Will that be enough in such a fiercely competitive category? As early as the quarter-finals, he could meet the ever-present Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO), an athlete whose remarkable record requires no introduction: European, world and Olympic champion.
In pool B, Danil Lavrentev (RUS) will be watched closely. The Russian judoka has already reached three grand slam podia this season, in Dushanbe, Kazakhstan and Switzerland. In the same pool, local athlete Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) could benefit from the strong momentum surrounding the Azerbaijani team.
In the lower half of the draw, world number two Daniel Cargnin (BRA) begins as the favourite but danger can emerge in every round.
Finally, Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE), a bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships, is seeking the world title that would confirm his status; he could well be the man of the day. In his quarter, he may meet 2025 world champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA). Now ranked 13th in the world, Gaba will be determined to prove that he has returned to his best level after a quieter season in which his only 2026 podium-chasing results were two fifth places.