A New Hope — The First Magna Carta Tournament in France
On October 4th, the town of Pont-Saint-Esprit witnessed the birth of a new tradition.
The tournament “A New Hope” became the first Magna Carta event ever held on French soil — and from its very beginning, it set a remarkably high standard for intensity, beauty, and authenticity.
Unlike the common practice of saving mass battles for the end of the event, when fighters are already exhausted and many choose to rest, this tournament began with the grand melee.
At sunrise, the warriors were divided into two nearly equal factions and entered the field for a clash that lasted four full rounds.
The first ended in the triumph of one side, the second with victory for the other, and the third in a hard-fought draw — forcing a decisive final round that kept both fighters and spectators on edge until the last moment.
After this opening that could easily have been the finale, the tournament moved to a different kind of contest — one both ancient and symbolic: the Gioco del Ponte.
This traditional form of combat, originating centuries ago in Pisa, had over time become more of a ceremonial show than a true test of strength.
Magna Carta, paying homage to the deep martial roots of Europe, sought to revive its authentic spirit in a buhurt format.
Armed only with wooden staves, the fighters met on a narrow platform where their goal was to throw their opponents down or push them beyond the edge, just as it was done in the original bridge game of old.
What followed was a vivid and spectacular exchange that blended medieval tradition with the raw energy of modern combat.
The highlight of the day was the 7v7 buhurt, a new format deliberately chosen by the organizers instead of the familiar 5v5.
Adding just two more fighters per side completely changed the rhythm and tactics of the battles.
There was less static grappling and fewer rehearsed maneuvers — and far more movement, strikes, and action.
The low barriers of the list field made clinging to the fence impossible, forcing combatants to stay mobile and aggressive.
Even proximity to the edge turned from a safety zone into a real danger.
Each match was fought not for two but for three victorious rounds, demanding endurance, willpower, and unbreakable spirit from every participant.
When the battles were done and the banners lowered, warriors gathered for the evening feast — a time-honored Magna Carta tradition that celebrates friendship as much as victory.
Around a shared table, rivals became companions once again, united by honor and by the joy of a day well fought.
Magna Carta extends its gratitude to everyone who made this tournament possible and invites all to future gatherings.
And remember:
The Middle Ages are closer than you think.
