DAY ONE | -48kg / -60kg
Women’s -48kg
We kick things off with the -48kg category. Keep your eyes on Andrea Stojadinov (SRB), fresh off a bronze medal at the 2025 European Championships. Known for her tenacity and tactical style, she’s hunting her first world medal. Amber Gersjes (NED) and Sarah Ischt (GER) bring grit and consistency, both capable of delivering surprise performances in a stacked division.
Men’s -60kg
IPPONGEAR’s -60kg contenders include Jorre Verstaeten (NED), whose explosive style and recent wins put him on the radar. Maximilian Heyder (GER) and Daniel Leutgeb (AUT) round out a trio of hungry athletes aiming to break through the elite ranks.
DAY TWO | -52kg / -66kg
Women’s -52kg
This weight class is stacked for IPPONGEAR, headlined by Masha Ballhaus (GER), the 2024 World Bronze Medalist and current No. 3 seed. With sharp ne-waza and ever-evolving tactics, she’s a top podium threat. Just outside the seeds is Ayumi Levia Sanchez (ESP), whose recent form makes her a potential spoiler. Naomi Van Krevel (NED), known for her ne waza and counter attacks, could cause major upsets.
Men’s -66kg
Finland’s Luukas Saha is back after capturing bronze at last year’s Worlds. A creative, fearless judoka, he’s one to watch in a division that never disappoints. Martin Setz (GER) and Vijar Lipard (EST) will be aiming to gain critical international experience and deliver statement wins.
DAY THREE | -57kg / -73kg
Women’s -57kg
A heavyweight lineup in a lightweight division. Seija Ballhaus (GER), the reigning European Champion and World No. 3, is chasing her first senior world title after a breakout season. Right beside her is Pauline Starke (GER), a 2024 Olympian with deep experience and a point to prove. Also stepping onto the world stage: Ana Viktorija Puljiz (CRO) and Pihla Salonen (FIN), two athletes on the rise with momentum and confidence heading into Budapest.
Men’s -73kg
One of the most anticipated entries for IPPONGEAR is Jack Yonezuka (USA), the reigning Pan American Champion. With judo in his blood and a refined, modern style, Yonezuka is chasing a historic first senior world medal. Igor Wandtke (GER) brings a wealth of experience, while young talents Samuel Gassner (AUT), Jano Ruebo (GER), and Bilal Ciloglu (TUR) round out a stacked category with podium potential across the board.
DAY FOUR | -63kg / -81kg
Women’s -63kg
Two top-5 seeds in Lubjana Piovesana (AUT) and Iva Oberan (CRO) make this a strong day for IPPONGEAR. Piovesana, who finished 5th at the 2024 Olympics, has the experience and is looking to land herself on the podium and make her mark. Oberan, known for her sharp transitions and composure under pressure, will also be one to watch, a long side teammate, 2024 Olympian, Katarina Kristo. Making her senior World debut is Friederike Stolze (GER), a promising new face who’s ready to test herself against the best.
Men’s -81kg
All eyes will be on Matthias Casse (BEL)—a true legend of the division. With one world title and three silver medals, he’s chasing his sixth World medal. Casse’s calm presence and pinpoint accuracy make him a serious contender for gold. Shamil Borchashvili (AUT), the 2020 Olympic Bronze Medalist, is returning after a year off the circuit and could surprise many. A category rich in talent also includes Timo Cavelius (GER), Bernd Fasching (AUT), Eetu Ihanamäki (FIN), and Jorge Perez (CHI).
DAY FIVE | -70kg / -90kg
Women’s -70kg
IPPONGEAR boasts an elite trio leading the division:
- Lara Cvjetko (CRO) – World No. 1, 2022 World Silver Medalist
- Miriam Butkereit (GER) – Olympic Silver Medalist seeking her first World podium
- Sanne Van Dijke (NED) – Two-time World Bronze Medalist and 2020 Olympic Bronze Medalist
Add to that the Current Junior World Champion, Elena Dengg (AUT), and Giovanna Scoccimarro (GER), the 2023 World Silver Medalist, and you’ve got what might be our strongest field. Laerke Olsen (DEN) brings Olympic experience and calm resolve to a division brimming with medal potential.
Men’s -90kg
Athletes like 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist, Eduard Trippel (GER), Kristofer Klen Kaljulad (EST), and Artur Kanevets (FIN), Thomas Sharfetter (AUT), and Kornelius Eilertsen (NOR) have been climbing steadily. Don’t be surprised if one of them breaks into the spotlight.
DAY SIX | -78kg / -100kg
Women’s -78kg
Germany’s Anna Monta Olek and Alina Boehm, seeded 4th and 5th respectively, could be on a collision course for a quarterfinal showdown. Both athletes have enjoyed strong seasons, and both are hunting their first World medals. Croatia’s Petrunjela Pavic adds depth to the category and has been quietly building steam heading into Budapest.
Men’s -100kg
Austria’s Laurin Boehler will aim to translate his powerhouse judo into results on the world stage.
DAY SEVEN | +78kg / +100kg
Women’s +78kg
IPPONGEAR’s heavyweights bring both power and promise, Helena Vukovic and Tina Radic (CRO) bring experience, while Emma Melis Aktas (EST) is a name for the future. Serbia’s Milica Zabic rounds out a strong quartet looking to end the tournament on a high.
Men’s +100kg
A living legend, Lukas Krpalek (CZE), two-time Olympic Champion and World Champion, enters seeded 8th. His presence alone electrifies any bracket. Backing him up are Erik Abramov (GER), a recent European Bronze Medalist, and Martti Puumalainen (FIN), a former European Champion. Losseni Kone (GER) and Movli Borchashvili (AUT) complete a talented and motivated group.
With world champions, Olympic medalists, and emerging stars, Team IPPONGEAR is ready to take on the world. Best of Luck to all our athletes representing IPPONGEAR in Budapest, We are behind you all the way!
