Mario Fernandez, originally from Herencia, has achieved the title of Champion in the polearm category at the international tournament called Lion d’Acier, held in Millau, France, last weekend. In his first participation in this renowned competition, Fernandez not only surpassed the qualifying rounds in various categories, but also emerged victorious in one of the most demanding challenges of the event.
The Lion d’Acier tournament, known as the most prestigious duel event for historical combat in France, brought together competitors from around the world in various disciplines of historical combat. The 2024 edition featured battles in categories such as longsword, bocle sword, sword and shield, and polearms, and had an enthusiastic audience following the intense battles in two arenas for over 18 hours of live combat.
A challenge worthy of champions
Fernandez commented after his victory: “I am leaving with great satisfaction after this first participation in a competition of such a high level. Overcoming the qualifying rounds in sword and shield, polearms, and hand-and-a-half sword has been an incredible challenge.” Accompanied by his partner Lucia and supported by clubs such as @indomitus.medievalcombatclub, @salacarranza, and @urna_regnum, Fernandez expressed his gratitude and celebrated success alongside other Spanish competitors who also brought trophies home.
A weekend of combat and medieval culture
The Lion d’Acier is much more than a tournament of historical combat; it is a true celebration of medieval culture. In addition to the battles, the event featured the presence of artisans and exhibitors with historical themes, workshops for introducing the general public to historical combat sports, and a dining area that allowed attendees to enjoy local cuisine in a festive atmosphere.
This year, the tournament also stood out for its alignment with Buhurt International and the official Profight regulations, ensuring the authenticity of the equipment and safety in combat. Among the novelties were exhibition fights in the new Veterans category and a special opening combat, reaffirming the event’s commitment to excellence in historical combat and its expansion as a sporting discipline.
The path to new challenges
With his victory, Mario Fernandez positions himself as one of the promising figures in historical combat in Spain, in a sport that is gaining more followers and relevance internationally. This experience at Lion d’Acier has shown the high level of competitiveness and talent of Spanish fighters in major tournaments, opening the door to future challenges in the medieval combat circuit.
Fernandez’s success in Millau is a testament to the effort and dedication of historical combat athletes, in a sport that combines history, strategy, and physical skill, and continues to fascinate a growing global audience with each event.
Photos: Facebook. More information about the tournament at https://www.leliondacier.com.
Spanish post in Mario Fernández, de Herencia, se corona Campeón en armas de asta en el prestigioso torneo francés Lion d’Acier
