Estonia’s Marek Mäsak has already made a name for himself in the +100kg category. He claimed the Cadet European Champion title and added silver at the Cadet World Championships in 2024. This year, Mäsak also bagged gold at the senior-level Tallinn European Open in front of his home crowd and finished a remarkable 5th place at the Tashkent Grand Slam, all while still a junior. With the Junior European Championships in Bratislava on the horizon and a return to Lima, Peru for the Junior Worlds in October, the Estonian judoka is gearing up for a busy and potentially historic season.
Unlike many top judoka who start training in early childhood, Marek’s judo journey only began in September 2021. “I even remember the exact day: 27th of September. It was love at first sight.” Initially training in a small club, Marek found his stride after switching to Judo Academia under coach Vladimir Stefan. “After I moved to this club, my judo just skyrocketed. I found a new level, a competitive level—and I absolutely fell in love with the process.”
Before judo, Marek tried a bit of everything—from football and basketball to sailing—but nothing quite fit. It was a conversation with his uncle that set him on the path to the tatami. “He suggested I try sambo, but in Estonia, that wasn’t really an option. So, I asked him about judo. He said, ‘Yes, go try.’ And it turned out to be the best decision of my life.”
With his explosive rise in the sport, Marek already has an impressive medal collection. But among all the achievements, the 2024 Cadet European title holds a special place in his heart. “That was my main goal for the year. We prepared the whole season for it, and I knew I had the chance to win. It was close to my heart.”
His World silver medal came with mixed emotions. Despite battling through food poisoning shortly before the event, Marek powered through to the final. “My preparation was good, but my body wasn’t 100%. Still, I take only positives from it. It was a good experience, and I try to learn from every match.”
Winning the Tallinn European Open in front of friends and family was a highlight of the year and one he’ll never forget. “The emotions were different. You hear the crowd going crazy, you feel the support. It gave me strength. I tried not to see it as pressure—just more people cheering for me.”
A driving force behind Marek’s success is his family—especially his mother. “She’s everything—my biggest supporter, my doctor, my cook, my manager. After a loss, when I’m down, she reminds me of my goals and tells me: ‘Just keep training. You will be champion.’ That means everything.”
Despite still being a junior, Marek has already dipped his toes into the senior circuit, with success. A 5th place at the Tashkent Grand Slam is no small feat. “It’s different, of course—big arena, experienced opponents—but I go match by match. I step on the tatami and give everything. If needed, I will die there.”
When asked about his mindset for junior vs. senior events, Marek shows maturity beyond his years. “Competition is competition. Doesn’t matter if it’s a local cup or a Grand Slam. Same mindset: go out there, do your best, and listen to your coach.”
As for role models, Marek draws inspiration from Estonian Olympic medalist Aleksei Budõlin and French legend Teddy Riner. “Budõlin is very humble and always treats you as an equal. I really respect that. And Teddy Riner—his style is powerful, dynamic, explosive. I like to take inspiration from him, but I also add my own style.”
When he’s not training, Marek enjoys Estonia’s natural beauty, especially in the summer. “I live near the sea, so I go swimming, biking, or just walk around. It helps me reset.” He also enjoys working on old cars with his family.
Next up: Junior European Championships and Junior World Championships
“We’re now doing our homework—looking at what to improve, adding more cardio. And then, likely, the Valencia training camp before Bratislava. After that, back to Lima. I loved it there last year—it was actually cold, which was perfect for us Nordics!”
Marek’s approach to judo is grounded in a relentless mindset. “My coach always told me: it doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the mat. Just go and fight. You can die there on the mat, but give it everything. And my family says: remember your dream. You’ve come this far—no turning back.”
With his unstoppable drive, mature mindset, and trust in the journey, Marek Mäsak is a true force on the tatami. We’re proud to have him in TEAM IPPONGEAR – and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes him next!
