Each category promises its share of high-stakes clashes and stories to follow, from the return of reigning Olympic and world champions to the emergence of young contenders hungry for recognition. With experience meeting ambition, the second day of competition is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in this inaugural Peruvian grand prix.
-73 kg: A Battle of Titans Awaits
The -73 kg category promises fireworks in Lima with a field that blends established champions and rising stars. Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) will lead the charge for Azerbaijan as the top seed. A bronze medallist in both Paris and Baku, as well as a continental podium finisher, he will be aiming to climb even higher this weekend. However, all eyes are likely to turn to his compatriot, Hidayat Heydarov (AZE), reigning Olympic and 2024 world champion, returning to competition with the clear intent of reaffirming his dominance after a flawless 2024 season that saw him conquer everything in his path. Olympic medallist Daniel Cargnin (BRA) stands as another strong contender for gold in what is undoubtedly one of the most competitive categories of the event. Meanwhile, Jack Yonezuka (USA), a promising talent from the new generation, will seek to make a statement on the World Judo Tour stage, with his eyes already set on Los Angeles 2028.
-63 kg: A Deep Field of Talent
The -63 kg category in Lima promises another day of high-level judo and exciting matchups. Nauana Silva (BRA) enters as Brazil’s strongest medal hope in the category. The reigning continental champion, she is eager to improve on her best grand prix result so far, a bronze medal earned in Zagreb in 2024, but Brazil’s ambitions don’t rest on her shoulders alone. The legendary Rafaela Silva (BRA), former world and Olympic champion in the -57 kg category, has already shown she can make an impact at -63 kg and will once again be a serious contender for gold. Kaja Kajzer (SLO), who narrowly missed the podium in Qingdao a few weeks ago, will be looking to rediscover her medal-winning form, while Inbal Shemesh (ISR), the favourite in pool D, has the technical precision and tactical edge to go deep into the draw. Still, if the first day of competition taught us anything, it’s that in Lima, anything can happen.
-81 kg: An Open Field
The -81 kg category at the Lima Grand Prix promises unpredictability and excitement in equal measure. Top seed Omar Rajabli (AZE) is ranked only 18th in the world, leaving the category wide open; plenty of room for upsets and breakthroughs. Rajabli will nevertheless lead the charge for Azerbaijan, aiming to turn his consistency into a gold-medal-winning performance. Among his main rivals, Medickson Del Orbe Cortorreal (DOM) and Gabriel Falcao (BRA) both have the experience and explosiveness to make a deep run, while Mykhailo Svidrak (UKR) brings a sharp tactical edge that could prove decisive in tight contests. With so many determined and well-prepared judoka on the tatami, one thing is certain, the -81 kg category will deliver a thrilling mix of skill, grit and uncertainty, the perfect recipe for a captivating judo day in Lima.
-70 kg: A Strong Italian Contingent
The -70 kg category could very well feature an all-Italian showdown if things go to plan. Top seed Giorgia Stangherlin and Irene Pedrotti, leading pool B, both have what it takes to reach the semi-finals and possibly set up a transalpine clash for a place in the final. Lower in the draw, Giovanna Scoccimarro (GER) stands out as a major threat. A junior world champion (2017) and senior world silver medallist (2023), with an impressive collection of 12 World Judo Tour medals, she knows exactly what it takes to win at this level. Should she advance, Scoccimarro could meet Ida Eriksson (SWE) in the semi-final, a potential high-level duel between experience and youthful ambition.