Armoured fighters delivered bone crunching combat at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille on Saturday evening, with Italy’s Bande Nere eventually winning the Malizia buhurt tournament.
The big top was filled with spectators who watched 10 teams from France, Italy and Spain battle it out in seven-versus-seven full contact medieval combat, their cheers rising as warriors clashed with blunted weapons in historically accurate armour.
While the spectacle might have appeared chaotic to the untrained eye, buhurt is in fact a highly tactical and strategic discipline. Each fighter has a specific role and position, with individual combat techniques woven into broader team strategies that draw on elements of rugby and judo.
Italy’s Bande Nere fought with particular rigour throughout the evening, their intensity and coordination setting them apart from the other teams.
The Italian squad ultimately claimed first place, with France’s Les Comtois taking second and La Confrérie des Loups finishing third. Philippe Rebaudengo and Evgeny Strzhalkovskiy, founder of the Magna Carta project, presented the awards.
Adding to the medieval atmosphere, the wives and children of the fighters attended in period clothing, showing their support and adding to the spirit of the event.
The tournament serves as the opening stage of Magna Carta’s 2026 calendar, which brings together over 25 teams from four continents.
See more in our video reel below…
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Main photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Communications Department