Record numbers of visitors are expected at the Accor Arena over the weekend of 7–8 February as the IJF World Tour 2026 gets underway, beginning with one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, the Paris Grand Slam. A total of 488 athletes from 78 nations are ready to embrace this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience for any judoka. The French crowd is far from ordinary; their passion and deep understanding of the sport resonate directly onto the tatami.
The official draw has been completed and the pools are set, giving coaches the opportunity to analyse and study the field before their judoka step onto the mat. Seven of the 14 categories are led by European athletes, while Japan, naturally, is already showing its dominance on paper.
Across the men’s categories, home favourite Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA), Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, leads the -73kg division. What does this mean? Perhaps a slightly less intense opening round but at an event as fierce as Paris, there are no easy contests. Europe’s hopes also lie with Manuel Lombardo (ITA), Akil Gjakova (KOS), Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) and Adil Osmanov (MDA).
Zelim Tckaev (AZE) heads the -81kg draw, notably with only the men’s team representing one of Europe’s most powerful judo nations in Paris. Currently ranked number five in the world, Tckaev arrives as a serious contender. His teammate, Ushangi Kokauri (AZE), ranked seventh in the +100kg category, is also among the top three seeds. Although ‘The King’ Teddy Riner is not competing, Europe will still expect strong performances in the heavyweight division. Where else can Europe hope for podium finishes? Encouragingly, across almost all weight divisions, particularly with French home heroes in the lighter categories such as Romain Valadier Picard (FRA/-60kg), Luka Mkheidze (FRA/-60kg), Daikii Bouba (FRA/-66kg) and Walide Khyar (FRA/-66kg). Moldova and Georgia are also firmly in the spotlight in the lighter weights. In the spotlight on day two, the long list continues with Matthias Casse (BEL/-81kg), Nemanja Majdov (SRB/-90kg), Theodoros Tselidis (GRE/-90kg), Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou (FRA/-90kg), Luka Maisuradze (GEO/-90kg) and Niiaz Bilalov (RUS/-100kg).
When it comes to Europe’s golden hopes, the women’s categories offer strong potential. Five of the seven divisions are led by European judoka with exceptional résumés. In the -48kg category, top seed Assunta Scutto (ITA), the reigning world champion, stands out. Gold is never guaranteed but her determination on the mat certainly is. Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist Shirine Boukli (FRA) will be determined to impress the home crowd. A final between the pair would promise fireworks, though another serious contender is Laura Martinez Abelenda (ESP), whose consistency has been undeniable. One weight above, world number one Distria Krasniqi (KOS) takes the top seed position and could potentially meet Amandine Buchard (FRA), a name synonymous with success at the Accor Arena. That semi-final could well decide the eventual champion.
Although the -57kg draw is led by Japan’s 2025 world silver medallist Tamaoki Momo (JPN), double Olympic medallist Sarah Léonie Cysique (FRA) will do everything possible to claim glory on home soil, joined by a deep and fiercely competitive field from both Europe and beyond. While the -63kg category is missing a couple of the ‘big guns’, it remains highly competitive, with three of the top four seeds representing Europe: Iva Oberan (CRO), Olympic bronze medallist Laura Fazliu (KOS), and former world champion Joanne van Lieshout (NED).
Current European champion Szofi Ozbas (HUN) leads the -70kg category, a division traditionally dominated by Europe. The list of medal contenders is extensive, including Michaela Polleres (AUT), Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE), Miriam Butkereit (GER), Ai Tsunoda Roustant (ESP) and Sanne van Dijke (NED).
Anna Monta Olek (GER) has shown patience and steady progress throughout the last Olympic cycle. The 2025 world silver medallist tops the -78kg category, though she faces significant challenges ahead. The lower half of the draw features two powerhouses, Olympic bronze medallist Patricia Sampaio (POR) and Olympic and world champion Alice Bellandi (ITA), yet only one can reach the final. Although the +78kg category often sees strong Asian dominance, both Raz Hershko (ISR) and Romane Dicko (FRA) are expected to have a major influence on the final standings.
Many names have been highlighted as ones to watch but as always in judo, anything can happen on the day. Tune in live via JudoTV.com to follow one of the most prestigious events of the IJF World Tour.
Author: Szandra Szogedi