Now, almost a decade later, the city returns to the spotlight as it welcomes the 2025 Guadalajara Grand Prix. Set in the heart of Jalisco, the birthplace of many Mexican traditions, Guadalajara combines rich culture, warm hospitality and a deep sporting heritage.
Following the Lima Grand Prix last week, the world’s best judoka will once again gather to battle for glory and valuable ranking points on the road to the next major event on the international calendar. With its passionate fans and vibrant energy, Guadalajara promises another unforgettable chapter in Pan-American judo history.
The official draw of the grand prix took place today in the presence of Mr Mohamed Meridja, IJF Education and Coaching Director; Mr Vladimir Barta, IJF Head Sport Director; Mr Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Referee Director; Mr Luis Fernando Ortego Ramos, CODE Jalisco General Director; Mrs Idalia Rodríguez Escobedo, Mexican Judo Federation Vice President; and Mrs Sara Cárdenas Arce, Tapatían Judo Association President.
During his welcome speech, Mr Meridja said, “Dear members of the judo family, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer, it is my honour to welcome you back to Mexico and the city of Guadalajara. Mr Vizer would like to express his warmest welcome to officials, coaches and athletes attending this grand prix.
I take this opportunity to thank the Mexican Judo Federation for all their efforts. I also thank our sponsors and media partners for their constant collaboration. We wish you a successful and fair competition. Good luck and be assured of our full support.”
Then Mr Luis Fernando Ortego Ramos took the floor, “Please receive a warm greeting from Pablo Lemus Navarro, Governor of the State of Jalisco. We hope that your stay will be an unforgettable experience and that you will remember the capital of Jalisco not only as the host city of the World Judo Tour Grand Prix Guadalajara 2025, but also as a place that captured your heart.
Welcome to Guadalajara, the capital of the State of Jalisco, a city where tradition meets modernity and where culture and sporting history live side by side.
Hosting this important event is a great source of pride for us. I wish to express my gratitude to Liliana Estrada Bautista, President of the Mexican Judo Federation, and to Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, for their trust in Guadalajara as the host of this significant event for the global judo family.
Likewise, I extend my greetings to the Minister of Sport of Mexico, Rommel Pacheco Marrufo, for his support in making it possible for this event to come to our country, as part of a broader strategy for the development of judo on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
We wish you every success in your sporting goals and hope you enjoy this event created especially for you. Welcome to Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara.”
After these warm words of welcome and the technical briefing for participants, the draw procedure took place, determining the line-up for the three days of competition.
Preliminary Phases:
- Day 1 – 12:00
- Day 2 – 12:00 (Opening Ceremony at 16:25)
- Day 3 – 12:30
Final Block: 17:00
The event will bring together 231 athletes from 33 nations and will take place at the Unidad Deportiva López Mateos in Guadalajara.
Follow all the action live on judotv.com