Living the 2025 Grand-Ouest Tournament: the story of a unique experience

From October 17 to 19, Audencia's Atlantic Campus was buzzing with excitement for the Tournoi Grand-Ouest (TGO) tournament. This sporting event, which has become a must-attend, brought together more than 1,300 students from five leading business schools, this year: Audencia, KEDGE Business School, TBS Education, NEOMA Business School, and Rennes School of Business.

Above all, the TGO is a memorable experience for students, creating and strengthening bonds regardless of their program. For the first time this year, bachelor's students were able to experience it from the inside.

Garance Salaün, a member of Audencia's women's basketball team, shares her advendure:

During the TGO, I played sports on the Audencia Women's Basketball Team, the BAF! Participating in the TGO was an enriching and unforgettable experience.

At first, I admit I was a little intimidated: as a high school graduate, finding myself surrounded by master's students was a little scary. I felt like the new kid among older people. But very quickly, that apprehension dissipated. On and off the court, I felt a real sense of cohesion. Everyone shared the same thing in common: a love of sport. Even those who didn't necessarily know the rules of the sports came to watch the games, shout, cheer, and make themselves heard, just to convey their motivation and support their school. This collective energy, this competition between schools, this constant kindness, is what transformed the TGO into a real family for me. 

What struck me most was how naturally the integration happened. People came up to talk to you easily, made you feel comfortable, included you in discussions, etc. The age gap, sometimes four years, completely disappeared: we all had the same energy, the same desire to give our best. The colors of each school, the cheers, the chants... all of that will remain in my mind as the best time of my life. The TGO is much more than just a tournament. It's a powerful human experience, where you learn to push yourself, work as a team, and enjoy a positive and unifying atmosphere. 

I have fond memories of smiles, encouragement, pushing myself, and moments of sharing.  I'm going back next year!

This edition will once again be remembered for its scale, the commitment of the athletes and supporters, and its spirit of sharing.

For three days, sport and conviviality took over the venue. Fierce matches, supporters' chants, meetings at the Partners' Village and festive evenings created a unique atmosphere, where competition mingled with cohesion.

This tournament provided some particularly emotional moments:  

• The opening of the tournament, which featured an artistic performance by Thomas Priou on piano and Pauline Penoty on vocals, both Audencia students.
• Spectacular handball finals in a buzzing H Arena.
• A cheerleading show that electrified the audience.
• An exceptional mobilization of Kopencia and supporters from each school, who were the real driving force behind the atmosphere.
   

As well as a list of winners that reflects each school's commitment:

• Audencia won the Sports Trophy for its overall performance.
• TBS Education won the Fair Play Trophy for its exemplary behavior.
• KEDGE Bordeaux distinguished itself with the Cheerleading Trophy.
• NEOMA Rouen thrilled the stands and won the Atmosphere Trophy.
• Rennes School of Business distinguished itself through its commitment to solidarity and walked took home the Commitment Trophy.
• New for 2025: Rennes School of Business also won the TGO Ultimate Trophy, awarded to the most well-rounded school, i.e., the one that excelled in all five categories.
   

The TGO could not have taken place without the TGO team and the Audencia Sports Office, who went above and beyond to make this event a success. The event is an integral part of the student experience, promoting strong values such as team spirit, pushing oneself beyond one's limits, and solidarity.

Discover or relive the event through the short aftermovie directed by Tom David Kemp, by clicking here.