The European Judo Union has designated Las Palmas, Spain, as the host city for the 2027 U23 European Judo Championships.
The selection of Las Palmas, Spain, as host city for the 2027 U23 European Judo Championships was officially confirmed at the conclusion of the 2026 edition in Naples, Italy, according to the European Judo Union. The handover of the event’s hosting duties was marked by a formal ceremony, symbolizing the transition from Italy to Spain.
Official Handover in Naples
The official transfer of responsibility took place during the closing ceremony of the 2026 championships in Naples. According to the EJU, representatives of the Spanish Judo Federation received the EJU flag during this event, which concluded three days of individual and mixed team competition. The ceremony signified the beginning of preparations for the 2027 continental event in Las Palmas.
Following a successful edition in Naples that brought together Europe’s rising judo talents, attention has now shifted to Spain. The EJU highlighted that the championships in Naples featured both individual and mixed team events, showcasing emerging athletes from across the continent.
Significance of the U23 Championships
The U23 European Judo Championships serve as a critical platform for young athletes making the transition from cadet and junior levels to senior competition. For many judokas, this event represents an important step between promising results in youth categories and the demands of senior-level judo. The championships provide athletes with the opportunity to vie for European titles and gain valuable international experience.

This developmental focus makes the U23 championships a key part of the European judo calendar. The event allows athletes to test their skills against their peers on a continental stage, often serving as a stepping stone to higher levels of competition, including senior championships and the Olympic Games.
Las Palmas’s Event Experience
Las Palmas is no stranger to hosting major judo competitions. The city, located on the Canary Islands, successfully hosted the European Cadet Championships from June 29 to July 2, 2026, at the Gran Canaria Arena, alljudo.net reported. This recent experience positions the city well for the upcoming U23 event.
The Spanish city has an established tradition in welcoming international judo events and is preparing to bring together Europe’s next generation of champions, the EJU stated. Its experience in hosting large-scale competitions and its sporting infrastructure make it a suitable venue for the 2027 championships.
Las Palmas Hosts 2027 U23 European Judo Championships
While Las Palmas has been confirmed as the host, the exact dates and competition venue for the 2027 U23 European Judo Championships have not yet been announced, alljudo.net noted. The European Judo Union is expected to provide further details in the coming months as preparations for the event advance.
With the host city officially designated, attention will now turn to the logistical preparations and athlete selections. National federations will begin identifying their top U23 competitors who will represent their countries at the championships in Las Palmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where will the 2027 U23 European Judo Championships be held?
- The 2027 U23 European Judo Championships will be held in Las Palmas, Spain. Specific dates and the exact venue have not yet been announced by the European Judo Union.
- When was the host city for the 2027 championships officially announced?
- The selection of Las Palmas as the host city was officially confirmed in November 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 championships in Naples, Italy.
- What is the significance of the U23 European Judo Championships?
- The championships provide a vital platform for young judokas transitioning from junior to senior levels, offering them the chance to compete for European titles and gain international experience.
- Has Las Palmas hosted judo competitions before?
- Yes, Las Palmas hosted the European Cadet Championships in June 2026 at the Gran Canaria Arena, demonstrating its experience in organizing international judo events.
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