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Our MBA sporting stars head to this year’s 'MBA Olympics' in Paris, to defend Oxford's winning streak

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As Paris looks ahead to the Olympics this summer, the city will first play host this week to 178 of our world-leading MBA students for the 33rd MBAT games.

Dubbed the ‘MBA Olympics’, the HEC Paris MBA Tournament is the premier MBA sports tournament and the largest gathering of MBAs from across Europe. Around 1,500 MBA students from more than 15 of the world’s top business schools will compete across 38 sporting events. Following successive 2017, 2018, and 2019 tournament wins, Oxford Saïd teams have won the 2022 and last year's 2023 MBAT games. 

We are the reigning champions, which comes with the greatest pressure. However, I have full confidence that we will put up a strong defence of the championship. It has been an honour to lead the MBAT effort and extremely rewarding.

Tomas Bravo

MBA student and MBAT team co-lead

MBA student and team co-lead, Tomas Bravo, commented on this year’s game plan to repeat winning the trophy. He said: 'We are the reigning champions, which comes with the greatest pressure. However, I have full confidence that we will put up a strong defence of the championship - we have a phenomenal cohort that will push together for victory. We are taking a slightly smaller delegation this year, so we need everyone to participate to make sure we have a team in every event. You must be in it to win it, and we have worked hard to build strong teams. I’ve seen such great camaraderie, and it has been so exciting to see teams training so hard, putting in all the hours.'  

MBA student and co-lead Victoria Gurtler commented on what makes this year a special one, and said: ‘With 40% of this year’s team female, the added advantage of having the highest percentage of women in an MBA cohort in European history makes this a particularly special tournament for Oxford. We extend a special thank you to our sponsor,  TeeTime SE, and the Oxford Saïd Administrative Team for providing us with the financial assistance to bring home this year’s MBAT trophy.’ ’ 

 

With 40% of this year’s team female, the added advantage of having the highest percentage of women in an MBA cohort in European history makes this a particularly special tournament for Oxford. This has been such a memorable part of my MBA experience.

Victoria Gurtler

MBA student, and MBAT team co-lead

Victoria added: ‘With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, it is such a fun opportunity to close the books for a weekend and take our athletic talents to HEC. I played collegiate basketball and relish the chance to brush off my sneakers and join classmates on the court. This has been such a memorable part of my MBA experience.’  

 

 

The MBAT Games are also tremendous opportunities for our students to deepen problem-solving and innovative-thinking skills. Many thanks to them for their dedication and hard work. We are so proud of them and wish them the best of luck!

Soumitra Dutta

Peter Moores Dean

In addition to international competition, students will have many opportunities to network and socialise, with the event fostering a global perspective for tomorrow's leaders. 

Oxford Saïd Dean, Soumitra Dutta, commented: ‘Winning is fantastic, but having the experience of dynamic team building and the opportunity to expand your global network is even more valuable. Balancing the demands of studying, alongside preparing for such a competitive sporting event is impressive, so many thanks to them for their dedication and hard work. I wish each one of them the very best of luck!' 

From rock climbing to dodgeball, swimming to frisbee and rugby to dance, teams will compete over three days beginning May 9-11, with one business school claiming the championship title. 

Follow the 2024 MBAT team's progress.   

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