Before that crucial milestone, a packed calendar of top-level events will capture our attention and set the tone for the year. These competitions will be vital stepping stones, allowing athletes to fine-tune their form and build momentum ahead of the long Olympic road.
The action begins in just a few weeks with the iconic and eagerly anticipated Paris Grand Slam on 7th and 8th February. Shortly afterwards, from 27th February to 1st March, Tashkent will host its annual grand slam, followed without hesitation by the Upper Austria Grand Prix and grand slams in Tbilisi, Dushanbe and Astana. This intense period will be rich in emotion, determination and high-level performance, as judoka push themselves to be in the best possible position when Olympic qualification officially begins.
Once Mongolia is behind us, every contest will matter. Every win will represent a step towards Los Angeles. The Qingdao Grand Prix will take place in June, while Lima will host the elite in August. That same month will also see the arrival of a brand-new event on the World Judo Tour, as the judo caravan stops in Lausanne, the Olympic capital, for the first time.
September will shine the spotlight on Budapest. As the home of the International Judo Federation, the Hungarian capital is certain to deliver a true celebration of world judo. Then, from 4th to 11th October, everyone’s attention will turn to Azerbaijan, where Baku will be the host city for the 2026 edition of the world championships, featuring both individual and mixed team competitions. Spectacle, intensity and unforgettable moments are guaranteed.
And the year will not end there! Three further major events, in Abu Dhabi, Zagreb and Tokyo, will round off the season in style, ensuring that 2026 finishes on a high note.
Beyond the senior circuit, 2026 will be a landmark year for all age categories. Juniors will compete for world titles in Amman, Jordan, in October. Cadets will also take centre stage, with the opportunity to dream big and express their ambition on the global stage. Their highlight of the year will be the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, taking place in early November in Senegal, the first time an Olympic event is taking place on African soil.
Veteran judoka will gather in Sarajevo, where, following the remarkable success of the recent world championships in Paris, another record-breaking participation is expected. Kata specialists will also meet in Sarajevo for their world championships, while showcasing their expertise throughout the year on the Kata World Series, which begins in Gijón, Spain, at the end of January.
This overview of what lies ahead in 2026 offers a clear picture: almost every month, almost every week, the judo world will be alive with competition, passion and commitment. Young and experienced judoka alike will be giving their very best, driven by the same desire to excel and we will be there every step of the way.
Each week, we will bring you news, portraits, interviews, in-depth analysis, videos and much more. Expect focus and intensity, but also fun and enjoyment. Stay connected and follow your favourite judoka across all our platforms, from the official website to JudoTV.com and social media.
The judo world is ready to deliver emotions, plenty of them! Don’t miss a moment. In the meantime, don't forget that you can still vote for the IJF Judo Awards 2025.