-90 kg: Bekauri Leads a Stacked Field
The phenom Lasha Bekauri (GEO) will compete in Tashkent. The double Olympic champion, already looking towards a potential third Olympic title in Los Angeles in two years’ time, returns after his last grand slam victory in Abu Dhabi in 2025. Whenever Bekauri steps onto the tatami, expectations follow.
Rafael Macedo (BRA), winner of the Lima Grand Prix in 2025, arrives with confidence and legitimate ambitions. Olympic bronze medallist Theodoros Tselidis (GRE) left Paris frustrated after finishing just off the podium and will undoubtedly channel that disappointment into motivation here. Behind this leading trio stands a dense field of high-level judoka capable of producing breakthrough performances in Uzbekistan.
-78 kg: Opportunity in an Open Division
The -78 kg category is traditionally one of the deepest divisions on the circuit. While some of the current dominant figures are absent, the field remains highly competitive and perhaps more open than usual.
Anna Monta Olek (GER), third in Paris two weeks ago, enters as the clear favourite. Already a proven performer at this level, she will be determined to seize the opportunity. Kaila Issoufi (FRA), twice a grand slam medallist, represents the emerging generation of French athletes in a category that has delivered world-class champions, historically. For her, Tashkent offers both experience and possibility.
Two Brazilian contenders, a Japanese athlete and another French judoka add further intrigue. The balance of power could shift quickly and surprises remain very much on the cards.
-100 kg: Kotsoiev Eyes a Statement
Much like his teammate Heydarov at -73 kg, Olympic champion Zelim Kotsoiev (AZE) comes to Tashkent aiming to reignite momentum after his Paris 2024 triumph and a mixed 2025 campaign. Despite recent fluctuations, he remains one of the most serious title contenders in the category.
Leonardo Goncalves (BRA) did not travel to Paris for a seventh-place finish and will seek redemption on the tatami in Uzbekistan. Four-time grand slam finalist Daniel Eich (SUI), a leading figure in Swiss judo as the nation prepares to host its first-ever grand slam this summer, also stands as a strong medal candidate. With depth throughout the draw, unexpected results are entirely possible.
+78 kg: Experience and Ambition
Raz Hershko’s record speaks for itself: double Olympic medallist in individual and mixed teams, world medallist, World Judo Masters medallist, fifteen grand slam medals including five golds, and multiple grand prix titles. The Israeli powerhouse remains one of the pillars of the category and will be difficult to dethrone.
Helena Vukovic (CRO), seventh in Paris, will not be satisfied with that result and seeks a stronger showing. Léa Fontaine (FRA), competing in the absence of Romane Dicko, will aim to assert herself among the leaders. Yet beyond the top seeds, several athletes possess the capacity to disrupt the hierarchy and climb onto the podium.
+100 kg: Home Hopes and Heavyweight Drama
Olympic bronze medallist Alisher Yusupov (UZB) will be the focal point for the home crowd on the final day. The Uzbek supporters will pack the arena, hoping to witness their champion shine.
Utkirbek Turoboyev (UZB), also among the top seeds, has every reason to believe he can deliver for the host nation. Between them stands Kanan Nasibov (AZE), winner in Zagreb last year, who could upset expectations. As always in the heavyweight division, power, timing and composure will decide the outcome. One certainty remains: the spectacle will be unforgettable.
Day three in Tashkent promises decisive moments and powerful emotions as the second stage of the World Judo Tour 2026 reaches its climax. Follow everything on JudoTV.com and all our platforms.