Peru has cemented its place in judo history by hosting its first-ever event on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Judo Tour.
The Lima Grand Prix 2025, held from 11 to 13 October 2025 at Coliseo Eduardo Dibós, attracted global attention and marks a transformational moment for Peruvian martial arts.
The competition drew 284 judoka from 48 countries across five continents, making it a truly global affair.
The Significance of the Debut
This debut is not simply symbolic. It is a strategic leap forward for Peru’s judo program, showcasing that the country can deliver world-class sporting events.
The IJF formally recognized the Lima Grand Prix as a historic debut, acknowledging the quality of organization, the depth of competition, and the vibrant crowd support.
Hosting a World Tour event enhances Peru’s visibility on the international sports scene and gives local athletes a rare home-soil opportunity to compete at elite levels.
Moreover, the Lima Grand Prix followed immediately after the World Junior Championships held in the same city—creating a back-to-back festival of judo excellence.
This scheduling gives Peru a sustained presence in the judo calendar and helps build momentum for the sport regionally.
Event in Numbers
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Lima Grand Prix 2025 |
| Dates | 11–13 October 2025 |
| Venue | Coliseo Eduardo Dibós, Lima |
| Athletes | 284 (165 men, 119 women) |
| Countries | 48 |
| Continents Represented | 5 |
| Total Prize Money | €98,000 |
| Tour Sequence | Follows Lima World Juniors; next stop Guadalajara (17–19 October) |
| Significance | Peru’s first World Judo Tour event |
Competition Highlights
From the opening matches, the Lima Grand Prix delivered high drama and stiff competition.
In the lighter weight divisions, where many athletes jostle for ranking points, several underdogs challenged favorites and produced upsets that reshaped the draw.
National teams used Lima as a strategic platform to gain momentum heading into the rest of the tour.
The event also highlighted Peru’s capability as a host: the crowd energy was tangible, the logistics ran smoothly, and the competition schedule adhered to international standards.
These factors contributed to strong feedback from athletes, coaches, and judo officials about how professionally the event was run.
Regional and Global Impact
By bringing a major judo event to Lima, Peru increases accessibility for Latin American athletes who otherwise face high travel costs to compete abroad.
This regional boost helps strengthen the judo ecosystem in South America, encouraging more participation, better training, and international exposure.
Financially, the event stimulated tourism, activated sporting venues, and created media exposure across judo broadcasters globally.
For Peru, such exposure signals its readiness for future events across martial arts or other Olympic sports disciplines.
What Lies Ahead
The Lima Grand Prix concludes on 13 October 2025, but the momentum does not stop there. The World Judo Tour moves next to Guadalajara, Mexico, from 17-19 October 2025.
This Americas swing helps sustain regional interest in judo and gives athletes another opportunity to compete close to home.
For Peru, the successful debut opens doors for future hosting bids and cements Lima’s reputation as a capable judo city.
Peru’s entry onto the World Judo Tour stage with the Lima Grand Prix 2025 is more than a single event—it’s a milestone for the nation’s sporting trajectory.
With 284 athletes from 48 nations, €98,000 in prize money, and glowing reviews of the event’s organization, Peru has proven it can host at the highest level.
This historic debut not only elevates local athletes but also strengthens the judo network in Latin America and positions Lima as a serious host for future global competitions.
