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‘Mesmerising’: Our inspiring MBAs, dominated in many events to bring home the bronze medal in this year's MBAT Games

Published

Our Oxford Saïd sports stars competed in the 2024 MBAT HEC Paris Tournament, delivering an outstanding performance to secure third place in the ‘MBA Olympics.'

Despite being outnumbered by rival teams, Oxford Saïd’s 178 sporting MBAs performed heroically across three days of intense competition in 38 events. They achieved key wins in the 10x400m relay, the first person shooter game 'counter-strike', beat Manchester in rowing, and delivered an electrifying win by the women’s basketball team over LBS (London Business School). Among many highlights and tight toe-to-toe battles, cricket and dance were standout events where the Oxford Saïd team took second place.  

The MBAT Tournament, the world’s largest gathering of MBA students, saw LBS as this year’s tournament winners, with HEC Paris in second place, and Oxford Saïd in third place.

 

Most importantly, the event was a remarkable success because despite the adversity, our cohort was more united than any other.

Tomas Bravo

MBAT team co-lead, MBA student

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Cricket team

Tomas Bravo, co-lead of the Oxford Saïd MBAT team, saluted the team’s collective spirit, saying: 'Most importantly, the event was a remarkable success because despite the adversity, our cohort was more united than any other. We had the most event wins after LBS. Sure, the third overall is not what we were looking for, but if I had to go into battle again, I would take these same warriors with me.’

MBAT team co-lead, Victoria Gurtler, shared what made the experience an unforgettable one: ‘Tomas did an exceptional job leading our team to Paris. I also want to give a shout-out to our dance team who meticulously choreographed a routine that covered four different genres of dance. They came in second overall, under the leadership of MBA classmate and former NFL Cheerleader, Jordan Wilson. And for me, as a basketball player, the women’s basketball team taking first overall was the cherry on top.' 

  

For me, as a basketball player, the women’s basketball team taking first overall was the cherry on top.

Victoria Gurtler

MBAT team co-lead, MBA student

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MBAT Dance team

Among strong performances, the School has gained a reputation for its dance routines, and this year was no exception. Jordan Wilson, the dance team’s lead, commented on preparations for the competition, and her MABT experience, saying: ‘The MBAT provided a unique opportunity for me to deepen my relationships with my classmates as we united with a common goal. Our dance team consisted of 32 dancers, and despite our hectic schedules, we gathered every night leading up to the tournament to rehearse, fuelled by our shared passion for dance. Our hard work paid off, earning us 2nd place in the dance competition! Practicing late into the night, getting ready in the dressing room, and performing on stage with my classmates created unforgettable memories and camaraderie, and is a definite highlight of my MBA.’

 

 

 

Practicing late into the night, getting ready in the dressing room, and performing on stage with my classmates, created unforgettable memories and camaraderie, and is a definite highlight of my MBA.

Jordan Wilson

MBAT Dance team lead, MBA student

The competition, dubbed the ‘MBA Olympics’, is unique, and where Europe's top business schools compete across sports, social and cultural events. Tomas elaborated on the team’s concerted effort, and said: ‘In every event, there were people to cheer on each other. When there were gaps in teams, someone stepped up to help. When someone was feeling tired, there was a team to drive them forward. I am extremely proud to have worn the dark blue shirt every day.’

Oxford Saïd Dean, Professor Soumitra Dutta, congratulated the team, commenting: 'Our fantastic team earnt their place on the podium through grit, determination and skill. All in all, an amazing accomplishment. I celebrate the entire team for representing Oxford so well, and putting in so much prep, while balancing the significant demands of their studies. Particular thanks to our team lead Tomas Bravo, Victoria Gurtler who supported on media and partnerships, the team’s sponsor, TeeTime SE, and all of our competing MBAs who made us all so proud.’ 

All in all, it is an amazing accomplishment. I celebrate the entire team for representing Oxford so well, and putting in so much prep, while balancing the significant demands of their studies. You have made us all proud!

Soumitra Dutta

Peter Moores Dean

The co-chairs acknowledged the team’s incredible sponsor  TeeTime SE, for their financial support and enthusiasm, commenting, ‘It was a privilege to partner with a sports-centric company, equipping SBS’s athletes for victory.’ The Oxford Saïd team have won successive tournaments from 2017-19, 2022, and 2023 tournaments.

Hosted by HEC, the 33rd HEC MBAT annual event hosted teams vying for victory in various sporting activities. From rock climbing to dance, to swimming and cricket, one business school claimed the victorious crown. In addition to sporting events, students had opportunities to network and socialise, with the event fostering a global perspective for tomorrow's leaders. 

Watch event highlights and others on YouTube.