European judo friends turn their focus to Estonia over the weekend, 6-7 June, as the Tallinn European Open kicks off with 263 judoka representing 35 nations competing in the capital, highlighting the tournament’s significance as athletes chase crucial world ranking points in the last EJU competition before the Los Angeles Olympic cycle starts. The host nation fields a strong team of 25 competitors, eager to make their mark at home.
The international field brings quality to the tatami this weekend, highlighted by Denis Vieru of Moldova. The multiple-time European champion and Olympic and world bronze medallist is the standout name in the draw and a major attraction for the fans.
However, Estonian eyes are fixed on the heavyweight categories, where the home crowd hopes to hear the Estonian anthem. In the women’s +78kg category, 18-year-old Emma-Melis Aktas from Olümpiko sports club represents a Saturday gold medal hope. Aktas currently holds a strong position in the international rankings following a fifth-place finish at the recent European Championships. Having tasted victory at the 2024 Tallinn European Open, Aktas carries extra motivation this weekend after a narrow defeat left her with a silver medal last year.
In the men’s +100kg category, 18-year-old Marek-Adrian Mäsak is a prime gold medal competitor on Sunday. The Judoakadeemia club athlete enters the arena as the defending Tallinn Open champion. Mäsak brings a powerful style to the tatami and steps into the contest with a clear desire to retain his position from last year.
Aktas’ coach Egert Ehari remains optimistic about the preparation and mindset heading into the weekend, viewing the tournament as the perfect final test to evaluate their progress before the new Olympic cycle begins. “Competing at home is always a unique honour, and while the international field is tough, the goal is to see our athletes give their best under pressure and fight their way onto the podium.”
Beyond the intense international rivalries, the tournament is a celebration for the Estonian judo community. On Saturday evening, following the final blocks, the focus shifts to the future of the sport. The federation gathers its top youth competitors from U10 to U16 for a special award ceremony to reward those who achieved outstanding results in the national youth cup series. This event bridges the gap between grassroots development and elite competition, allowing young talents to share the spotlight with Olympic and World medalists boosting their motivation and offering a glimpse of the future.
Schedule
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Women: -63, -70, -78, +78 kg
Men: -60, -66, -73 kg
Sunday, 7 June 2026
Women: -48, -52, -57 kg
Men: -81, -90, -100, +100 kg
Author: Estonian Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media