MBA student Takumi Ito travelled to Paris earlier this month to participate in the HEC Paris MBA Tournament (MBAT). MBAT is the largest gathering of MBAs in Europe with 1,500+ MBA students from 15+ business schools coming together for three days of competitive sports, competitions, networking, and social activities. He shared his experiences
“As an MBA student at Cambridge Judge Business School and a proud member of St Edmund’s College, I have had the privilege of experiencing a dynamic and enriching academic environment, both inside and outside the classroom. During the Easter term, I had the opportunity to participate in the MBA Tournament (MBAT), one of Europe’s most prominent intercollegiate sports and networking events, hosted by HEC Paris. I joined as a member of the Cambridge football team, and this experience was made possible in part
thanks to the generous £250 bursary I received from St Edmund’s College. The funding helped cover part of the tournament registration and accommodation costs, which would have otherwise been a financial burden. I am deeply grateful for the College’s
support, which reflects its commitment to fostering student engagement and development beyond academics.”
Sport has long been a meaningful part of my personal growth, and I believe it also plays an important role in shaping leadership and collaboration skills. Training and playing alongside MBA peers from across the globe strengthened our sense of unity and teamwork.
Group photo of the Cambridge football team at MBAT 2025. The individual standing at the far
right in the front row is Takumi. Credit: Takumi Ito
Representing both Cambridge and St Edmund’s College on an international stage was a tremendous honour and a defining highlight of my MBA journey.
This report shares my reflections on the MBAT experience and illustrates the positive
impact of the College’s support in making such a unique opportunity possible.
Conference Overview
The MBA Tournament (MBAT) is a three-day international sporting event that brings
together more than 1,500 MBA students from leading business schools across Europe and
beyond. Hosted annually by HEC Paris, the event features over 25 different sports and
serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, teamwork, and celebration. For many
students, MBAT offers a rare and refreshing opportunity to step away from academic
demands and engage in spirited, meaningful competition.
In the lead-up to the event, I trained intensively with fellow members of the Cambridge
football team. Our preparation involved early morning practices and strategy sessions, and
2
although we came from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, we were united by a
shared commitment to representing Cambridge. The tournament itself was physically
demanding, with multiple matches played each day, but our team spirit and determination
remained strong throughout.
Beyond the pitch, MBAT also provided countless opportunities for informal networking. I
connected with students from schools such as LBS, Oxford, Imperial College, and IE, gaining
valuable insights from future leaders across industries like technology, finance, consulting,
and sustainability. These conversations enriched my MBA experience in ways that lectures
and case studies alone could not.
The bursary from St Edmund’s College was instrumental in making this experience possible.
Without this support, I may not have been able to participate. By enabling access to
transformative extracurricular opportunities like MBAT, the College plays a vital role in
supporting the holistic development of its students.
*Group photo of the Cambridge football team at MBAT 2025. The individual standing at the far
right in the front row is myself.
Conclusion:
Participating in MBAT was one of the most rewarding experiences of my MBA year. It
offered a unique opportunity to step away from academic pressures, immerse myself in
competitive sport, and build connections with peers from global business schools in a spirit
of mutual respect and collaboration. The event fostered key values such as resilience,
3
teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding—qualities that are essential in both leadership
and life.
I am sincerely thankful to St Edmund’s College for its generous support through the bursary.
The funding helped remove financial barriers and allowed me to fully engage in both the
competitive and social aspects of the tournament. This experience not only deepened my
sense of belonging within the wider Cambridge community but also provided lasting
memories and friendships.
Representing the College on an international stage was a source of great pride, and I will
carry the lessons and connections I made at MBAT well beyond my time at Cambridge. I
hope future students will continue to benefit from the College’s encouragement of studentled initiatives. Thank you once again for investing in opportunities that allow students to
grow in every dimension.
