Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The second and final day of the European Judo Open Sofia 2026 delivered everything the locals would have dreamed of. Meanwhile, if day one showcased European depth, day two proved that rankings are merely suggestions when athletes step onto the tatami. As the final medal ceremony concluded, Bulgaria stood atop…
1 February 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Victor Skerlev entered the -73kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open amongst top eighth seed, respectively but hardly the overwhelming favourite. Ranked 79th in the world, the 20-year-old Bulgarian had potential on paper but questions in practice. Could he handle the pressure of competing at home? Would expectation weigh…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Olha Tsimko wasn’t on anyone’s pre-tournament favourites list. Ranked 167th in the senior world rankings, the 22-year-old Ukrainian entered the -70kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open without fanfare or expectation. By the time she left Arena 8888 on Saturday evening, she would announced herself to European judo in…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The opening day of the European Judo Open Sofia 2026 delivered precisely what competitive judo should: unpredictability, drama and a medal table that told the story of depth across European competition. Ukraine finished atop the standings with two golds and one silver but the victories were spread wide, 17 nations…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The International Judo Federation informed the judo community of updated rules at the beginning of January and as Europe’s first competition of 2026 approaches this weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria, the sport’s leadership has moved swiftly to ensure seamless implementation. Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Director, joined a pre-event coaching seminar…
30 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
After weeks of winter training camps and meticulous preparation, European judo springs to life this weekend as Sofia hosts the season’s opening European Open on 31 January and 1 February. Arena 8888 will witness over 400 athletes from across Europe and beyond, all hungry to make their mark in a…
30 January 2026
Sofia European Open 2026