Georges St-Pierre, aka GSP, a true MMA icon, recognized as one of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world, will preside over the SPORTEL Awards 2022 jury, which will take place in October at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
Born in 1981 in Saint-Isidore, Quebec, Georges St-Pierre started karate at age 9 to fend off a ‘school bully’. He then started boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling and dreamed of being champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He participated in his first amateur mixed martial arts fight at age 16, which he won via submission.
GSP started his professional MMA career in 2002. Two-time UFC world champion (26 wins in 28 fights, 8 by knockout, 6 by submission, 12 by decision), the athlete made a successful comeback at Madison Square Garden in 2017, after a four-year absence for health reasons. He won the UFC middleweight title over Britain’s Michael Bisping, in a division that is not his.
GSP is considered the greatest fighter in the history of the sport, defending respect for himself and others, the value of discipline and wisdom. He was named ‘Athlete of the Year’ and ‘Fighter of the Year’ several times. In addition, the sportsman also used his childhood experience to create the “GSP Foundation” aimed at combating bullying among young people and encouraging physical activity in schools.
GSP officially retired in 2019 after a brilliant career spanning 17 years. He is now focusing on important projects and his new acting career, including the film ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and the series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.
“Georges St-Pierre is a true MMA legend, an athlete whose incredible performances have been highlighted throughout his career thanks to his determination, his humility and his moral and physical strength. He is an athlete with unique human values. proud to have agreed to chair the jury of experts that will select the most beautiful sports images of the year,” said Laurent Puons, CEO of Monaco Mediax.
The event will award the most beautiful sports videos of the year, those that creatively highlight the records and beauty of sport, and the ‘Sports Book Renaud de Laborderie’ Award will recognize the best sports books. The awards will be presented during the prestigious SPORTEL Awards ceremony, on October 24, at the Grimaldi Forum.
“In addition to the missions assigned to me, presiding over the jury and selecting the most beautiful sports images, is above all a great human adventure that promises to be exceptional. Diverse themes in one place, to share our common values and passions”, said Georges St-Pierre.
About the SPORTEL Awards
Under the Honorary Presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and created in 1990, the SPORTEL Awards is an unmissable cultural event that celebrates the greatest international athletes (Olympic medalists, world champions, record holders) in all modalities. A unique meeting point where fans will be able to enjoy the company of their idols, during public events with exhibitions, autograph sessions and exclusive meetings.
The SPORTEL Awards are organized every year in parallel with SPORTEL Monaco, a global event aimed at the sports business industry. With more than 7,000 m² of exhibition area, which is already almost fully booked with the participation of the main players in the sector, SPORTEL Monaco will take place from the 24th to the 26th of October.