-63 kg: Rafaela Silva’s Enduring Presence
Olympic champion in Brazil ten years ago and world champion twice, first in 2013 in Rio and again in 2022 in Tashkent, Rafaela Silva (BRA) remains one of the most remarkable competitors on the World Judo Tour. Her longevity at the highest level is extraordinary and she arrives in Linz with renewed confidence following an impressive victory at the Paris Grand Slam earlier this February.
Silva will enter the tournament as the top seed and one of the main athletes to watch. Close behind her stands Laura Fazliu (KOS), an Olympic and world medallist, who performs well consistently at major international events and will certainly aim for the top step of the podium.
Completing the leading trio is Gili Sharir (ISR), whose experience and tactical intelligence make her a strong contender in a category that promises fierce competition.
-73 kg: Legends and New Challengers
This category promises excitement. Daniel Cargnin (BRA), an Olympic medallist in Tokyo in 2021, will lead Brazil’s charge. Known for his dynamic style and relentless attacking approach, Cargnin has the ability to control the tempo of a contest and will certainly aim for gold.
Another major figure is Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO), one of the sport’s living legends. A triple Olympic medallist, including gold in 2012, and world champion in 2021, Shavdatuashvili continues to compete at the highest level, more than a decade after his first Olympic triumph. His victory at the Tbilisi Grand Slam last season demonstrated that his competitive spirit remains undiminished.
Among the younger generation, Jack Yonezuka (USA) could also challenge for the podium, while several other competitors will hope to take advantage of any opening in what appears to be one of the most unpredictable categories of the day.
-70 kg: Coughlan Seeks Redemption
Aoife Coughlan (AUS) entered last week’s tournament in Tashkent as a top seed but the competition did not unfold as she had hoped. This weekend in Linz offers a new opportunity to demonstrate her potential.
Standing in her way could be one of the most exciting emerging athletes in European judo, April Lynn Fohou (SUI). Only twenty years old, she became junior world champion in 2025 and reached the final of the Paris Grand Slam in February, confirming her rapid rise on the international scene.
Another serious contender is Tais Pina (POR), who continues to build her reputation on the World Judo Tour. Meanwhile Kelly Petersen Pollard (GBR) will represent Great Britain and could also find herself in the battle for a podium place.
-81 kg: Esposito Chasing a Linz Hat-Trick
Few athletes have enjoyed such success in Austria as Antonio Esposito (ITA). The Italian has already claimed gold twice in grand prix events in Austria, in 2024 and 2025. A third victory in Linz would confirm his remarkable affinity with the venue.
Zaur Dvalashvili (GEO) will also be determined to make his mark. Although he has yet to win a grand prix title, he did secure a bronze medal in Austria previously and may see Linz as the ideal setting to climb higher.
Completing the trio of leading contenders is Abylaikhan Zhubanazar (KAZ) who will compete in Linz for the first time. Whether the day ends with another victory for Esposito, a breakthrough for Dvalashvili or the emergence of a new champion remains to be seen. The answer will unfold during the second day of competition.
