The National Gymnastics Arena in Baku hosts the final day of individual competition at the 2026 World Judo Championships on October 10, 2026, featuring heavyweight bouts in the +78kg and +100kg divisions. With the tournament reaching its closing stages in Azerbaijan, the focus centers on final-day title runs and the closing chapters of veteran careers, L’Esprit du Judo reported.
Audrey Tcheumeo Seeks a Final World Medal at Age Thirty-Six
Audrey Tcheumeo returned to the World Championships for her tenth career appearance. Having started her senior career more than sixteen years ago, she holds five European titles, two Olympic medals, and four world medals, including a gold won in 2011. She arrived in Baku following a victory at the Tbilisi Grand Chelem in March 2026, her tenth career Grand Chelem title. Her campaign runs alongside her younger compatriot Kaïla Issoufi, who is making her first appearance at this level of competition.
Léa Fontaine and Romane Dicko Target a Heavyweight Clash
In the +78kg division, top contenders Léa Fontaine and Romane Dicko enter as the number two and number three seeds. A meeting between the two French athletes could occur in the semifinal stage. Fontaine’s path likely requires victories over Russia’s Mariia Ivanova and Japan’s Mao Arai, who finished as runner-up in 2025. Dicko faces a projected quarterfinal route running through China’s Jinesinuer Ayiman, who placed third at the Qingdao Grand Prix in late June.
Inal Tasoev Leads the Men’s Heavyweight Draw in Baku
Russia’s Inal Tasoev holds the red backpatch as the top attraction in the men’s division, but faces a demanding opening test. His second match could pit him against South Korea’s Kim Minjong, the Olympic silver medalist behind Teddy Riner in Paris, or Japan’s Kenta Nakano. A quarterfinal bout against Czech competitor Lukas Krpalek, a dual Olympic champion across the -100kg and +100kg classes, remains a possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baku World Championships
Where are the 2026 World Judo Championships taking place? The individual events conclude at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Which weight classes compete on the final day? The final day of individual competition features the women’s +78kg division and the men’s +100kg category.
How many male athletes represent Azerbaijan in the tournament? The host nation fields seventeen male competitors through the allocation of wild cards.
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