European Judo Championships 2026: How to Watch and Full Schedule for Tbilisi
The road to continental glory begins today in Georgia. The European Senior Championships 2026 Individuals officially kick off on Thursday, April 16, in Tbilisi, bringing together 400 of the world’s elite judoka to battle for gold over the next four days.
For fans tracking the action, the event is a massive undertaking featuring 46 different nations. With 227 men and 173 women competing across various weight classes, the atmosphere in Tbilisi is set to be electric as athletes vie for podium finishes and critical ranking points.
How to Watch the European Judo Championships 2026
Finding a broadcast for international judo can sometimes be a challenge depending on your region. Currently, official television broadcast partners have not been listed in the primary event documentation. However, for those looking to follow the action in real-time, there are established digital avenues.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) lists JudoTV.com as the primary hub for contest sheets and statistics. This platform typically serves as the central point for live streaming and digital coverage of senior championships. Fans should monitor the official IJF and European Judo Union channels for last-minute television assignments or regional streaming rights.
For those unable to watch a full live stream, live results and updated brackets are available through official competition portals, ensuring fans can track their favorite athletes’ progress through the preliminary rounds and into the final blocks.
Competition Schedule and Weight Categories
The tournament is structured over four days, divided into preliminary rounds and a “Final Block” each evening. All events take place in the Asia/Tbilisi timezone.
Day 1: Thursday, April 16
The opening day focuses on the lighter weight divisions.
- Men: -60 kg and -66 kg
- Women: -48 kg and -52 kg
Day 2: Friday, April 17
The action shifts toward the middleweight categories.
- Men: -73 kg
- Women: -57 kg and -63 kg
Day 3: Saturday, April 18
The weekend begins with high-intensity bouts in the following classes:
- Men: -81 kg and -90 kg
- Women: -70 kg
Day 4: Sunday, April 19
The championships conclude with the heavyweight divisions.
- Men: -100 kg and +100 kg
- Women: -78 kg and +78 kg
French Ambitions: Defending the Crown
While the competition is global, the French delegation arrives in Tbilisi with a specific target on their backs. After a dominant previous edition where France secured ten medals—including three gold—the “Bleus” are looking to maintain their status as a continental powerhouse.
France is fielding a strategic mix of veteran stability and emerging talent. Three reigning European champions are returning to the tatami to defend their titles, providing a strong foundation for the team’s medal hopes:
- Shirine Boukli: Defending her title in the -48 kg category.
- Daikii Bouba: Returning to defend the -66 kg crown.
- Romane Dicko: Looking to remain atop the +78 kg division.
Beyond the defending champions, the French squad relies on established international figures like Sarah-Léonie Cysique and Amandine Buchard. The team’s success will likely depend on whether their new generation of athletes can translate their potential into medals on this high-pressure stage.
Tournament Quick Facts
To deliver you a sense of the scale of this event, here is a breakdown of the participation numbers provided by the organizers:
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Competitors | 400 Judoka |
| Gender Split | 227 Men / 173 Women |
| Participating Nations | 46 Countries |
| Location | Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Dates | April 16–19, 2026 |
Note for global viewers: Tbilisi operates on Georgia Standard Time (Secure). Ensure you adjust your local clocks to catch the “Final Block” events, which typically occur in the evening local time.
What to Watch For
As the tournament progresses, keep a close eye on the -66 kg and +78 kg categories. These divisions often feature the most physical clashes and, given the defending champions from France, will be the primary battlegrounds for continental supremacy.
The pressure in Tbilisi is amplified by the local environment; Georgia is a judo stronghold, and the home crowd is expected to provide a significant boost to the Georgian athletes, potentially creating an uphill battle for the visiting favorites.
The next major milestone will be the conclusion of Day 1’s Final Block tonight, where the first set of 2026 European champions will be crowned in the -60 kg and -66 kg men’s and -48 kg and -52 kg women’s divisions.
Do you think the French champions can all defend their titles in Tbilisi? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
