World Judo Championships

Publication date: 7 July 2025

About the World Judo Championships

The World Judo Championships represent a sporting event held under the auspices of the International Judo Federation (IJF). Nowadays, the Championships are held every year except for the years when the Olympic Games are taking place.

Official website of the International Judo Federation

2026 World Judo Championships

The 2025 World Judo Championships will be one of the most important events in the world of martial arts. The tournament will bring together the best judokas from all over the world who will compete for the title of champion.

When and where will it take place

The 2025 World Judo Championships are expected to be held from June 13 to 20 in Budapest.

Who will participate

The tournament will feature over 700 athletes from 100+ countries, including current world champions and Olympic medalists. Participants will include representatives from Japan, France, Brazil and other strong judo powers.

Favorites

  • Japan: Traditionally a strong team with many world champions and Olympic medalists.
  • France: One of the leading countries in the world of judo, with strong athletes in different weight classes.
  • Brazil: A strong school of judo, especially in the women’s categories.

History of the World Judo Championships

In 1956, the first ever World Judo Championship was held in Tokyo, Japan. It was also in Japan that the second championship took place two years later. Initially, the championships were held exclusively for men and were not divided into any weight classes.

From 1965 onwards, the championships were held on odd-numbered dates, every two years. Starting in the same year, weight classes for athletes were introduced.

The first Women’s World Judo Championships were held in 1980. Women’s championships were also organized every two years, but on even-numbered dates.

From 1987, the championships became mixed events, while from 1994, the World Team Championships began to be held.

Eventually, since 2007, the championships moved to the modern schedule. It takes place every year except for the year when the Summer Olympics are held.

Interesting facts

  • History: The World Judo Championships have been held since 1956 and are one of the most prestigious tournaments in this sport.
  • Format: Competitions are held in individual and team categories, which makes the tournament even more spectacular.
  • Record holders: Japan holds the record for the number of gold medals at the World Championships.
  • Olympic selection: The World Championships are an important stage in the selection for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Previous World Judo Championships results

The year Venue Results/ Medal Standings
2025 Budapest (Hungary) 1 – Japan (gold – 6, silver – 4, bronze – 5)

2 – International Judo Federation (Russia) (gold – 3, silver – 0, bronze – 2)

3 – Georgia (gold – 2, silver – 2, bronze – 1)

2024 Abu Dhabi (UAE) 1 – Japan (gold – 4, silver – 1, bronze – 5)

2 – Georgia (gold – 2, silver – 1, bronze – 2)

3 – Italy (gold – 2, silver – 1, bronze – 1)

2023 Doha (Qatar) 1 – Japan (gold – 6, silver – 2, bronze – 4)

2 – France (gold – 2, silver – 4, bronze – 2)

3 – Georgia (gold – 2, silver – 1, bronze – 2)

2026 World Judo Championships

The next World Judo Championships are scheduled for 2026. The exact dates and location have not yet been announced, but the tournament is expected to retain its status as the premier event in the world of judo.

Keep an eye on the dates of judo championships and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.

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