In a breathtaking finish to the 2026 Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi, Irakli Demetrashvili powered through elite competitors to lift the heavyweight prize for Georgia on March 22, electrifying the home crowd with a brilliant performance that signals his rise among the sport’s very best. The +100 kilogram category became the showcase event of the weekend, with Demetrashvili’s gold medal moment capturing attention around the judo world and beyond.
Georgia Dominates in Final Day Heavyweight Action
The Olympic Palace in Tbilisi saw one of the most compelling heavyweight battles of the season. Demetrashvili, competing in the +100 kg division, was in superb form throughout the day, advancing with decisive victories and impactful technique. In his opening match he overcame Poland’s Grzegorz Teresiński via a waza-ari, scored in the final moments of their contest. That win set the tone for what would become a truly memorable campaign. Next, he executed a clean ippon with a sumi-gaeshi against Giannis Antoniou of Cyprus to maintain momentum and confidence.
The semi-final brought one of the biggest tests of the day, as Demetrashvili squared off with top seed Jur Spijkers from the Netherlands. In a tightly contested duel, the Georgian judoka found his range and tactical rhythm to defeat the heavyweight favourite, sending the crowd into raptures and securing a place in the final.
Opposing him in the gold medal match was Germany’s Losseni Kone, who had also shown remarkable consistency throughout the competition. Kone reached the final by winning close matches over Saba Kardava of Georgia, Kanan Nasibov of Azerbaijan and Jakub Sordyl of Poland before defeating Artem Zolotukhin to set up the championship bout.
A Stunning Final and Georgia’s Home Triumph
Once the final began, spectators known for their passionate support of Georgian judo stars were treated to a tactical chess match. Both heavyweights fought with measured aggression, feeling one another out in the opening minutes. However the pivotal moment came when Demetrashvili unleashed a powerful uchi-mata throw that sent Kone to the tatami, securing victory and igniting celebration inside the arena. This moment not only crowned Demetrashvili champion but also delivered a dramatic capstone to Georgia’s Grand Slam staging.
This gold medal is a statement not just of one athlete’s brilliance, but of Georgian judo’s resurgence and depth. The win marked the final highlight of the Tbilisi Grand Slam, which hosted 386 judoka from 51 countries, and where Georgia enjoyed a strong showing across multiple weight classes.
Broader Impact and Significance for Georgia
Georgia’s jubilation in the +100 kg category was mirrored across other divisions, with heavyweights and lighter weight athletes earning medals and showcasing the country’s judo strength. This home success also carries broader implications. The 2026 Tbilisi Grand Slam represents a major stop on the International Judo Federation World Tour, offering vital ranking points and prestige for athletes vying for qualifying positions ahead of the Paris Olympics and other major championships.
Demetrashvili’s gold will significantly boost his international ranking and reputation. Prior to Tbilisi, the Georgian heavyweight had already shown promise with podium placements at key competitions earlier in the season, including strong performances on the IJF circuit. His result in Tbilisi could position him as one of the medal favourites in upcoming global events that shape Olympic contention.
Medal Table Highlights and Continental Judo Trends
This edition of the Tbilisi Grand Slam concluded with a varied medal table that reflected judo’s competitive global landscape. Israel topped the overall standings with three golds, one silver and one bronze, while Russia and France also racked up multiple titles. Georgia, as the host nation, captured two gold medals, including Demetrashvili’s, showcasing its role as a powerhouse within European judo. Other countries such as Italy, Kazakhstan and Japan also claimed gold in various divisions, maintaining depth in elite judo competition.
Tbilisi’s success in hosting the event further solidifies the city’s reputation as a key judo venue and reinforces Europe’s strength on the international stage ahead of the European Judo Championships scheduled in mid-April.
What This Victory Means for the Future
Demetrashvili’s golden finish is more than a moment of individual achievement. It represents a new chapter in heavyweight judo, where emerging talents are challenging long-standing hierarchies and pushing the sport forward with dynamic, high-impact performances. For Georgia, this victory fuels national pride and cements the country’s place among the sport’s elite nations. Fans and athletes around the world will now watch closely as Demetrashvili builds on this success in future tournaments.
