The host nation will field the largest delegation, with 38 athletes entered, while France will bring 22 judoka. Israel follows with 19, Azerbaijan with 18 teams and the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and Ukraine each have 17 athletes registered. The breadth of those delegations promises a particularly rich European contest, while Brazil’s strong presence adds weight from the Panamerican continent. In total, 37 athletes who are ranked among the world’s top ten in their respective categories are expected in Budapest.
The -100 kg category offers one of the clearest illustrations of the quality on show. Brazil’s Leonardo Gonçalves, world number one and Olympic team bronze medallist in Paris, arrives as the leading name in the division. His consistency has carried him to the top of the rankings, with a Pan-American title and recent podium finishes in Astana and Lima. Yet he will face a formidable challenge from Italy’s Gennaro Pirelli, world number two, European champion this year and winner of both the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam and Lima Grand Prix. The Italian will be one of the principal threats to Leonardo Gonçalves in a category led by two athletes in excellent form.
There will be no shortage of contenders elsewhere. Croatia’s Lara Cvjetko, world number one at -70 kg and a double world silver medallist, will be among the favourites after a season which has already included a gold medal in Qingdao and bronze in Ulaanbaatar, as well as a third place finish during the Mediterranean Games. At -81 kg, Canada’s François Gauthier-Drapeau, world number two, brings the confidence of grand slam titles in Paris and Abu Dhabi in 2025, as well as the intense rhythm and tactical clarity which have made him one of the division’s most difficult opponents.
Brazil’s Rafael Macedo, fourth in the world at -90 kg, will also be one to watch. An Olympic team bronze medallist and a regular presence on World Judo Tour podia, he remains one of the category’s most technically versatile athletes. In the women’s competition, Italy’s Odette Giuffrida will return to grand slam action at -52 kg. A world champion, double Olympic medallist and two-time European champion, she remains among the sport’s most experienced and intelligent competitors. Israel’s Raz Hershko, world number two at +78 kg and an Olympic silver medallist in Paris, will lead another heavyweight contest, bringing her powerful gripping game, seoi-otoshi and exceptional endurance to Budapest.
Beyond the leading names, the density of the entries will make every category difficult to predict. The -73 kg division, with 65 athletes registered, is the largest of the tournament, followed by -90 kg with 53 and -66 kg with 48. Such numbers leave little room for a quiet opening round and will test the ability of every contender to build momentum through three days of demanding contests.
The Hungary Grand Slam is also the final major opportunity to make a statement before the World Championships Baku 2026, which begin only three weeks later. For established leaders, Budapest offers the chance to confirm their status; for athletes still seeking a place at the very top, it is an opportunity to arrive in Azerbaijan with confidence, ranking points and a major result behind them.
Competition begins on Friday with the women’s -48 kg, -52 kg and -57 kg categories alongside the men’s -60 kg and -66 kg divisions. Saturday features the women’s -63 kg and -70 kg categories and the men’s -73 kg and -81 kg groups. The final day will decide the medals in the women’s -78 kg and +78 kg categories and the men’s -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg divisions. Final blocks are scheduled for 5pm each day.
With large teams, 37 top-ten athletes and a world championships already in sight, Budapest is ready to provide three days of competition in which every result will carry meaning.