-90 kg: Home Hopes and World-Class Rivalry
One of the strongest medal hopes for the host nation lies with Luka Maisuradze (GEO). World champion in 2023 and a medallist again at the world championships in 2025, he arrives in Tbilisi as top seed and will undoubtedly benefit from the full support of the home crowd. His main rival is another world champion, Serbia’s Nemanja Majdov, who claimed the world title in 2017.
Behind this leading duo, the field opens up significantly, with most of the remaining contenders ranked outside the world’s top 15. Whether the hierarchy holds or surprises emerge will be revealed on the final day.
-78 kg: European Depth and Experience
The top seven athletes in the ranking are all European and, aside from Maria Swan (AUS), it is not until 17th place that a non-European athlete appears. The title is therefore likely to remain within Europe.
Metka Lobnik (SLO), who finished third in Upper Austria two weeks ago, enters as a strong favourite, closely followed by Emma Reid (GBR). Also among the leading contenders are Alina Böhm (GER) and France’s Audrey Tcheuméo. A bronze medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Tcheuméo continues to compete at the highest level more than a decade later, bringing both experience and enduring motivation.
-100 kg: Consistency in Search of Reward
Simeon Catharina (NED) has shown promising form in recent months without quite reaching the podium, finishing fifth in Abu Dhabi in 2025 and again in Paris and Tashkent in 2026. As top seed, he is rewarded for that consistency and could well convert his performances into a medal in Tbilisi.
Zsombor Vég (HUN) is among his closest challengers, also coming off a series of fifth-place finishes. Niiaz Bilalov (IJF) will be another strong contender, while double world champion Jorge Fonseca (POR), a bronze medallist recently in Linz, remains a major threat with his explosive style.
+78 kg: Power and Momentum
Raz Hershko (ISR) impressed in Upper Austria just two weeks ago and could repeat that success at an even higher level. Already a five-time grand slam winner, she will be aiming to add a sixth title to her collection.
France’s Léa Fontaine continues to build momentum, having taken bronze in Paris and silver in Tashkent. She has established herself as a reliable contender and is expected to reach the final block.
However, judo always leaves room for surprises. Asya Tavano (ITA) and Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR) are both serious podium candidates, while another rising French athlete, Célia Cancan, adds further depth to an already highly competitive category.
+100 kg: Heavyweights Wide Open
In the absence of some of the division’s biggest names, the heavyweight category is wide open. Jur Spijkers (NED) stands out among the top seeds, a powerful athlete capable of spectacular throws, but he is also vulnerable in dynamic exchanges.
Kanan Nasibov (AZE) will draw confidence from his impressive victory in Tashkent at the end of February and knows what it takes to reach the top step of the podium. Martti Puumalainen (FIN) is another judoka to watch, having already proven himself as a strong contender at this level.
Beyond these names, the field remains unpredictable and new faces could well emerge.
As the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 reaches its final day, the stakes are higher than ever. With home favourites, world champions and rising talents all in action, the final chapters of this tournament promise intensity, emotion and unforgettable moments.
One last push, one last opportunity before the World Judo Tour pauses, Tbilisi is ready to deliver a spectacular conclusion.