, as the Final Four delivered high-stakes action, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of a new champions. The event, held at the RSCM (Rugby Sports Center Métropole) in Montreuil, France, marked the culmination of a season defined by fierce rivalries, strategic brilliance, and the emergence of rising stars.
The Road to the Final Four
The Judo Pro League’s Final Four format, introduced in its second season, has quickly become a highlight of the French judo calendar. This year’s edition saw four teams—Judo Nice Métropole, AC Boulogne Billancourt (ACBB), RSC Montreuil (RSCM), and AM Saint-Gratien (AMSG)—compete for the title, with each semi-final match carrying the weight of a knockout round.
The semi-finals featured dramatic upsets and displays of technical mastery. In the first semi-final, Judo Nice Métropole (NIC) fell to RSCM with a score of 6-1, while AMSG edged out ACBB in a hard-fought 6-5 victory. The results set up an all-French final between RSCM and AMSG, with the latter ultimately claiming the title after a 6-4 win.
“We are the survivors,” said Mohamed Otmane of Judo Nice Métropole, reflecting on the grueling path to the Final Four. “The whole club is benefiting from the adventure,” added Rachid Berki of RSC Montreuil, whose team reached the final for the first time in their history.
The Final: A Battle of Styles
The final between AMSG and RSCM was a masterclass in contrasting judo philosophies. AMSG, known for their aggressive, high-risk techniques, faced off against RSCM’s disciplined, tactical approach. The match, which lasted 12 minutes, saw AMSG’s Léa Fontaine secure a decisive ippon in the second round, sealing their 6-4 victory.
Fontaine, a 2023 Tokyo Grand Slam silver medallist, was instrumental in AMSG’s success. Her performance highlighted the team’s depth, with standout contributions from Quentin Joubert, the 2023 French champion in the -81kg category.
“The emotions built up,” said Anne Bernardin of AMSG, “but we stayed focused. This is a testament to our preparation and the support of our fans.”
The Broader Implications
The 2025-2026 season saw the Judo Pro League expand its reach, with increased international participation and a focus on developing young talent. While the Final Four was a domestic affair, the inclusion of athletes from the European Judo Union and the International Judo Federation (IJF) underscored the league’s growing influence.
ACBB’s early exit from the Final Four raised questions about their strategy, as the club had entered the playoffs as heavy favorites. Meanwhile, RSCM’s journey to the final marked a turning point for the club, which has been rebuilding since its relegation from the top tier in 2023.
What’s Next for the Judo Pro League?
With the 2025-202
