The competitive element of judo is a pro and a con. Executing a technique against someone actively trying to resist is very educational and good for your training - it shows what works (vs practicing with someone who just lets you throw them). But trying just to win has its own drawbacks and leads to weakness and a very narrow focus.
I agree that the sport part of judo can be a benefit, but not because of the competition aspect; but because the sport mindset led to efficient and safe techniques that can be practiced at "full force".
Two typical examples are: tomoenage that in its original jujitsu form was a kick to the groin, but in judo is a foot to the hip; first you can't go and kick your practice partners full force to the groin (without them wearing protection - hence you can't really practice the actual technique) , and second if you kick someone in the groin they'll roll up, and the throw becomes ineffective (although you could argue that a good kick or two to the groin is usually quite enough. But only if you actually hit. A good landing on the head is also quite effective). And ipponseionage which in a jujitsu variant involves crossing the arms in an elbow lock, hoping to break the lower arm in the throw - but also becomes a slower and less efficient technique.
So the safe set of judo techniques makes for very good sparring practice. But it won't prepare you for a thumb in the eye or a bite to the face. Or being stomped on the head while grappling.
