Budapest first welcomed an IJF World Judo Tour event in 2014, with the Budapest Grand Prix. Since then, the city has established itself as one of the circuit’s most important destinations. In 2020 the competition became the Hungary Grand Slam, confirming Hungary’s growing place within the international judo landscape.
The city has also been entrusted with the sport’s leading events. Budapest hosted the world championships in 2017, 2021 and 2025. In 2023, it welcomed the World Judo Masters, bringing together the highest ranked athletes in the world. Few cities have hosted such a concentration of major international judo competitions in recent years.
This relationship has an additional and distinctive dimension. The headquarters of the International Judo Federation is in Budapest. The city is therefore not only a host for the world’s best judoka; it is also one of the places from which the international development and organisation of judo is carried forward throughout the year.
For athletes, coaches, officials and national delegations, the city is familiar territory. Many have competed here at grand prix, grand slam, masters or world championship level. The capital is closely associated with major sporting moments but also with the continuous work that takes place away from the arena, supporting the development of judo around the world.
Hungary itself has a long and proud judo tradition. The country has produced Olympic and world medallists, while its clubs and coaches continue to provide a strong foundation for new generations of athletes. Hosting a grand slam gives Hungarian judoka the opportunity to compete at home against the finest opposition and gives young practitioners the chance to see the highest level of their sport first hand.
The 2026 edition continues that story. With 67 nations represented, the Hungary Grand Slam reflects the global reach of judo while illustrating Budapest’s enduring role within it. The city brings together athletes, coaches, officials, organisers and supporters from every continent.
Budapest does not simply welcome the World Judo Tour. Through its history as a host city, its ability to stage major events and the presence of the International Judo Federation headquarters, it has established itself as one of the true homes of world judo.