Day 1 belonged to Mascha Ballhaus (GER), who wrapped up her outstanding 2025 campaign with a spectacular Grand Slam gold. Her year has been nothing short of remarkable. She opened the season with silver at the Baku Grand Slam, added bronze in Linz, and struck gold at the Quazaqstan Barsy Grand Slam. At the World Championships in Budapest, she delivered one of her strongest performances to date, winning a well-deserved bronze — the second world medal of her career in the -52kg category.
In Abu Dhabi, Mascha looked unstoppable. After defeating former world champion and Olympic medalist Odette Giuffrida (ITA), she entered the final ready to make a statement. Against Reka Pupp (HUN), she capitalized perfectly on her chance in ne-waza, transitioning into a flawless hold-down to score ippon and secure the title. It was her third Grand Slam gold and one of her most convincing wins yet. This victory also moves her up to world no. 2 — a phenomenal achievement to close out her season!
On Day 3, Anna Monta Olek (GER) added another chapter to her incredible year with a powerhouse performance. She began 2025 with gold at the Baku Grand Slam, followed by bronze in Tashkent and silver at the European Championships. Her season reached another peak in Budapest, where the former junior world champion battled her way to a World Championships silver after a tense golden score showdown with Olympic champion Alice Bellandi (ITA).
Abu Dhabi set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch and Anna Monta delivered. In golden score, she stayed composed, transitioned seamlessly into dominant ne-waza, and secured the ippon against the reigning Olympic and world champion. Back-to-back Abu Dhabi Grand Slam golds and her third Grand Slam title mark a massive milestone, crowned by her rise to world no. 1 in the -78kg category.
What an unforgettable year for our two German athletes. Mascha and Anna Monta, we are incredibly proud to stand in your corner and even prouder to have you as part of Team IPPONGEAR.
