As the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 drew to a close, it was unmistakably clear that Europe’s judoka have laid down a formidable marker ahead of the Senior European Judo Championships Tbilisi 2026, set to take place from 16–19 April. Building on the momentum of the opening two days, the closing chapter delivered in style, sharp, decisive and nothing short of spectacular. Europe’s presence was once again commanding, reinforcing both depth and dominance on the international stage. Here is your final block recap from Sunday, 22 March.
-90kg category: The First Golden Moment for Georgia
Georgia was assured of a place on the podium in the final and even doubled its chances in the opening bronze medal contest, where Luka Javakhishvili (GEO) met Akaki Japaridze (GEO). In a fiercely contested all-Georgian clash, it was Javakhishvili who came out on top, producing a superb seoi-nage for waza-ari.
The home crowd had been waiting for this, one of their own in the final. Many expected it to be Luka Maisuradze (GEO), the 2023 world champion and a medallist again in Budapest last year. Standing opposite him was another proven name, 2017 world champion, Nemanja Majdov (SRB).
The final unfolded as a tactical battle. Maisuradze picked up the first penalty for passivity, quickly mirrored by Majdov. A second shido for the Serbian, for gripping infringements, pushed the contest into golden score. With neither able to impose themselves, the breakthrough came in transition. As Majdov rose, Maisuradze reacted instantly, catching the leg and driving through with o-uchi-gari for yuko, securing gold and igniting the arena.
-78kg category: Tcheuméo Proves Timeless Class
Yuliia Kurchenko (UKR), fresh from a bronze medal in Linz, faced Emma Reid (GBR) in the opening bronze contest. It was decided early, as Kurchenko scored yuko with ko-soto-gake and controlled the remainder of the bout.
Milica Žabić (SRB), stepping down from +78kg, showed both courage and quality. Despite being ranked outside the top 200 in this category, she powered her way to the final block and claimed bronze against Metka Lobnik (SLO) with a well-timed seoi-otoshi.
Then came a story of legacy. Audrey Tcheuméo (FRA), a name synonymous with consistency at the highest level, reached her 11th Grand Slam final, already holding nine titles and eyeing a tenth. Opposite her stood Alina Boehm (GER), chasing a long-awaited first gold.
In the end, the final did not unfold as expected, with Boehm unable to compete. Tcheuméo was awarded the title, marking her 10th Grand Slam victory, a remarkable testament to her longevity, resilience and enduring excellence.
-100kg category: Bifov Delivers Under Pressure
Simeon Catharina (NED) looked to salvage his campaign in the bronze medal contest against Darko Brašnjović (SRB). He struck first with seoi-otoshi for waza-ari but Brašnjović responded with powerful koshi-waza to level the score. With just seconds remaining, Catharina produced a stunning counter to score ippon and claim bronze.
The final saw an all-Russian clash between Idar Bifov, a finalist in Abu Dhabi last year, and Niiaz Bilalov, a Paris Grand Slam medallist earlier this season. Penalties began to shape the contest, with Bilalov first to be cautioned. As the tension grew, the bout moved into golden score, where Bifov seized his moment, executing sumi-gaeshi to perfection and taking the gold.
+78kg category: Hershko Turns the Tide
Europe dominated the category, sweeping all medals. Asya Tavano (ITA) claimed bronze against Mariia Ivanova (RUS), scoring early with maki-komi and maintaining control throughout. In the second bronze contest, Célia Cancan (FRA) edged ahead against Erica Simonetti (ITA), eventually forcing a submission in ne-waza to secure her first Grand Slam medal.
Top seed Raz Hershko (ISR) looked composed throughout her run to the final, where she faced Lea Fontaine (FRA). Fontaine initially took control, scoring waza-ari with o-uchi-gari but Hershko remained relentless. As the final minute approached, she found her opening, launching a decisive o-soto-otoshi for ippon to overturn the deficit and claim gold.
+100kg category: A fitting finale for the hosts
Georgia, and Europe, closed the event in style. In the first bronze contest, Saba Inaneishvili (GEO) held off Artem Zolotukhin (RUS), protecting his early waza-ari despite sustained pressure. Jur Spijkers (NED) claimed the second bronze after a composed and tactical performance against Dzhamel Gamzatkhanov (AZE).
All eyes then turned to the final contest of the tournament. Irakli Demetrashvili (GEO) carried home hopes against Losseni Kone (GER). After a measured opening, the decisive moment arrived in emphatic fashion. Demetrashvili launched a powerful uchi-mata, driving Kone flat onto his back for ippon. The crowd erupted. Georgia sealed the Grand Slam with gold, an emphatic and memorable conclusion.
In Tbilisi, the numbers spoke volumes. Fourteen categories, across both genders, with 56 medals on offer for 386 judoka representing all five continents. Yet, Europe’s elite seized control, walking away with an emphatic 48 medals.
Now, it is time to pause, recover and refocus before returning to the Georgian capital in just four weeks’ time for the Senior European Judo Championships Tbilisi 2026.
Source: IJF/Nicolas Messner
Author: EJU Media