From the precision of Willian Lima (BRA), the tempo of up-and-coming American Jonathan Yang and the persistence of Rafaela Silva (BRA) to the toughness of Raz Hershko (ISR), the ne-waza dynamism of Jack Yonezuka (USA) and the sheer power of Brenda Olaya (COL), there is something for everyone to look forward to, a melting pot of styles to set the arena alight.
By Continent
Let’s begin with Pan-America, the host continent. No less than seventeen countries are participating from the most local region and many names will spark interest, aside from Silva, Souza and Lima, Brazil’s powerhouses. How about Paraguay’s Gabriela Narvaez, surprising many on her way to 7th place at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. She will be in contention on day 1 at -48kg.
Canada’s Heidi Quach, also competing at -48 kg, is one to watch for the future. Her World Judo Tour experience is limited but she arrives in Peru riding high after her Commonwealth Games triumph less than two weeks ago. Canada will also be represented by double Olympian Francois Gauthier-Drapeau and a host of increasingly successful youngsters, including last year’s -52 kg senior continental champion Evelyn Beaton.
If we move on to Oceania, Australia is the sole delegation. The team has been travelling non-stop for months in search of high-level training opportunities and a range of competitions for cadets, juniors and seniors. That development continues in Peru but for a smaller contingent, led by Olympian Joshua Katz. He has felt the buzz of walking into an arena in the final block and is ready to do that again. His commitment to the cause will be visible for all to see.
Five African nations have made the long trip to Lima, no small task and an illustration of the toughness they arrive with. Twenty-two year old Fernanda Quimbira (ANG) is relatively new to this level but could well be an athlete to watch . Competing in the heavyweight category, she has shone at continental opens and is now collecting World Judo Tour experiences to drive her forward. Seeded in Lima, she is looking for her first Grand Prix medal.
Marie Branser (GUI), far more experienced than Quimbira, won her first WJT medal in Zagreb last year at 32 years of age. She has shown no signs of taking her foot off the gas since then, taking gold in Linz this season. She’s the third seed in Lima and will be working to hang an African flag above the podium this weekend.
From Asia, only Japan, Korea and Saudi Arabia are represented and it’s the third of those that could author some stories in Lima. National coaches Ilias Iliadis and Rustam Orujov are not hiding the work they have been doing with their team and they are poised to turn heads in the near future; that future could be days away or months away but it is coming!
The European delegations include some very heavy hitters indeed. Current European champion Gennaro Pirelli (ITA) is in great shape and is in Lima looking to improve his already impressive -100 kg ranking. Teammate Assunta Scutto, though not highly ranked in Peru due to some challenging recent events, is a world champion and knows exactly what is required to win at the highest level. She is undoubtedly the favourite of her category.
Then there is 21-year-old Denis Batchaev (RUS), following in the footsteps of incredible Russian heavyweights like Inal Tasoev and Tamerlan Bashaev, a junior world champion and already the holder of 4 grand slam medals. His record is beginning to speak and we will see how loud he is in Lima.
New names, tantalising seeding positions and a great deal at stake for everyone; the 2026 Lima Grand Prix is set to offer judo fans everywhere a fantastic weekend of judo. Tune in to JudoTV to see all the action unfold.