Author: Mario Krvavac
The European Senior Cup Dubrovnik 2026 concluded with a reshuffle at the top of the medal standings, as Türkiye emerged as the most successful nation, collecting three gold, two silver and three bronze medals. The Czech Republic followed with two golds, while host nation Croatia secured third place overall with a balanced tally of one gold, four silvers and three bronzes. France and Kazakhstan also featured prominently among the leading teams, reflecting the depth and competitiveness of the field.
For Croatia, the second day was defined by near misses, high-intensity contests and moments of late drama. Dominik Družeta (-90kg) and Borna Butijer (-100kg) both progressed to their respective finals, ultimately taking silver medals, while Dora Bortas (-57kg) delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament to claim bronze in the final seconds of her contest.
The -100kg category provided one of the standout encounters of the day, as Borna Butijer and Ivan Rozga met in an all-Croatian semi-final that ignited the home crowd. Familiar with each other’s strengths, the two engaged in a fiercely contested bout, with momentum swinging between them. Butijer edged ahead with a waza-ari, while Rozga responded with a yuko, keeping the contest alive until the final moments. Backed by a passionate Dubrovnik crowd, Butijer held his advantage to secure a place in the final, avenging his earlier defeat at the national championships. The contest concluded with mutual respect, as athletes and coaches alike acknowledged the intensity and quality of the exchange.
In the final, Butijer faced Italy’s Accogli, a former junior European champion and U23 continental titleholder. Despite an energetic start and strong grip control, the Croatian judoka was unable to convert his advantage into a decisive score. The match remained finely balanced until the closing seconds, when Accogli found a yuko that proved decisive.
“I am extremely happy with the silver, especially because I won it in my hometown and in front of this wonderful audience, to whom I owe my thanks. As I’m coming back from injury, these latest medals show that my return is going well and that I was close to victory against the Italian, a two-time European champion in younger categories. All in all, a great weekend in Dubrovnik,” said a smiling Butijer.
In the -57kg category, Dora Bortas produced a determined run to the podium, recording ippon victories over Hungary’s Vég and Switzerland’s Gertsch before narrowly missing out on the final against Hungary’s Igaz. In the bronze medal contest, she left it until the very last second to secure victory against Serbia’s Salkarbek Kizi, sealing her place on the podium in dramatic fashion.
Dominik Družeta once again demonstrated his consistency in the -90kg division, progressing through a demanding draw with authority. Victories over France’s Metifiot, Croatia’s Ivan Brnada and Tin Straža showcased both his attacking intent and control, before an ippon win in the semi-final against Hungary’s Miklosvolgyi booked his place in the final. There, he faced Serbia’s Rutović in a tightly contested bout dominated by gripping exchanges. Despite several promising opportunities, Družeta was unable to convert, with a single yuko from his opponent proving decisive.
Across the second day, Croatia’s performances reflected both quality and resilience, with multiple athletes coming within reach of gold. As the competition concludes, the host nation can take confidence from its consistency across categories, while the international field once again demonstrated the intensity and depth that define the European Cup circuit.
“It was a long and good day that didn’t end the way I wanted, but the final was a good fight, and overall
I’m satisfied. This is the second weekend in a row I’m finishing with a medal, so I’m making good
progress. After a very tough period of hard training and competition, I will have a week of rest and then
get back on the tatami,” summarised Družeta on his silver Sunday in Dubrovnik.
Author: EJU Media