Women’s -63 kg: The Champion Under Pressure
Haruka Kaju (JPN) arrives as the reigning world champion. With the red back patch firmly in place on her judogi, she will be the athlete to beat, but in judo, nothing is ever guaranteed.
Iva Oberan (CRO), still searching for her first podium of the season, appears on paper to be her most immediate challenger. However, she will not be alone in that pursuit. Also in the mix is 2024 world champion Joanne Van Lieshout (NED), determined to prove she remains at the very top level, the level that earned her the coveted world title. Behind these leading names, the field is wide open and anything can happen.
Men’s -73 kg: Stars Align for a Blockbuster Battle
Olympic bronze medallist from Tokyo 2020 and a recent world championship finalist Daniel Cargnin (BRA) stands as the top seed and a clear contender for gold in Tbilisi.
However, all eyes may well be on another name: reigning Olympic champion Hidayat Heydarov (AZE). After several anticipated appearances earlier this season, he finally makes his return in Georgia and he will be aiming to make it a winning one.
Beyond these two headline athletes, the next highest-ranked competitor sits as low as world number 29, highlighting just how top-heavy this category is. Will the favourites deliver, or will we witness surprises? The answer will come on the tatami.
Women’s -70 kg: Depth and Uncertainty
The -70 kg category is one of the most competitive on the circuit. Two-time world silver medallist Lara Cvjetko (CRO) enters as a logical favourite, but she faces formidable opposition.
Shiho Tanaka (JPN), the reigning world champion and winner of the most recent Tokyo Grand Slam, represents the very best in the world at present.
A closer look at the draw reveals an extraordinary level of depth. The number of athletes capable of reaching the podium far exceeds the number of available places. Aoife Coughlan (AUS), Ida Eriksson (SWE), Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE), Michaela Polleres (AUT) and Tais Pina (POR) are just a few among many who could make a decisive impact.
Men’s -81 kg: Experience, Home Advantage and Redemption
Vedat Albayrak (TUR) is one of the most experienced athletes on the circuit. With four grand slam titles and a total of ten medals at this level, he stands as a serious contender for gold. Zaur Dvalashvili (GEO) may not have the same record, but competing on home soil could make all the difference.
Also in contention is Belgium’s Matthias Casse, a former world champion and a familiar face on the World Judo Tour. Currently ranked 14th in the world, his position does not fully reflect his potential, but after an unplaced finish in Paris earlier this season, he will be eager to regain momentum.
Day two in Tbilisi promises intensity, uncertainty and world-class performances. With reigning champions, Olympic medallists and rising contenders all stepping onto the tatami, every category holds the potential for standout moments.
As the competition unfolds, new names may emerge, established stars may reaffirm their dominance and surprises are almost guaranteed. The journey continues in Tbilisi and the story of the 2026 World Judo Tour is still being written. Follow all the action on all our platforms and on JudoTV.com