GECO TEAM SHINES AT THE IPSC HANDGUN WSXX IN SOUTH AFRICA
The IPSC Handgun World Championship 2025 is history – and the GECO Team has impressively demonstrated in South Africa what our brand stands for: precision, performance, passion, team spirit, and power. From September 11 to 28, around 1,653 shooters from nearly 50 nations competed in Matlosana. Over 30 challenging courses with at least 558 rounds demanded everything from the athletes – endurance, tactics, maximum concentration, and nerves of steel.
Between sun, rain, and often very windy conditions – carried by cheering fans – a World Championship unfolded that none of our shooters will soon forget.
Medals, Emotions, and Unforgettable Moments
Our GECO team* returns with several medals – proof of hard preparation and tireless pursuit of excellence:
· Eduardo de Cobos – 1st place Production Senior
· György Batki – 1st place Classic Senior & Team World Champion & Shoot Off
· Emile Obriot – 2nd place Production Optic Overall & Team World Champion
· Cecilia Lindberg – 2nd place Production Optic Lady
Other results also highlight the strength of our top athletes:
· Dylan Keppel – 8th place Production Optic
· Luis Ehrhardt – 21st place Production Optic
· Cyrielle Vivo – 10th place Production Lady
* Athletes supported by GECO on their sporting career path.
What does “Team World Champion” mean?
In addition to individual titles, the IPSC World Championship also features team rankings. Here, the point results of several shooters from one nation in a division are combined. The team with the highest total score becomes Team World Champion.
For example, György Batki and his teammates in the Classic Division, as well as Emile Obriot with the French Production Optics team, were able to celebrate their successes not only individually but also together with their compatriots as a team.
Voices from the GECO Team
Emile Obriot – Silver in Production Optics Overall & Team Gold
“Day 1 started strong. Good rhythm, good focus, and I managed to execute my plan almost exactly as I wanted. Confidence was high and the team spirit was on point.”
“A few things didn’t flow as smoothly, but I kept it solid overall – only 33 C’s across both days, which shows consistency is there. (…) In a World Shoot, every point matters, and I’m happy I stayed disciplined under pressure.”
We are especially proud that Emile, with this attitude, ultimately won the silver medal in the Overall Production Optics ranking – an outstanding result that catapulted him into the world elite.
Dylan Keppel – 8th place in Production Optics
“The World Shoot is over. Finishing in 8th place feels both like a proud achievement and a little strange. In a match that was all about pure speed, I sometimes just missed that extra edge. Nevertheless, I’m proud of the shooters I’ve beaten along the way.”
Dylan also emphasized that the 2025 season was “nothing short of amazing” and that he was proud to finish it with a Top 10 result at the World Championship. At GECO, we are proud of his commitment and positive development, which is bringing him step by step closer to the international top.
Cyrielle Vivo – 10th place in Production Lady
“This World Championship will remain a powerful experience. I finish 10th lady at 73.50%. I struggled to get into my match, to shoot at my true level from the start. It actually took me three areas to finally let go and shoot freely and fast… The disappointment is there, but I’m not the kind of person to let it break me. I already have new goals in mind.”
Cyrielle also reminded us that behind every result lie countless hours of training, balancing work and family, and many sacrifices. Her perseverance and forward-looking mindset make her a valuable ambassador for GECO.
Luis Ehrhardt – 21st place in Production Optics
Luis Ehrhardt, one of the youngest GECO IPSC athletes, also performed excellently and achieved 21st place in Production Optics. His first day can be seen here on video: YouTube – Luis Ehrhardt Starter Day.
Luis proved mental strength, discipline, and clear structure in his match plan – qualities particularly remarkable for a young shooter at a World Championship. We are proud of his performance and convinced that with this experience, he has laid the foundation for many more international successes.
Social Media Impressions
Festive Closing in Matlosana
The Closing Ceremony in Matlosana was pure goosebumps: national flags waved, anthems were played, and athletes celebrated their victories – but also their shared experiences. For the GECO Team, it was clear: this championship is a milestone – and motivation to move even stronger into the future.
The highlight video of the Closing Ceremony is available here: YouTube – Closing Ceremony.
Outlook
The journey to South Africa was more than just a sporting competition for the GECO Team – it was an adventure, a trial by fire, and a strong signal: GECO stands for passion in shooting sports – and our athletes belong to the world’s elite.
We congratulate all shooters on their successes and are proud to have written this story together.
