The 34-year-old beat Russian Inal Tasoev in the +100kg final to become the oldest world champion in history. "It's been a long time since I heard the Marseillaise (French national anthem) on a world podium, it feels good," he said.
Riner dispatched world number one Temur Rakhimov in 30 seconds in the semi-finals, but needed over-time to defeat Tasoev by waza-ari.
The man from Guadeloupe, who became the youngest ever men's world champion in 2007, will bid for a third individual Olympic gold medal on home soil in Paris next year.
Riner last appeared in the world championships in 2017 and missed out last year through injury. (AFP) Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Take international news everywhere with you!
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