Charlotte, USA (Jun 5, 2025) — The 2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge is set to take place from June 13 to 15 at the Charlotte Convention Center, bringing together a record number of elite athletes and rising stars from around the world.

 

This year’s Grand Prix Challenge marks a milestone as it opens its doors to all athletes regardless of their Olympic ranking status. Originally introduced in 2022, the Grand Prix Challenge was designed to give lower-ranked athletes a shot at high-level competition. With this expanded entry policy aligned to the new Olympic ranking cycle, every athlete has the chance to compete and showcase their talent on a global stage.

 

Each country may register up to 4 athletes per weight category, on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of 50 athletes will compete in each weight category. The top three finishers in each category will earn automatic qualification for the first leg of the Roma 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Series.

 

For the first time ever, the United States will host the Grand Prix Challenge, offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the upcoming LA 2028 Olympic Games.

 

The event will welcome 376 athletes from 44 countries, including a Refugee team and Individual Neutral Athletes(AIN).

 

Among the headline competitors are France’s Althea Laurin, gold medalist in W +67kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; Tunisia’s Firas Katousi, M -80kg Olympic champion; and Hungary’s Viviana Marton, who captured gold in the W -67kg and was named World Taekwondo Female Athlete of the Year in 2024.

 

The full list of registered athletes is available here.

 

All matches will be streamed live on the official World Taekwondo website and YouTube channel.