Teddy Riner to Compete at Lausanne’s Historic Inaugural Judo Grand Slam

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The Olympic capital will host its first-ever judo Grand Slam from August 28–30, 2026, and the star-studded field just got brighter. French judo legend Teddy Riner, a two-time Olympic champion and 11-time world champion, is set to compete at the Vaudoise Arena in what organizers are calling a landmark moment for the sport’s inclusivity and global appeal.

The Lausanne Grand Slam marks the first time in judo history that elite, Para-judo, Deaf-judo, and Adapted judo competitions will share the same stage under one roof. With nearly 900 athletes from over 50 countries expected to participate, the event is poised to redefine the sport’s competitive landscape while offering Swiss fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class judo on home soil.

Why Lausanne’s Grand Slam Is a Game-Changer

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has positioned this event as a turning point for the sport, blending high-performance competition with unprecedented inclusivity. Around 600 elite judoka will compete alongside 300 athletes from Para, Deaf, and Adapted judo categories, all governed by IJF rules and sharing equal visibility. The format reflects a broader push within international sports to break down barriers and celebrate athletic excellence in all its forms.

“This event is not just a competition — it’s a decisive moment for the future of judo,” organizers stated on the official event website. The Vaudoise Arena, a state-of-the-art venue built for the 2020 Youth Olympic Games, will serve as the backdrop for three days of high-stakes action, with an anticipated 12,000 spectators filling the stands.

Teddy Riner: The Headliner Swiss Fans Won’t Want to Miss

While the full roster of competitors has yet to be finalized, the confirmed participation of Teddy Riner has already sent ripples through the judo community. The 35-year-old French heavyweight, widely regarded as one of the greatest judoka of all time, will bring his unparalleled resume to Lausanne, where he’ll face off against the world’s top talent in the +100 kg category.

Riner’s dominance in the sport is unmatched. With two Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016), 11 world titles, and a record 158 consecutive victories between 2010 and 2020, his presence alone elevates the prestige of the Lausanne Grand Slam. For Swiss fans, it’s a rare chance to observe a living legend compete in person, just a short train ride from cities like Geneva and Zurich.

“Competing in front of a home crowd is always special, but Lausanne is extra meaningful,” said April Fohouo, Switzerland’s U21 world champion and one of the country’s brightest judo prospects. “This event is a great opportunity for Swiss judo, and I’m proud to be part of it.” Fohouo, along with teammates Daniel Eich (a seven-time World Judo Tour medalist) and Binta Ndiaye, will represent Switzerland in what promises to be an electric atmosphere.

What to Expect: Schedule, Categories, and Key Storylines

The Lausanne Grand Slam will unfold over three days, with competition divided into weight classes and para categories. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule, based on the IJF’s official competition overview:

• Day 1 (August 28):
  • Men: -60 kg, -66 kg
  • Women: -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg
  • Para: Adapted judo (qualification and finals)
• Day 2 (August 29):
  • Men: -73 kg, -81 kg
  • Women: -63 kg, -70 kg
  • Para: Deaf judo (qualification and finals)
• Day 3 (August 30):
• Men: -90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg (Riner’s category)
• Women: -78 kg, +78 kg
• Para: Visually impaired judo (qualification and finals)

While the IJF has not yet released the full list of confirmed athletes, the event’s innovative format ensures that every weight class and para category will feature top-tier competition. For fans, the final day could deliver a blockbuster showdown in the men’s +100 kg division, where Riner is expected to face off against reigning world champion Tatsuru Saito of Japan and Brazil’s Rafael Silva, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist.

A Long-Term Vision for Swiss Judo

The Lausanne Grand Slam is more than a one-off event; it’s part of a broader strategic vision to elevate judo in Switzerland and position the country as a hub for international sports. The Vaudoise Arena, with its cutting-edge facilities and Olympic pedigree, is a fitting stage for this ambition. Organizers hope the event will inspire the next generation of Swiss judoka while fostering greater inclusivity in the sport.

“This is about more than medals,” said a spokesperson for the event. “It’s about creating a legacy where athletes of all abilities can compete at the highest level, side by side.” The integration of para-judo categories into the Grand Slam format is a first, and if successful, it could set a new standard for future IJF events.

How to Follow the Action

For fans unable to attend in person, the IJF is expected to provide live streaming and results updates through its official platforms. The IJF’s Lausanne Grand Slam page will serve as the central hub for schedules, athlete profiles, and real-time scores. Tickets for the event are already on sale via the official event website, with prices ranging from CHF 20 for single-session passes to CHF 150 for three-day packages.

As the countdown to August 28 continues, one thing is clear: Lausanne’s inaugural Grand Slam is set to be a historic moment for judo. With Teddy Riner leading the charge and a groundbreaking inclusive format, this event could very well change the sport forever.

Key Takeaways

• Historic First: Lausanne will host the first-ever judo Grand Slam to combine elite, Para, Deaf, and Adapted judo competitions in a single event.
• Teddy Riner’s Return: The 11-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist will compete in the +100 kg category, marking a major draw for Swiss fans.
• Nearly 900 Athletes: Over 50 countries will be represented, with 600 elite judoka and 300 para-athletes competing across three days.
• Inclusive Format: The event reflects the IJF’s commitment to equal visibility for athletes of all abilities, governed by unified rules.
• Swiss Representation: Homegrown talents like April Fohouo (U21 world champion) and Daniel Eich (seven-time World Judo Tour medalist) will compete on home soil.
• Next Steps: The IJF will release the full athlete roster and finalized schedule in the coming weeks. Fans can purchase tickets now via the official event website.

What are your thoughts on Lausanne’s inclusive Grand Slam format? Will Teddy Riner add another title to his legendary career? Share your predictions in the comments below.