Lightsaber champion: parisian fencer trades marathons for blade battles

From suburban Paris to European domination – Sébastien Bérard’s unlikely journey into the world of lightsaber duelling is a testament to a persistent curiosity and a rather unconventional path to sporting glory.

A geek’s pursuit of precision

It started with a fascination – a love for Star Wars and a background in fencing. After ditching the marathons, Bérard, now 40, stumbled upon a burgeoning sport: lightsaber combat. A podcast sparked the idea, and what began as a whimsical experiment quickly transformed into a dedicated pursuit.

Structured combat, a different rhythm

“I thought: I’m a geek. I like Star Wars. I’ve done fencing. Let’s try it,” he recalls. The key difference? Lightsaber duelling isn’t about theatrics; it’s about calculated precision. Unlike boxing, overpowering opponents isn’t the strategy—touching your opponent’s blade deducts points. It’s a test of reflexes and strategic thinking, a far cry from the cinematic spectacle.

A growing community

Now, with clubs popping up across Europe and a livestreaming audience swelling, the sport is gaining momentum. Bérard, a seasoned competitor with around 40 tournament wins, is a leading figure. He refuses prize money exceeding €1,000, preferring to invest it back into the sport and fostering a strong sense of community amongst the fighters.

Beyond the force

“It’s not ‘the force,’ you know? We use different lightsabers – polycarbonate blades, shaped for performance,” Bérard explains. “It’s become increasingly competitive. The top eight fighters are incredibly challenging. It’s not about flashy moves; it’s about control and anticipating your opponent’s every action.”

A champion’s perspective

“I earn a good living in the foreign exchange market, so I don’t keep the winnings,” he states. “It’s more about the camaraderie and the challenge. I never imagined, starting with fencing at five, that I’d end up as the European lightsaber champion. It looks silly to some, but it's skillful, fun and a sport like no other.”