Riga gets the nod: Europe’s first standalone Ne-waza Championships set for 2026

Riga is stepping into the spotlight in 2026. The European Judo Union has confirmed that the Ne-waza European Judo Championships will be held in Latvia’s capital on 20 August. For athletes and fans who live for ground battles, this is a big signal: Ne-waza is getting its own dedicated stage in Europe.

Ne-waza Europeans: 20 August 2026, Riga.

The decision follows an unexpected change in the wider 2026 calendar. The French Judo Federation returned the organisation rights for the Veteran European Championships 2026, where the Ne-waza competition had originally been planned as part of the event. To protect the continuity of the championships, the EJU moved quickly to secure a new host and keep the competition intact.

The Veteran European Championships 2026 have since been relocated to Portimão, Portugal. However, the programme there will now focus on the individual competition only. That leaves Ne-waza to stand on its own in Riga—no longer an add-on, but a separate championship with a clear identity.

Latvian Judo Federation President Vsevolods Zelonijs welcomed the opportunity and thanked EJU President Dr. László Tóth and the EJU for the trust placed in Latvia. He pointed to the country’s recent record of organising EJU-level events, describing a steady push to raise standards and grow experience with each tournament.

A new chapter for ground-focused judo in Europe.

Riga’s event is set to bring together cadets, juniors, seniors, and veterans, putting multiple generations on the same mat. Zelonijs also stressed his belief that Ne-waza is a promising direction for the sport’s future, and said Latvia is committed to delivering top-level conditions for all participants.

Source: EJU_News