AMSG Challenges Powerhouse ACBB in Thrilling Judo Pro League Semi-Final

In a dramatic display of athleticism at the INJ in Paris, the Arts Martiaux de Saint-Gratien (AMSG) nearly pulled off a monumental upset during the Judo Pro League semifinals on May 16, 2026. The underdog Val-d’Oise club, which entered the tournament as an undefeated promoted team, pushed the powerhouse Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt (ACBB) to the absolute brink in a high-stakes team competition.

The format of the Judo Pro League features ten distinct bouts, split evenly between men and women across various weight classes. Against an ACBB squad bolstered by four Olympic athletes from the 2024 Games, the AMSG team entered the arena with a defiant spirit. Youssef Drif, who co-coaches the team alongside Ouassini Bentot, noted that his team was the only one that truly believed they could challenge the eventual tournament winners.

Did You Know? The AMSG team enjoyed significant local support during the semifinal, with the city providing transport that allowed more than 350 fans to attend, a figure that exceeded the club’s own total number of registered members.

A Hard-Fought Semifinal

The match began with a series of surprises that put the ACBB on the defensive. Margit de Voogd secured a notable win against three-time world champion Joanne Van Lieshout in the -63 kg category, followed by a victory from Jason Okoyé. With additional wins from Tatum Keen and Angelo Pantano, the AMSG held a 4-2 lead, putting the tournament favourites in an unfamiliar position.

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The turning point arrived during the eighth bout. Zackarya Belfouel, returning from a two-month injury layoff, narrowly missed a scoring opportunity that could have extended the AMSG lead to 5-3. After a video review denied the score, his opponent capitalized, swinging the momentum toward the ACBB. Despite a resilient effort from Adrien Bonferroni, who forced a 5-5 tie after an exhausting 10-minute battle, the final tie-breaker went in favor of the ACBB. The Japanese judoka Haruka Funakubo, a 2024 Olympic medalist, ultimately clinched the victory for the ACBB in the deciding -57 kg bout.

Expert Insight: The performance of the Arts Martiaux de Saint-Gratien suggests that professional team judo is shifting toward a landscape where depth and tactical versatility can challenge traditional powerhouses. While the AMSG fell short of the final, their ability to force a deciding match against an elite, Olympic-caliber roster highlights the growing competitiveness of the league’s format.

Future Implications

Following their third-place finish, the AMSG has solidified its reputation as a formidable force in the Judo Pro League. Given their success as a promoted team, it is likely that the club will be viewed as a top contender in future seasons. For the ACBB, the narrow escape in the semifinals serves as a reminder of the parity within the league, suggesting that even dominant teams may face increased pressure in upcoming tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final outcome of the match between AMSG and ACBB?
The match ended in a 5-5 tie after regulation, leading to a decisive tie-breaker bout which the ACBB won, allowing them to advance to the final.

How many spectators attended the semifinal?
The semifinal match at the INJ in Paris was attended by approximately 2,000 spectators.

Who coached the Arts Martiaux de Saint-Gratien team during this event?
The team was coached by Youssef Drif and Ouassini Bentot.

How do you think the introduction of team-based, mixed-gender formats has changed the way spectators engage with professional judo?

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