-90 kg: Fronckowiak Leads a Field of Proven Contenders
Marcelo Fronckowiak may not be the most famous of Brazil’s judoka but he has quietly established himself as one of the circuit’s reliable performers. With a silver medal in Baku and a bronze in Austria earlier this year, he has made regular appearances on World Judo Tour podia. The top seed in Guadalajara, he will aim to turn consistency into gold.
Among those looking to challenge him are Adam Kopecky (CZE) who finished third in Lima and Christian Parlati (ITA), a junior world champion in his earlier days and a double senior world medallist, making his return after capturing the senior European title in April. Murad Fatiyev (AZE), runner-up in Lima, also enters as a serious threat and completes a line-up of well-matched title contenders.
-78 kg: Lobnik’s Momentum Meets Lanir’s Redemption
Metka Lobnik (SLO) arrives in Mexico full of confidence after winning the Lima Grand Prix and undoubtedly she will look to repeat that success and climb higher on the World Ranking List. The Slovenian’s sharp, strategic judo has been a revelation in recent months.
Her main challengers include Karol Gimenes (BRA), Kurena Ikeda (JPN), the second Japanese competitor in Mexico, and Inbar Lanir (ISR), the 2023 world champion and Paris 2024 finalist who struggled in Lima but remains one of the most technically gifted judoka in the category. All predictions will be on whether Lanir can rediscover her best form.
-100 kg: Power, Prestige and Unpredictability
Few divisions offer as much depth as the -100 kg category. Leonardo Goncalves (BRA), silver medallist in Lima, will be among the front-runners once again, but this weight class often turns into a battleground of equals. Gennaro Pirelli (ITA), already a two-time grand slam winner, and Zsombor Veg (HUN), a perennial medallist, are both strong contenders.
Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE), looking to bounce back from a rare off-day in Peru, will also be eager to reassert himself. The Olympic champion’s talent and drive make him a natural favourite to return to the podium. Add to that Anton Savytskiy (UKR) and Kyle Reyes (CAN), a world silver medallist, and you have a category where every contest could swing either way.
+78 kg: Hershko Eyes Another Triumph
After her recent triumph in Lima, Raz Hershko (ISR) stands as the judoka to beat yet again. Her balance of strength and control has made her a model of consistency at the top level. She could meet Erica Simonetti (ITA) in the semi-final, a contest that would test both power and composure.
In the lower half of the draw, Helena Vukovic (CRO) and Yuli Alma Mishiner (ISR) are the main names to watch. Both have the tools to go deep into the competition and could find themselves in the medal rounds quite easily.
+100 kg: A Potential Rematch Worth Waiting For
The heavyweight division could deliver a spectacular storyline, as Lukas Krpalek (CZE) and Rafael Buzacarini (BRA) are on course to meet again, this time as early as the second round, should the Brazilian win his opener. Their thrilling final in Lima left fans craving more and Guadalajara might provide that encore.
Elsewhere, Martti Puumalainen (FIN), a World Judo Masters champion, continues Finland’s strong run and could well be the surprise of the day. In the bottom half of the draw, Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) and Yevheniy Balyevskyy (UKR) complete a line-up that promises explosive action and heavyweight drama.
Day three in Guadalajara brings the sport’s biggest names and boldest ambitions together. From returning champions to new hopefuls, the stage is set for a spectacular finale, one that will not only decide medals but may also redefine momentum heading into the final stretch of the World Judo Tour season.