2026 European Judo Championships: Schedule and Guide for the Tbilisi Seniors Event

The judo world turns its attention to Georgia this week as the capital city prepares to host one of the most prestigious events on the continental calendar. From Thursday, April 16, to Sunday, April 19, Tbilisi will be the epicenter of the sport for the 2026 European Judo Championships Seniors Individuals.

As the first major international event of the season with medals on the line, the 2026 European Judo Championships represent a critical juncture for athletes looking to establish dominance and secure vital rankings. The atmosphere in Tbilisi is expected to be electric, with the host nation bringing a deep passion for the sport to the tatami.

Event Schedule and Venue

The competition is set to grab place over four days of intense action in Tbilisi, Georgia. The schedule is structured as follows:

• Start Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
• Complete Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
• Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

For fans and analysts, the event is structured around individual competitions across various weight categories. Whereas specific daily bout timings are typically released closer to the start of the event, the four-day window ensures a comprehensive progression from early rounds to the final gold-medal matches.

Weight Categories and Key Previews

The European Judo Union (EJU) has highlighted several key weight divisions in the lead-up to the championships. The competition will feature a full slate of individual categories, with specific previews already focusing on the following pairings:

• Heavyweight and Middleweight focus: -90kg and -70kg
• Mid-range intensity: -63kg and -81kg
• Technical battles: -57kg and -73kg
• Light-middleweight clashes: -52kg and -66kg
• Lightweight speed: -48kg and -60kg

These divisions will see the top seeds and emerging talents compete for European glory, with the EJU providing detailed previews to help fans identify the athletes to watch as they enter the tournament.

Broadening the Scope: Concurrent EJU Events

The 2026 European Judo Championships do not exist in a vacuum. The EJU has scheduled several other developmental and veteran events around the same window, showcasing the depth of the sport across different age groups and skill levels.

In Italy, the Lignano EJU Junior Training Camp took place from April 13 to 15, providing young athletes with high-level preparation. Simultaneously, Tbilisi is not only hosting the seniors but too the EJU Kids Camp from April 16 to 18, ensuring that the next generation of judokas is immersed in the championship environment.

veteran athletes will have their own spotlight on April 18, with the Warsaw Veteran European Cup taking place in Poland. This cluster of events underscores the EJU’s commitment to a comprehensive competitive pipeline, from children to veterans.

How to Follow the Action

Fans looking to track the progress of their favorite athletes can find official updates and documentation through the European Judo Union official event page. This portal provides the most reliable source for registration details, athlete lists, and official news.

For those seeking broader coverage and updates on the participants, the Olympic channel also offers programming details and information on where to view the event live.

With the opening matches scheduled for Thursday, the focus now shifts to the final preparations of the athletes and the readiness of the Tbilisi venue. The convergence of top seeds and hungry challengers promises a high-stakes weekend of judo.

Next Checkpoint: The championships officially commence on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Tbilisi.

Do you have a favorite athlete competing in Tbilisi? Let us know in the comments who you think will take home the gold in their weight class.