Guram Tushishvili rules at Grand Prix Tbilisi

Georgian powerhouse Guram Tushishvili claimed his first Grand Prix gold medal in a breathtaking finale to the Tbilisi tournament.

World Judo Masters winner Tushishvili, 23, is the forerunner in a new crop of heavyweights who just tip over the 100kg mark on the scales and therefore are fast-paced, explosive and have incredible athleticism.

The Georgian star was the second lightest judoka in the heavyweight category today but was certainly the quickest and the most popular as he laid siege to the field with four ippons from four contests.

A claim can be made that the former U100kg fighter is the most exciting active judoka on the planet in 2018. On this evidence it would be hard to dispute that as he comes out with the mentality of throw or be thrown and is always in a hurry to get on and off the mat.

Tushishvili sets a fast pace that few heavyweight judoka can keep up with and now he has one more title that had previously proved elusive to him.

Many +100kg judoka can spring a surprise and show uncanny dexterity at times but Tushishvili, at 108.5kg, can boldly claim to be in a different league as he has all the tools and is still a young man with only 14 months of experience as a heavyweight on the IJF World Judo Tour.

His entertaining style and charisma has endeared him to the judo world and he is a young man with the world at his feet. Tushishvili has already offered the great Teddy Riner two stern tests which catapulted him into the spotlight. Since then he has won a World Judo Masters and now his home Grand Prix and he is only getting better.

Contest management is one area he will still look to work on as he remains exposed at times when he has the lead as he puts himself at risk when he shows no caution and attacks relentlessly. This will come with more experience but it’s also highly appealing to fans who appreciate his carefree mentality as he looks to outscore his opponent or win handsomely and rapidly.