The line up for the -81kg category is a who’s who of champions. We have the full top ten in the world competing, and even more who are capable of taking a world medal this year.
Heading this sensational group of athletes is Olympic bronze medallist, Tajikistan’s Somon MAKHMADBEKOV, followed by another Olympic bronze and world bronze medallist, LEE Joonhwan (KOR). The top three is rounded out by the defending World Champion, Tato GRIGALASHVILI (GEO).
However the latter is now being matched by an equally difficult rival, the current European Champion and slayers of everyones favourite judoka, Timur ARBUZOV (IJF). The great mix of experience and rising talents make for an exciting run down. The 22 year-old defeated Matthias CASSE (BEL) in the semi final of the European Championships and then took on Grigalashvili for a 2024 World final rematch, and changed the record. With this new threat, Arbuzov could be in good standing to double up on his 2024 accomplishments. On the European stage of course, he wasn’t challenged by the double Olympic Champion, NAGASE Takanori (JPN) who is arriving in the final seeded position.
This years Paris Grand Slam winner, Francois GAUTHIER DRAPEAU (CAN) follows on in 5th seeded position. There is a great mix of experience and rising talents in this category, with Casse in at #4, again, a very consistent athlete who is known for his tactical approach and match longevity, only adding to his skill set and making him a tremendously difficult opponent.
One outsider who could cause problems for the category leaders is Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Shamil BORCHASHVILI (AUT). Though he hasn’t be on the tour as often as before, his last result coming from the European Championships in 2024, he will be one to watch.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen