Riner Cup: A Love Letter to Judo’s Future

What does it truly mean to be a legend in sport? Is it the medals? The records? The years of dominance on the world stage? Yes, but it is also something deeper, something more enduring. A legend is someone who transcends the mat, the court, or the field. A legend leaves behind more than trophies, they leave behind a legacy and Teddy Riner is doing exactly that.

After years, better yet, decades, at the summit of world judo, Riner has shifted his gaze to the future, not just his own but that of the generations to come. With passion and purpose, he is laying down a new path for young judoka and that journey begins now, with the inaugural Riner Cup, set to ignite the tatami in Asnières-sur-Seine on 5-6 April. This isn’t just a competition. It is a vision, born from a heart full of gratitude and a spirit committed to giving back.

“I created the Riner Cup because I wanted to pass on my knowledge. Judo has given me a lot in my life, not only on a sporting level, but also in terms of values, such as respect, self-improvement and discipline. I wanted to offer young people a truly high-level competition, but in a caring, motivating environment, true to the spirit of judo. I also realised that there was a lack of events designed for young people, events that were serious, well-organised but also festive and accessible. With the Riner Cup, my goal is to make judo even more attractive, to inspire them to continue, to dream bigger. And then, in a way, it is my way of giving back to judo for everything it has given me. By putting my name on this competition, I fully embrace my role as a role model, and I hope to contribute to making this sport shine, both in France and internationally.”

These aren’t just words. They are the essence of a man who has conquered the world yet remains grounded in humility and hope. Riner is not only gifting young athletes a high-level experience, but he is also offering them a dream, wrapped in discipline and belief, guided by the core values of judo. Now, what better venue than the Arena Teddy Riner? A stadium bearing the name of a titan opening its doors to the stars of tomorrow. From cadets, juniors to seniors, the Riner Cup offers a spectacle of excellence with a twist that defies expectations:

“For me, the main innovation of the Riner Cup is the introduction of prize money. We know that judoka, even at a good level, don’t necessarily have large incomes. And yet, they train hard, make sacrifices and live for their passion. By introducing prize money, I want to send a strong message: the commitment of judoka deserves recognition commensurate with their efforts. It is also a way to put judo in the spotlight, to give it more visibility. We often talk about sports that attract attention thanks to money and awards… why not ours? Judo also deserves that respect.

“Right now, with the visibility I have after the Olympic Games, I want to take advantage of it to showcase this sport that I love. Use this notoriety to attract attention, inspire vocations and offer young people a platform to shine. The Riner Cup is that: an event that gives a real chance, that promotes career paths, and shows that, yes, in a sport where it is sometimes difficult to make a living from your passion, it is possible to believe in it and move forward.”

In a sport that often struggles in the shadow of more commercialised disciplines, Riner is boldly shining a spotlight where it is long been overdue. He is sending a clear message: judo matters. The sacrifices judoka make deserve to be acknowledged, respected and rewarded. Make no mistake! Bringing this dream to life was no easy task.

“Launching the Riner Cup was a real challenge. I wanted to create a competition that would inspire young people but behind the scenes, there was a huge amount of work. The logistics, the organisation, finding the right partners… nothing was a given. We also had to find the right balance between the seriousness of the sport and a festive atmosphere, without betraying the values of judo. And then, when the event bears your name, the pressure is high. I knew I had to rise to the occasion, not just as a champion, but as an ambassador for judo.”

It is evident that Riner has embraced every challenge with the same relentless drive that made him a three-time Olympic champion. But this time, it is not about his victory. It is about ‘Everyone’s’.

“For this first post-Olympic edition, the objective of this competition could be summed up in one word: SHARING. Above all, it is about bringing joy back, a moment of cohesion to the entire judo community. It is about creating a positive event combining competition, good humour and joy, with surprises for everyone. In the long term, our mission is to become a must-see event in the judo world for young people. Initially at the national level, and why not one day beyond France’s borders?”

That word ‘sharing’ echoes through every layer of the Riner Cup. It is a celebration of unity, of hope and joy. A gathering of the judo family, bound not by fame or fortune but by love for the sport. Yet, Riner’s dreams stretch far beyond this weekend.

“My long-term goal with the Riner Cup is truly to help talent emerge. I want this competition to become a benchmark tournament for young judoka, an unmissable event where they can experience a truly high-level experience. I know from my journey how much an opportunity can change everything in a young athlete’s life. Sometimes, all it takes is one fight, one encounter, one moment when someone believes in you to spark a vocation, a stronger desire to believe in yourself.

“Through this event, I also want to contribute to greater equality of opportunity. No matter where you come from, your starting level, or your club, you should be given your chance. Talent, passion, commitment… these are the qualities I want to highlight and promote. If the Riner Cup can help even one young person build a successful career, or even a career in judo, then I will have achieved something important. It would be a real source of pride for me and a way to continue to advance this sport that I love so deeply.”

In a world where opportunity is often unevenly distributed, Riner is using his platform to level the playing field, to create space where potential, not privilege, takes the spotlight. That’s the mark of a real legend and he knows it comes with weight.

“It’s true that I feel both immense pride and a great responsibility to be considered a judo icon. I know I am a role model for many young people, in France and elsewhere, and I don’t take this role lightly. My goal is to inspire, to show that anything is possible when you believe in yourself, work hard and never give up, whether on the mat or in life.

“Being a judo legend, for me, isn’t just about titles or medals. It’s a mission: to bring to life and transmit the essence of judo, through strong values such as respect, rigor, and humility. And despite all my successes, I do everything I can to remain accessible, positive, and committed to advancing judo. It is important for me to continue to grow this sport that I deeply love, in all simplicity.”

Responsibility. Pride. Purpose. These are not burdens for Riner, they are motivators. He is not content to rest on his laurels. He wants to pass the torch, to make sure the light burns even brighter in the hands of the next generation. The Riner Cup is the manifestation of his journey, from a boy with big dreams to a global icon determined to give others the same chance he once had… but who motivated him?

“When I was younger, I had several sources of inspiration who guided and motivated me throughout my career. I am thinking in particular of legends like Michael Jordan, Pelé, and Muhammad Ali. What struck me about them wasn’t just their performances, but their mentality, their ability to dominate their sport, to handle pressure, to last, and to stay at the top. Moreover, they always had a broader vision, with a commitment to humanity and a philanthropic approach. That is what I admire most about them.

“I cited these examples because I greatly admire athletes who manage to manage both their sporting lives and their entrepreneurial careers.

“When I think of Michael Jordan, he was as successful in making history with his performances as he was in inscribing his brand (Jordan) across generations. Pelé, on the other hand, is the prodigy whose precocity made me dream. He performed very young, like me when I was starting out, and that really spoke to me. It echoes what I experienced, especially when I was at PSG Judo, where everything accelerated very quickly.

“But the real turning point for me was the 1998 World Cup. That magical moment when the whole of France vibrated together, regardless of origin or social class. That unity, that pride, that joy… it’s etched in my memory. It was that suspended moment that made me want to win for my country, to proudly wear the colours of France. And not just win for myself, but all together.

“And then, beyond the great names in sport, there is above all my family. My parents have always been there. My first coaches, my first fans. They instilled in me values that have never left me: those of respect, hard work and humility. Without them, I wouldn’t be the man, nor the judoka, that I am today. They are my foundation, my rock.”

This weekend, Riner will lay the first stone of a truly remarkable foundation, the first pebble of a mountain for the future generation of judoka to climb. The Riner Cup is just the start of an incredible journey of giving back to the community, it carries the soul, the heart, and the fire of a true legend. If you are in Paris, don’t miss out on the chance to see the judo icon, Teddy Riner, inspiring young judoka and sharing his love for the ‘gentle-way’.

Images: Gabi Juan / Philippe Millereau. Video: Teddy Riner

Author: Szandra Szogedi