Budapest, the historic capital of Hungary, is once again preparing to host one of the most prestigious events on the international sports calendar: the 2025 Judo World Championships. Scheduled to take place from June 13 to 20, this event marks the first major global judo competition following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and promises to attract the world’s top judokas.
The International Judo Federation, headquartered in Budapest, is the primary organizer of the event. Under the leadership of IJF President Marius Vizer, a Romanian-born Hungarian national, the federation has played a pivotal role in expanding the global reach of judo. Vizer has consistently emphasized the importance of hosting world-class judo events in Central Europe, and the return to Budapest is a strategic continuation of that vision.
On the national level, the Hungarian Judo Association is handling the operational aspects of the championships. The association is led by Dr. László Tóth, who also serves as President of the European Judo Union. His dual roles give him a unique position to bridge national and continental efforts, ensuring seamless cooperation and execution.
Mixed teams take the stage on final day
The Hungarian government is providing strong institutional support for the event. During the 2017 World Championships in Budapest, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony. Their presence underscored the political and diplomatic significance Hungary attaches to international judo. For the 2025 edition, similar high-level backing is expected to enhance the scale and visibility of the event.
Budapest’s selection as host is also a reflection of its modern infrastructure and proven track record. With high-quality sports venues, excellent public transport, and previous experience in hosting global judo events in 2017 and 2021, the city is well equipped to accommodate athletes, officials, media, and fans from all over the world.
In addition to the individual competitions, the final day will feature a mixed team event. This format was introduced by the IJF to encourage gender equity and highlight the collaborative nature of the sport. The team competition is expected to be a major highlight and draw large audiences both in the arena and online.
Beyond being a showcase of athletic excellence, the 2025 Judo World Championships in Budapest represent a successful partnership between international sport governance, national leadership, and civic institutions. The event not only elevates Hungary’s status in the world of sport but also serves as a reminder of how global competitions can unite diverse communities around a shared passion.
