After capturing the energy and intensity of the competition in Marnaz back in March, I had the opportunity to experience something on a completely different scale—the grand finale of the Défi Robotique FIRST France in Lyon. This time, the stage was set at the impressive LDLC Arena, located just steps away from the iconic Groupama Stadium—home of Olympique Lyonnais. Walking into the venue, you could immediately feel that this wasn’t just another competition. It was the culmination of months of dedication, innovation, and teamwork.

For me, it was also a first. Being invited to photograph such a large-scale event felt both exciting and humbling. The day began early—8 a.m.—and unfolded like a marathon, stretching all the way to 6 p.m. In many ways, it reminded me of shooting a wedding: long hours, constant movement, and the need to stay sharp to capture those fleeting, meaningful moments.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere shifted between intense focus and explosive celebration. Teams huddled together, making last-minute adjustments, while others anxiously watched their robots perform on the field. Every match carried weight—this was the finale, after all. You could see the passion in their eyes, the pressure in their posture, and the pride in every small success.

What stood out to me most was the emotion. Not just from the competitors, but from mentors, families, and organizers who had supported these teams every step of the way. There were moments of victory, moments of disappointment, and countless moments in between that told the real story of what this event represents.

Photographing at the LDLC Arena added another layer to the experience. The scale, the lighting, the crowd—it pushed me creatively and technically. It challenged me to adapt quickly and to see beyond just the action, focusing instead on the human side of robotics: collaboration, resilience, and ambition.

From Marnaz to Lyon, the journey felt like watching a story reach its peak. And being there to document it—not just as a spectator, but as someone trusted to capture its essence—made it even more meaningful.

This wasn’t just a competition. It was a celebration of innovation, youth, and the future. And I’m grateful I got to be a part of it. Congratulations again to the winning teams who will be moving on to the World Championships which will be held this summer in Netherlands. Good luck and may the best robot win!