On the final day of the Zagreb Grand Prix 2025, Europe scooped up four of the five gold medals on offer, closing the tournament in commanding fashion. The overall medal table told much the same story: France topped the rankings with three golds, four silvers and two bronzes, Spain followed in second place with three golds, one silver and one bronze whilst Italy completed the top three with one gold, one silver and three bronzes. So, what exactly unfolded in the Zagreb Arena during the last block of finals?
–90kg Category
It has been almost three years since Ivaylo Ivanov last stood on a Grand Prix podium but today he secured the fifth Grand Prix title of his career. A true stalwart of elite judo, Ivanov shows no sign of slowing down.
Luka Maisuradze (GEO) dominated his side of the draw and reached the final in great form. The Georgian may be a world champion but Ivanov’s performance today was remarkable. Maisuradze launched his trademark power attacks, those that normally leave opponents with no way out but Ivanov’s sharp gripping and tactical focus kept him firmly in the contest.
With one shido each at full time, the contest moved into golden score. Barely 20 seconds later, Ivanov dropped underneath for a well-timed tomoe-nage, earning the decisive yuko and the Zagreb -90kg crown. A superb day at the office for the Bulgarian star. Bronze medals were won by Vugar Talibov (AZE) and Miljan Radulj (SRB).
–78kg Category
The only weight category that slipped from Europe’s grasp was the -78kg division. Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE) arrived in the final block having already accumulated eight positive scores throughout the day. At just 21, she is already an Olympian, a world medallist, a Masters medallist and a serial Grand Slam/Grand Prix podium finisher, yet she keeps improving with every event. Her opponent, Marie Branser (GUI), reached her first-ever World Judo Tour final, a personal milestone even before the opening call of “Hajime!”
As expected, Lytvynenko allowed no room for surprises. She set up a textbook sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi, transitioning into osae-komi for good measure, although the throw itself was already awarded ippon. Her rise continues and it’s a joy to witness. Bronzes went to Lila Mazzarino (FRA) and Maidelines Gorguet-Veranes (ROU).
–100kg Category
The -100kg field delivered all the strength and technical flair expected at this level. In the final, Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP) and Oleksii Yershov (UKR) stepped onto the tatami to a wave of applause. Sherazadishvili, ever patient, adjusted and readjusted his grips until they were exactly as he wanted them. Then came the surprise: a seoi-otoshi, not a common choice for one of judo’s taller athletes. It scored yuko, which he defended meticulously to secure gold for Spain.
Earlier in the day, Gustavo Assis (BRA) had momentarily unsettled him with a yuko in their round-of-16 contest but the Spaniard regrouped brilliantly to take the top prize. Bronze medals were claimed by Darko Brasnjovic (SRB) and Piotr Kuczera (POL).
+78kg Category
The +78kg final was a rerun of the 2025 Junior European Championship final, an all-French affair between Celia Cancan and Leonie Minkada-Caquineau. Their presence in the final came as no surprise; both have demonstrated an impressive level of dominance in and beyond their age groups this year.
As rising French heavyweights, the pair embody a dynamic, movement-heavy style more akin to lighter divisions, with expanding repertoires and smooth combinations. Despite their skill, the contest was decided by penalties, handing victory to Celia Cancan, though the result hardly reflects the potential of these two exceptional talents. Bronzes were awarded to Paulien Sweers (NED) and Helena Vukovic (CRO).
+100kg Category
The men’s heavyweights closed the show in fitting style. In the +100kg final, Kanan Nasibov (AZE) met Jur Spijkers (NED), both determined to capture the biggest title of the day. Spijkers appeared the more proactive early on but a risky o-uchi-gari attempt proved fatal. Nasibov countered with a huge o-uchi-gaeshi, sealing an emphatic victory. His beaming smile afterward said it all, relief, delight and a gentle message to the crowd: “Did you see that?” Bronze went to Saba Inaneishvili (GEO) and Stephan Hegyi (AUT).
The action continues next weekend with the European Club Championships and Champions League, where world-class athletes will unite under club colours. The event takes place in Belgrade on 22 November 2025 and can be watched live on JudoTV.com.
Source & Images: IJF
Author: Szandra Szogedi