-90 kg: Macedo Leads a Stacked Field in Lima
The -90 kg category promises a thrilling day of competition, bringing together experience, ambition and a few potential surprises. Eleven years after claiming the junior world title in 2014 in the United States, Brazil’s Rafael Macedo remains a formidable contender on the senior stage. A bronze medallist at the World Judo Masters in Jerusalem in 2022 and with eleven World Judo Tour medals to his name, Macedo arrives in Lima as the top seed and a clear favourite. If the draw unfolds according to the seeding, he could meet Azerbaijan’s Vugar Talibov in what would be a high-stakes semi-final clash.
In the lower half of the draw, the field looks wide open. France’s Alexis Mathieu, silver medallist at the 2022 World Judo Masters but still in search of his first grand prix podium, despite success at grand slam level, is one to watch. Azerbaijan’s Murad Fatiyev, another consistent performer, could also make a deep run. Adding further intrigue are Brazil’s Guilherme Schimidt and Romania’s Vlad Visan, the latter fresh from a final appearance in Qingdao just weeks ago. With such a balanced mix of proven names and rising forces, the -90 kg category in Lima promises high-quality judo and a few surprises along the way.
-78 kg: Lanir Targets Redemption, Lobnik Seeks Confirmation
With 16 competitors in action, the -78 kg draw begins straight from the round of 16 and while the top seed may ‘only’ be ranked seventh in the world, that number tells just part of the story. Slovenia’s Metka Lobnik, Youth Olympic Games medallist in Buenos Aires in 2018 and winner of the Tbilisi Grand Slam earlier this season, is a judoka in fine form and more than deserving of her status as the tournament’s leading seed.
A closer look at the line-up reveals several world-class names capable of shaking up the order. Chief among them is Israel’s Inbar Lanir, the 2023 world champion and silver medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Currently ranked 12th in the world, Lanir will be determined to collect valuable points and re-enter the global top ten. Standing in her way could be Colombia’s Brenda Olaya, the reigning continental champion and 2024 junior world champion, or Brazil’s Beatriz Freitas, both of whom have shown they can challenge the very best.
-100 kg: Explosive Action in Lima is Promised
Brazil’s strength in depth has been on full display this weekend in Lima, just as it was at the 2025 Junior World Championships and once again a Brazilian judoka sits at the top of the draw. Leonardo Goncalves, a formidable athlete and junior world medallist in 2015, has already claimed two grand prix titles, both from the Upper Austria Grand Prix (2023 and 2024). With his experience and consistency, he will be the man to beat in the Peruvian capital.
In pool B, Switzerland’s Daniel Eich is another name to watch. Fifth at last year’s Olympic Games and already the holder of seven World Judo Tour medals, he has yet to capture a gold. Could Lima be the place where that changes? To do so, he’ll need to overcome the very best, including none other than reigning Olympic champion Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE), who enters the event as both favourite and benchmark for the division.
With these names on the starting list, the -100 kg category promises heavyweight clashes, technical precision and the kind of intensity only top-tier judo can deliver.
+78 kg: Hershko Leads the Charge
The +78 kg division in Lima brings together a compelling mix of proven champions and ambitious rising names but inevitably all eyes will be on Israel’s Raz Hershko. The Olympic silver medallist from Paris 2024, world bronze medallist from Doha 2023, five-time grand slam winner and grand prix champion, Hershko enters as the clear favourite and could well add another line to her impressive résumé.
She may, however, have to get past a familiar face before reaching the final. Her compatriot Yuli Alma Mishiner, fresh from winning bronze at the junior world championships just days ago, has shown maturity beyond her years and could set up an all-Israeli semi-final. Italy’s Asya Tavano, winner of the Dushanbe Grand Slam last year, also knows what it takes to fight for gold, while Estonia’s Emma-Melis Aktas, who narrowly missed the podium last week, will be determined to make amends and leave Lima with a medal.
+100 kg: Legends and Prestige in the Final Showdown
The men’s heavyweight category never fails to entertain and the Lima line-up looks set to continue that tradition. The +100 kg category brings together power, experience and a touch of legend, the kind of line-up that guarantees both spectacle and suspense.
Among the key contenders is Azerbaijan’s Ushangi Kokauri, world silver medallist in 2018 and a constant presence on the international stage. Finland’s Martti Puumalainen, winner of the 2023 World Judo Masters in Hungary, also enters with strong credentials and the form to challenge for gold. Another seeded judoka, Ukraine’s Yevheniy Balyevskyy, will aim to improve on his best result so far, a grand prix third place, as he continues his push up the rankings.
But inevitably the spotlight falls on Czechia's Lukas Krpalek, a true icon of the sport. The double Olympic champion, a gold in both the half-heavyweight and heavyweight category, remains as driven and composed as ever. His presence alone raises the stakes and ensures that the Lima Grand Prix will close in fitting style, with strength, experience and the promise of unforgettable judo.