The opening day of the third edition of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2026 delivered intense matchups, spectacular knockouts, and dominant victories. On July 9 in Varna, 48 fighters from 21 countries stepped onto the tatami to launch the competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, excellent preparation, and true fighting spirit. The qualification bouts immediately proved that this year's edition is once again among the most competitive international tournaments for rising martial arts talents.
The tournament features six weight divisions: -70 kg, -75 kg, -80 kg, -85 kg, -90 kg, and +90 kg, bringing together competitors from Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Among the standout names in this year's competition are 2024 champion Pablo Molina (-90 kg) and 2025 champion Cristian Negru (+90 kg), both aiming to defend their titles. Two silver medalists from previous editions also advanced to the semifinals - Vukan Roganovic (-90 kg) and Vasil Dimitrov (+90 kg), determined to go one step further this year. 2024 bronze medalist Lucian Genunchi also secured his place among the semifinalists.
The semifinals and finals of the KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2026 will be held consecutively on July 10 at the sports hall in the Kamchia Resort Complex near Varna.
The semifinalists in the tournament are:
-70 kg: Manuel Menéndez (Japan), Aidyn Serik (Kazakhstan), Mirko Vasilev (North Macedonia), Mindia Mgeladze (Georgia)
-75 kg: Ilgiz Kanybekov (Kazakhstan), Nikodem Święs (Poland), Leon N’zinga (Slovenia), Husein Mamedov (Romania)
-80 kg: Serhii Zakhozhyi (Slovakia), Vlad Floricică (Romania), David Staicu (Romania), Adam Vácha (Czech Republic)
-85 kg: Davit Mskhaladze (Georgia), Temirlan Nagashybayev (Kazakhstan), Fabricio Molina (Argentina), Enco Gyupchanov (Bulgaria)
-90 kg: Vukan Roganovic (Serbia), Ovidiu Perju (Moldova), Salamat Khamit (Kazakhstan), Lucian Genunchi (Moldova)
90+ kg: Vasil Dimitrov (Bulgaria), Adrian Niculae (Romania), Cristian Negru (Moldova), Pablo Molina (Argentina)
The stakes remain exceptionally high. In addition to competing for the prestigious championship titles, the fighters are battling for substantial prize money - €1,000 for each quarterfinal winner, €1,500 for every semifinalist, and €2,000 for the champion in each weight division.
The KWU SENSHI World Cup for Amateurs 2026 continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier platform where the world's most promising fighters begin their journey toward the professional ring, combining elite-level competition, international rivalry, and unforgettable battles.
