The 2026 Grand Prix Zagreb Open commenced on 4 February 2026 in Zagreb, as elite judoka from around the world gathered for one of the early-season ranking events on the international judo calendar. The tournament is organised under the authority of the International Judo Federation (IJF) and forms part of the IJF World Judo Tour, where athletes compete for valuable world ranking points and competitive momentum.
Hosted at Arena Zagreb, the Grand Prix Zagreb Open has established itself as a regular and well-regarded stop on the tour, attracting a strong field across multiple weight categories. The 2026 edition continued that tradition, with national teams using the event to assess form and depth early in the competitive year.
Tournament Format and Weight Categories
The Grand Prix Zagreb Open is contested across a multi-day schedule, with different men’s and women’s weight categories assigned to each competition day. On 4 February, the opening day of action featured the first set of weight classes, with athletes progressing through preliminary rounds, quarter-finals, repechage, semi-finals, and medal contests.
All bouts were conducted under standard IJF rules, with contests decided by ippon, waza-ari, or penalties where required. Golden score extra time applied in tied matches, placing a premium on endurance, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure.
As a Grand Prix-level event, the competition offers a significant allocation of IJF ranking points, making early-round victories particularly valuable for athletes seeking to improve seeding and qualification prospects for later major championships.
International Field and Competitive Depth
The Zagreb Grand Prix traditionally attracts a diverse and competitive international field, and the 2026 edition followed that pattern. National teams from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa were represented on the opening day, with a mix of established medal contenders and emerging judoka stepping onto the tatami.
European nations benefit from geographic proximity, often fielding full-strength squads, while teams from Japan, South Korea, and other judo powerhouses frequently use Zagreb as an early benchmark event. For developing nations, the tournament provides exposure to high-intensity IJF competition and an opportunity to test athletes against world-class opposition.
Matches on 4 February reflected a variety of fighting styles, from grip-dominant European approaches to dynamic throwing techniques commonly associated with Asian programs, underscoring the technical diversity of modern international judo.
Role Within the 2026 Judo Season
Positioned in early February, the Grand Prix Zagreb Open plays an important role in shaping the 2026 judo season. Performances at this stage help federations evaluate athlete readiness following winter training blocks and influence selection decisions for upcoming Grand Slams, continental championships, and world-level events.
Coaches closely analyse results from Zagreb, particularly in terms of tactical execution, match management, and injury resilience. For athletes returning from off-season breaks, the event offers a high-quality competitive environment without the pressure of championship elimination formats.
Zagreb’s Place on the IJF Tour
Zagreb’s continued inclusion on the IJF World Judo Tour reflects Croatia’s strong organisational reputation within the sport. The Arena Zagreb provides a consistent competition environment, with experienced officials, modern facilities, and reliable event operations.
As competition got underway on 4 February 2026, the Grand Prix Zagreb Open once again reaffirmed its status as a key early-season test, setting the tone for the months ahead and offering a clear snapshot of the evolving international judo landscape.