Budapest Wraps Up a Deep World Judo Tour Test

The Hungary Grand Slam 2026 has concluded in Budapest after three days of high-level Judo competition. Athletes representing 67 nations brought technical quality and intensity across all fourteen weight categories, underlining the depth of the World Judo Tour.

The final day completed an event where established champions reinforced their standing and emerging competitors made important progress. Medals travelled across the globe, while results beyond the podium also mattered: fifth- and seventh-place finishes reflected the consistency needed to compete at this level.

Japan topped the medal table with three gold medals, one silver and three bronzes. The Russian Federation followed with two gold medals, two silvers and one bronze, while Israel secured two titles and a bronze. Brazil also finished among the leading teams with one gold, one silver and one bronze.

European nations featured among the gold-medal winners as Azerbaijan, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria and Greece each celebrated a title. Their success added to a Budapest tournament that brought together experienced international names and a new generation eager to make its mark.

Budapest delivered three days of competitive depth across every weight category.

The event showed that progress in elite Judo is not defined only by medals. Staying in contention through demanding rounds, collecting ranking-relevant results and repeatedly challenging strong opposition are all part of the journey on the World Judo Tour.

Budapest now gives way to a brief pause before the Baku World Championships, the next major moment on the calendar. Before that, the Judo community will gather in Sarajevo next weekend for the Veterans World Championships and Kata World Championships, with experience, technical mastery and the passing on of Judo knowledge at the centre of the occasion.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation