M&R Galaxy Tigers Secure 10th Austrian Judo Bundesliga Title

The M&R Galaxy Tigers of Vienna have clinched their 10th Austrian Judo Bundesliga title, solidifying their dominance in the competition. The team defeated UJZ Mühlviertel 8-6 in a repeat of last year’s final, successfully defending their championship. This victory marks their second consecutive title and further extends their lead as the most successful team in the league’s history.

2023 Bundesliga Season Overview

The 2023 Erste Judo Bundesliga, the 65th edition of the Austrian team judo championship, was organized by the Austrian Judo Association. The season featured nine teams competing over 12 rounds, with each match consisting of seven bouts across weight classes -60kg, -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, -100kg, and +100kg. Each encounter was officiated by three judges.

Key Players and Performances

Several athletes contributed to the Galaxy Tigers’ success. Legionnaires Denis Vieru (Moldova) and Tornike Tsjakadoea (Netherlands), along with rising star Bernd Fasching, each secured two points in earlier rounds. Adam Borchasvilli and David Peritsch also added to the team’s score.

In the final match against UJZ Mühlviertel, Tornik Tskaduya, Karamat Huseynov (Azerbaijan), Bernd Fasching, and Movli Borsashvili each won two bouts. Borsashvili’s Ippon against Reiner Binder proved decisive, securing the eighth and winning point.

Standings and Playoff Format

The top four teams from the preliminary round advanced to the playoffs. The pairings were structured as follows: the first-placed team faced the fourth, and the second-placed team competed against the third.

Final Standings (as of February 24, 2026):

• 1. M&R Galaxy Tigers (20 points)
• 2. UJZ Mühlviertel (16 points)
• 3. Judo-Leistungszentrum Multikraft Wels (12 points)
• 3. PSV Salzburg (10 points)
• 5. ESV Sanjindo Bischofshofen (8 points)
• 6. Wiener QuestionÖ Team Stadlau (6 points)
• 7. Judo Union Raika Flachgau (4 points)
• 8. Vienna Samurai (2 points)
• 9. Judo Union Raika Pinzgau (0 points)

Early Season Highlights

The 2023 season commenced with matches in Straßwalchen, Salzburg, and Vienna. M&R Galaxy Tigers and UJZ Mühlviertel both achieved two victories in the opening matches. PSV Salzburg also surprised with two wins against ESV Sanjindo Bischofshofen and WAT Stadlau, both by a score of 4-3.

Looking Ahead

The M&R Galaxy Tigers’ continued success sets a high standard for the Austrian Judo Bundesliga. With a strong roster and a proven track record, they are poised to remain a dominant force in the league for years to come. The team’s president and coach, Thomas Haasmann, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment and emphasized the challenge for other clubs to emulate their success.