Docteur Maboul World Championship in Paris: we were there, we tell you all about it

Who hasn't played Doctor Maboul in their life? This board game, which has lulled the childhoods of many and continues to do so to this day, is entitled to its annual world championship, organized by a Frenchman, Joachim Charlot. The 2025 edition of this championship took place on June 14 at the Pavillon Wagram in Paris, and saw the arrival of even more new challengers.

Trailer for Doctor Evil's Championship:

For this 2025 edition, 256 participants were expected (no spectators, unfortunately). And, as in previous editions, there was a real opening ceremony, 10 referees, commentators, prizes to be won and plenty of other surprises, from challenges of all kinds to a psychological cell for all participants eliminated in the first round.

A true intergenerational championship, mixing students, working people and retirees, each bringing their own experience and dexterity, because, as a reminder, the aim of the game is to remove as many "pieces of anatomy" as possible in the allotted time (for the competition), without, of course, touching the metal edges, in which case the patient's nose will light up and you'll have to start again.

An edition we were able to attend. While we weren't able to take part (we've left that to the real cracks at Dr. Evil, but maybe we'll try our luck at the next edition, with a bit of practice...), we were able to cover the event, and discover a monument to board gaming. Because here, we don't take Doctor Evil lightly: it's a competition, and the participants are here to win!

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On arrival, you'll be asked to go to reception to pick up your "bib" (a simple label with your number), which you'll have to stick on your white doctor's coat. Then it's time towarm up, while waiting for everyone to arrive... Basically, you sit down at a table and hone your dexterity, so as to pass the challenge. A game that requires skill, a lot of skill, in fact... And with good reason: you can't touch the board or table, and you can't hold your wrist or anything else. It's all about dexterity... Real surgeon's skills, in short.

Then come the explanations from organizer Joachim Charlot. It's good-natured, it doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's a lot of fun to watch. The winner of the previous edition is also present. She hands over her trophy to the winner and says a few words to all the participants. The judges are there, too, presented like rock stars. A sports coach is also on hand, and has suggested a quick warm-up before the competition begins, to loosen up the muscles.

And the competition begins! Games are fast-paced, and the first players to be eliminated are not long in coming. To tide them over, however, they can take advantage of a relaxation area with a massage table upstairs, or attempt a time trial on the game, in a restricted area. The psychology unit reassures losers and allows them to vent their frustrations. Frustrations are also vented in a dedicated area, where participants can let off steam on a punching bag with one of the most difficult pieces to remove - the wishbone - stuck to it.

Naturally, the tournament saw one participant win the trophy, which will be up for grabs at the next edition. An afternoon that proved to be a lot of fun... Next year, we'll definitely be there! And if our report hasn't already inspired you to try your luck, then you really don't like Dr. Evil... All we can do now is wait for the next edition!

[midroll]

Note that to take part, as for every edition, all you have to do is register via the Instagram account of the organizer, Joachim Charlot, and once your participation has been validated, you MUST come wearing a white coat (no white coat, no participation). To become the best surgeon of all time (on Doctor Maboul, let's be clear...), see you in 2026!