–48 kg: Vargas Ley Chases a Pan-American Double
Top seed Maria Celia Laborde (USA) will look to turn her seventh-place finish in Lima into a podium result this time. The American judoka is eager to return to winning ways. If all goes as planned, she could meet Tamar Malca (ISR) in the semi-final, Malca having taken bronze in Peru, arriving in Mexico with strong momentum. All eyes though will be on Mary Dee Vargas Ley (CHI). A silver medallist in Qingdao, China, in September and a gold medallist just last week in Lima, the Chilean veteran, one of the most active judoka on the circuit, is in sparkling form. Her projected semi-final could come against Eva Perez Soler (ESP).
–60 kg: Augusto Seeks Redemption in Mexico
After a frustrating fifth place in Lima, Michel Augusto (BRA) will be determined to make amends and turn his experience into gold. Following an opening round against Ariel Shulman (ISR), he could cross paths with Marton Andrasi (HUN), fifth at the recent world championships in Budapest. In the lower half of the draw, France will be represented by Enzo Jean and Maxime Merlin, both capable of causing upsets despite not being among the top seeds. The main threats, however, are Jonathan Charon (CUB) and Balabay Aghayev (AZE). With the field this open, anything could happen.
–52 kg: Lima the Woman to Beat
Disappointed by her fifth place in Lima, Ayumi Leiva Sanchez (ESP) will have had time to adapt and reset. As the number one seed here in Guadalajara, she will be eager to strengthen her world ranking and climb back onto the podium. Evelyn Beaton (CAN), who finished seventh in Peru, needs just one win to reach the semi-finals. Meanwhile, 2021 world medallist Gefen Primo (ISR) will aim to bounce back after an off week. Yet, the one everyone will be watching is Jessica Lima (BRA), the gold medallist in Peru, who has a real chance to achieve back-to-back victories.
–66 kg: Bouba Ready to Strike for Gold
Daikii Bouba (FRA), currently ranked eighth in the world, is a consistent force on the World Judo Tour. With silver medals from the Masters and three grand slams, along with a grand prix bronze, he arrives in Mexico focused on finally converting silver into gold. Among his main rivals, Luukas Saha (FIN), a bronze medallist at the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi, stands out as a major contender. Ronald Lima (BRA) and Ruslan Pashayev (AZE), both in good form, could also shake up the competition and continue their successful Pan-American runs.
–57 kg: Buchard’s Mexican Mission
Of the two French finalists from Lima, only Amandine Buchard (FRA) made the trip to Mexico. Competing at –57 kg for the second consecutive week, Buchard will be looking to continue her strong form, though she admitted on social media that the transfer from Peru to Mexico was somewhat chaotic. Through her Mexican campaign, she is likely to meet several familiar faces, including the two Brazilians Shirlen Nascimento and Jessica Lima, whom she will face right from the opening round, a strong test to start the day. Timna Nelson Levy (ISR) will of course be one to watch too as well as Ana Viktorija Puljiz (CRO).
The stage is set in Guadalajara. New challenges, familiar faces and the same relentless pursuit of excellence await. With its passion, colour and energy, Mexico is again the beating heart of the World Judo Tour. Follow all the action on JudoTV.