The World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge will take place in Wuxi, China, from 9 to 11 December 2026. The G2-ranked competition offers Olympic ranking points, USD 80,000 in total prize money and the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series. Athletes and coaches worldwide are invited to review the eligibility requirements ahead of the registration deadline on 23 November.
WUXI, CHINA | 26 OCTOBER 2026
International taekwondo will turn its attention to China this December as the World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge 2026 takes place from 9 to 11 December at the World Taekwondo (Wuxi) Center Stadium.
Promoted by World Taekwondo (WT) and organised in cooperation with the Chinese Taekwondo Association and the local Organising Committee, the competition will bring together international athletes across all eight Olympic weight categories.
Beyond medals and ranking points, the tournament represents a valuable opportunity for competitors seeking to progress towards the sport’s most selective international events.
The two major incentives are qualification opportunities for the 2027 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series and cash prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each division.
WHAT ARE THE GRAND SLAM SERIES, AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?
For athletes, coaches and national federations, understanding the Grand Slam system is essential when planning an international competition schedule.
The system involves two closely connected competitions, each serving a different purpose.
1. GRAND SLAM CHALLENGE: THE PATHWAY TO THE ELITE
The World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge provides an opportunity for athletes to compete for places in the more exclusive Grand Slam Champions Series.
The Wuxi 2026 edition holds G2 status, meaning athletes can also earn valuable points towards the official World Taekwondo Olympic Ranking.
Under the published competition outline, the gold and silver medallists in each weight category are eligible to receive places in the 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series.
However, an important restriction applies:
Only one qualification place per nationality may be awarded in each weight category.
If the gold and silver medallists represent the same country, the second qualification place will be allocated to the next highest-placed eligible athlete from another nationality.
This means that finishing outside the top two could still provide a route into the 2027 Champions Series, depending on the final results and qualification allocation.
2. GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS SERIES: WHERE THE WORLD’S BEST MEET
The World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series is an elite competition format designed to bring together some of the world’s most accomplished athletes.
According to World Taekwondo’s standing procedures, the competition features ten athletes per Olympic weight category.
Qualification is based on results achieved at selected major international events, including:
- World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series
- World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final
- World Taekwondo Championships
- World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge
The format brings together leading athletes who have already demonstrated their competitive abilities at major international championships.
Unlike conventional ranking events, the Champions Series also operates a separate Grand Slam Merit Points system.
These merit points are used to determine standings within the Grand Slam circuit and are distinct from the regular World Taekwondo Olympic Ranking points.
HOW DOES THE GRAND SLAM SYSTEM RELATE TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES?
One of the most important questions for athletes and coaches concerns the relationship between the Grand Slam circuit and Olympic qualification.
World Taekwondo’s Grand Slam standing procedures include provisions through which accumulated merit points may contribute towards the allocation of Olympic quota places to National Olympic Committees.
However, qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will depend on the official Olympic qualification system approved specifically for those Games.
Therefore, securing a place in the 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series does not automatically guarantee Olympic qualification.
The pathway can be understood as follows:
2026 GRAND SLAM CHALLENGE
Athletes compete for qualification places.
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2027 GRAND SLAM CHAMPIONS SERIES
Qualified athletes compete against elite international opponents and accumulate Grand Slam Merit Points.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDINGS AND POTENTIAL OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITIES
Any Olympic qualification opportunities remain subject to the official qualification system established by the International Olympic Committee and World Taekwondo.
For athletes and coaches, the message is clear: the Grand Slam Challenge can open the door to higher-level international competition, but it is not itself a direct Olympic qualification tournament.
WUXI 2026: USD 80,000 IN PRIZE MONEY
The World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge will offer financial rewards across all eight Olympic weight categories.
OFFICIAL PRIZE STRUCTURE
🥇 GOLD MEDAL — USD 6,000
Gold medal, official certificate and eligibility for a place in the 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series, subject to qualification allocation rules.
🥈 SILVER MEDAL — USD 3,000
Silver medal, official certificate and eligibility for a place in the 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series, subject to qualification allocation rules.
🥉 BRONZE MEDAL — USD 1,000
Bronze medal, official certificate and cash prize.
With USD 10,000 available per division, the competition will distribute USD 80,000 in total prize money.
OLYMPIC RANKING POINTS
As a G2-ranked event, Wuxi 2026 will also award World Taekwondo Olympic Ranking points.
The official allocation is:
| Final position | Ranking points |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 20.00 |
| 2nd place | 12.00 |
| 3rd place | 7.20 |
| 4th place | 4.32 |
| 5th place | 3.02 |
| 9th place | 2.12 |
| 17th place | 1.48 |
These points will count towards the athletes’ WT Olympic Ranking, subject to the applicable annual points cap for 2026.
EIGHT OLYMPIC WEIGHT CATEGORIES
The competition will feature the eight official Olympic divisions.
MEN
- Under 58 kg
- Under 68 kg
- Under 80 kg
- Over 80 kg
WOMEN
- Under 49 kg
- Under 57 kg
- Under 67 kg
- Over 67 kg
All matches will follow the best-of-three rounds system, with single-elimination brackets.
A separate bronze medal contest will determine third place in each division.
The championship will be contested across four competition courts.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The official invitation establishes several mandatory requirements.
Athletes must:
- Meet the age requirement: Competitors must be at least 17 years old during 2026. Athletes born in 2009 or earlier are eligible.
- Hold Kukkiwon certification: A valid Poom or Dan certificate is required. Athletes awaiting certification may submit the relevant application and payment documentation, subject to the conditions stated in the official outline.
- Hold an approved WT Global Athlete Licence (GAL).
- Meet World Taekwondo nationality requirements for the team they represent.
- Complete registration through the official World Taekwondo Global Membership System (GMS).
IMPORTANT: PARTICIPATION LIMITS
The competition outline establishes a maximum of 100 athletes per nationality.
Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the order in which entries are submitted through WT GMS.
Although there is no fixed maximum number of athletes per weight category, World Taekwondo may close registration earlier than scheduled depending on the number of entries received.
Athletes and national federations are therefore encouraged to complete their registration as early as possible.
REGISTRATION DATES AND ENTRY FEES
REGULAR REGISTRATION
Opening: 26 October 2026 at 17:01, Swiss local time.
Deadline: 23 November 2026 at 17:00, Swiss local time.
Entry fee: USD 100 per athlete.
LATE REGISTRATION — SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Proposed period: 23–30 November 2026.
Entry fee: USD 150 per athlete.
World Taekwondo and the Organising Committee will decide whether to activate a late registration period after the regular deadline.
Athletes and coaches should not assume that late registration will be available.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION PLATFORM
worldtkd.simplycompete.com
Registration must be completed through the official WT system by the relevant national federation representatives.
Entry fees must be paid in cash, in US dollars, at the WT Registration Centre in Wuxi, before the Head of Team Meeting.
Athletes who have not completed payment will not be permitted to compete.
Participating national associations, athletes and coaches are responsible for their own international travel, accommodation and meal expenses.
ATTENTION COACHES: WT LEVEL II CERTIFICATION IS COMPULSORY
World Taekwondo has established a specific coaching requirement for Wuxi 2026.
Every coach must hold a valid WT Coach Certificate Level II.
Coaches without this qualification will be removed from the registration list and will not be authorised to coach during the championship.
Another important requirement concerns dress standards.
From the semi-finals onwards, coaches must wear formal attire, including appropriate jackets, shirts, trousers and other clothing specified by World Taekwondo.
Coaches who fail to comply will not be permitted to coach during those matches.
National federations should verify their coaching staff’s certification before submitting team entries.
OFFICIAL COMPETITION SCHEDULE
The championship will take place over three competition days, with preliminary activities scheduled beforehand.
8 DECEMBER — TECHNICAL PREPARATIONS
- General weigh-in for the first competition categories.
- Head of Team Meeting.
- Team Doctors Meeting.
- International referee training.
9 DECEMBER — FIRST COMPETITION DAY
Women
-57 kg
-67 kg
Men
-58 kg
The programme includes preliminary rounds, quarter-finals, semi-finals, bronze medal contests, finals and medal ceremonies.
10 DECEMBER — SECOND COMPETITION DAY
Women
+67 kg
Men
-80 kg
+80 kg
All categories will conclude with medal contests and award ceremonies.
11 DECEMBER — FINAL COMPETITION DAY
Women
-49 kg
Men
-68 kg
The final day will determine the remaining Grand Slam Challenge champions and qualification places for the 2027 Champions Series.
All competition schedules remain subject to changes announced by the Organising Committee.
ELECTRONIC SCORING, VIDEO REVIEW AND INTERNATIONAL REFEREES
The Wuxi Grand Slam Challenge will use the WAYCHAMP Protector and Scoring System (PSS), including electronic head protectors.
Athletes must wear WT-recognised competition uniforms and approved protective equipment.
The organisers will provide the electronic scoring protectors, while competitors must bring their required personal protective equipment.
The championship will also feature the Instant Video Replay (IVR) system.
World Taekwondo will appoint 35 international referees to officiate during the competition.
These measures are intended to ensure consistent application of the technical regulations throughout the event.
VISA REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
National federations and athletes requiring visas to enter China may request official invitation letters from the Organising Committee.
Deadline for invitation letter requests: 20 November 2026.
Requests should be sent to:
Applicants must provide the required passport documentation.
The Organising Committee can assist with invitation letters but cannot guarantee entry into China.
Athletes and national associations remain responsible for obtaining the appropriate visas and complying with Chinese immigration requirements.
Teams are advised to begin their travel arrangements well in advance.
A COMPETITION THAT OFFERS MORE THAN MEDALS
The World Taekwondo Grand Slam Challenge 2026 represents an important opportunity for athletes seeking to establish themselves within the sport’s international elite.
Its combination of Olympic Ranking points, USD 80,000 in prize money and qualification opportunities for the 2027 Grand Slam Champions Series makes Wuxi an attractive destination for ambitious competitors.
For athletes and coaches, understanding the distinction between the Grand Slam Challenge and the Grand Slam Champions Series is essential.
The Challenge provides the opportunity to qualify. The Champions Series brings together selected leading athletes within a more exclusive competitive structure.
With registration now open, national federations have an opportunity to assess their athletes’ eligibility, confirm coaching qualifications and plan their participation.
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