The European Judo Open Sofia 2026 returns to Bulgaria’s capital with two days of high-level international judo, bringing together experienced competitors and rising talent from across the globe. Hosted by the Bulgarian Judo Federation under the European Judo Union and IJF framework, the event takes place January 31 – February 1, 2026, at the modern Arena 8888 in Sofia.
This Open is a proven proving ground — a place where ranking points matter, but rhythm, discipline, and composure matter even more.
A Truly International Open
Sofia 2026 welcomes 385 judoka from 39 countries, representing five continents. The depth of the field reflects the importance of this event on the European Open circuit.
- Men: 237 competitors
- Women: 148 competitors
The European Judo Union leads participation with over 330 athletes, supported by entries from Asia, Pan-America, Oceania, and Africa. Expect packed brackets, long repechage runs, and no easy paths to the podium.
Weight Categories & Field Depth
Every IJF senior weight category is contested.
Men
-60 kg (30)
-66 kg (46)
-73 kg (52)
-81 kg (39)
-90 kg (30)
-100 kg (22)
+100 kg (18)
Women
-48 kg (22)
-52 kg (25)
-57 kg (30)
-63 kg (19)
-70 kg (31)
-78 kg (13)
+78 kg (8)
Several divisions — particularly Men’s -73 kg and Women’s -70 kg — stand out as deep, unpredictable categories where endurance and tactical awareness will be decisive.
Competition Format
Matches follow the quarter-final repechage system, with:
- 4 minutes of contest time
- Golden Score with no time limit
- Random morning weigh-ins with a 5% tolerance
This structure rewards conditioning and mental sharpness. There is no room to coast — every exchange counts.
Event Schedule Overview
Day 1 – Saturday, January 31
Preliminaries (09:30)
- Men: -60, -66, -73 kg
- Women: -63, -70, -78, +78 kg
Final Block follows later in the day, featuring bronze medal contests and finals.
Day 2 – Sunday, February 1
Preliminaries (09:30)
- Men: -81, -90, -100, +100 kg
- Women: -48, -52, -57 kg
Final Block closes the event at Asics Arena, where medals are decided under pressure.
(Exact final block times confirmed once entries are finalized.)
Venue: Arena 8888, Sofia
The competition takes place at Arena 8888, located on Asen Yordanov Blvd, one of Sofia’s main sports venues. The hall provides:
- Multiple tatami
- Dedicated warm-up areas
- Full IJF judogi control facilities
- Live broadcast capability via JudoTV
Eligibility & Participation
- Open to all EJU and IJF member federations
- No limit on entries per weight category
- Minimum age: 15 years (born 2011 or earlier)
- Athletes must compete for the federation of their nationality
This openness makes Sofia a strategic stop for federations building depth and testing international readiness.
Weigh-In, Draw & Refereeing
- Official weigh-ins are held the evening before competition for each category
- The draw is conducted online
- Top 8 athletes per category are seeded based on IJF World Ranking
- Referees must hold at least a continental license and meet EJU ranking criteria
Traditional etiquette is strictly enforced — no handshakes before bouts, judogi worn correctly until leaving the mat.
Judogi & Equipment Standards
All athletes must compete in IJF Approved Judogi with official labels and compliant backnumbers. Judogi control is enforced via Sokuteiki measurement and optical verification.
Failure to comply can result in:
- Denial of competition entry
- Coach suspension for the day
- Repeated offenses leading to removal
This is a professional environment — preparation off the mat matters as much as preparation on it.
Accommodation & Transport
Official hotels include:
- Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center
- Park Hotel Moskva
Transfers between the airport, hotels, and venue are organized by the LOC. A minimum two-night stay applies for official accommodation. Teams choosing external lodging are subject to a service fee.
Registration & Deadlines
- JUDOBASE registration deadline: January 16, 2026
- Visa application deadline (if required): December 19, 2025
- Entry fee: €60 per athlete
- Late entries possible with additional fees, subject to IJF rules
All registrations, accreditations, and payments are handled through official IJF and EJU systems.
Why Sofia Matters
The European Judo Open Sofia isn’t just another Open — it’s where:
- Young athletes test international pressure
- Veterans sharpen form early in the season
- Federations assess depth beyond continental borders
For many, Sofia is where momentum starts — or where weaknesses are exposed.
Quiet mat. Loud throws. No shortcuts.
