–63 kg: All Eyes on Haruka Kaju
All attention will be on Japan’s Haruka Kaju, one of only two Japanese judoka competing in Guadalajara but undoubtedly a major contender. Ranked number two in the world, she enters as the clear favourite and the woman to beat. In pool B, Olympic and world champion Rafaela Silva (BRA) leads the field and could well cross paths with Kaju in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final. Another Brazilian, Nauana Silva, will also be hunting for a podium finish, while Croatia’s Katarina Kristo completes the quartet of top seeds. Yet, beyond the favourites, the draw remains open — and in a category as unpredictable as this, surprises are always just one contest away.
–73 kg: Redemption or Confirmation?
Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) will be looking to erase the bitter memory of Lima, where he suffered an early and unexpected defeat. Still the top seed here in Mexico, the Azeri judoka will aim to turn disappointment into motivation and remind everyone why he remains one of the most respected fighters in the category. Lima’s champion, Daniel Cargnin (BRA), will chase back-to-back golds, while Rashid Mammadaliyev adds another strong medal hope for Azerbaijan. As the past week in Peru proved, past glory guarantees nothing, every contest must be earned anew.
–70 kg: Cvjetko Heads a Stacked Line-Up
Fresh off her gold medal in Qingdao and already a two-time world silver medallist, Croatia’s Lara Cvjetko stands out as the clear favourite on paper. Yet her path to gold will not be easy, a potential semi-final clash with Olympic bronze medallist Gabriella Willems (BEL) could provide one of the day’s highlights. Elsewhere, Italy’s Giorgia Stangherlin brings her consistency to the mix, while Sweden’s Ida Eriksson, winner in Lima just a week ago, will be eager to keep her momentum going. With such a talented field, predictions seem almost impossible.
–81 kg: Unpredictable Battles Await
Canada’s Francois Gauthier Drapeau is known for his ability to beat anyone on the circuit. With ten World Judo Tour medals, all from grand slams, he will be determined to finally claim his first grand prix podium. In the upper half of the draw, he could face Ukraine’s Mykhailo Svidrak in a potential semi-final that promises fireworks. In the lower half, Azerbaijan’s Zelim Tckaev stands out as a strong contender for gold, joined by Brazil’s Gabriel Falcao. Still, this category is packed with dark horses capable of upsetting the established order. Nothing here is guaranteed and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.