The only team to have appeared on every podium since the creation of the Judo Pro League in 2022, Judo Nice Métropole has secured their spot in the 2026 Final Four. Thanks to a united team that never gave up despite adversity. 

 

The honor of the province rests on the shoulders of Judo Nice Métropole, facing three Parisian teams (RSC Montreuil, AC Boulogne-Billancourt, and AM Saint-Gratien) during this 2025/2026 Final Four. A geographical claim that perfectly suits this group composed mainly of judokas who have competed on the French Riviera during their careers. 

 

An autumn full of obstacles

The regular season began with a home test of character against newcomers JC Pontault-Combault. While the start was timid, experience quickly spoke for itself: Léa Métrot (-52kg) defeated her rival Meghan Vo in twenty seconds, before Ophélie Vellozzi (-57kg), new to the City of Angels and named best judoka of the evening after her fine victory against Dutchwoman Julie Beurskens, sealed the outcome of the match (5-3).

 

 

The Arboras, impregnable citadel

 

The real turning point then came during the reception of Juniville Marnaval Grand Est. In a roaring Arboras fortress, the -57kg fighter achieved the feat of the season by taking down two-time Olympic medalist Amandine Buchard. This success (4-3), complemented by an authoritative away win against Dojo Béglais (5-2), propelled Nice towards a true «round of sixteen» against FLAM 91. 

 

The Shiver of Longjumeau

On January 13th, on the mats of the Essonne training center, Nice played for its future in the competition, and notably the prospect of a home quarter-final. In a breathtaking duel between two undefeated teams where draws were frequent, it was the local boy, Raphaël Gigli, who returned to the club this summer from... FLAM 91, who delivered for his team. By countering a kata-guruma attempt in the final moments, he secured the victory (3-2) and brought relief to the Azurean camp. 

 

 

A quarter in «demo» mode»

Although undefeated, Judo Nice Métropole was only ranked fourth in the standings due to their sometimes narrow victories, and therefore faced fifth-ranked Stade Bordelais, in an attempt to reach their fourth consecutive Final Four. Despite the close standings, Mohamed Otmane's protégés left no room for doubt against the Girondins. In front of their home crowd, they stifled the visitors' efforts from the start thanks to Rania Drid, Luca Otmane, and Ida Eriksson. And despite a timid reaction from Bordeaux, the Georgian giant Shalva Gureshidze and the unavoidable Vellozzi finished the job for a decisive final score: 7-3. 

 

To get the Grail back

For the fourth consecutive year, Judo Nice Métropole will therefore be part of the final four. On May 16th, the Azuréens will face RSC Montreuil, the leader of the qualifiers, in the semi-finals. In Paris, Nice will not just be a guest, but the team to beat for the three promoted teams accompanying them, who are vying to become the first team to secure a second title after their 2024 success.