The quest to become the new Grand Winners intensifies after the two first Karate 1 Premier League events of the year. Now that the season of 2024 Karate 1-Premier League reaches its halfway point, let's delve into the current standings across all the categories. Learn who is closer to be the “Best of the Best” of the year.

Female Kata: Lau and Ono Tied for the Lead

Mo Sheung Grace Lau of Hong Kong and Maho Ono of Japan emerge as the frontrunners in the Female Kata category, both boasting an impressive tally of 1560 points. Their mastery and precision have captivated audiences, as both athletes have each earned gold at the two events of the season. Saeko Azuma of Japan closely trails behind at only 60 points.

Female Kumite -50kg: Grand Winner Salazar Commands the category

Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela asserts her dominance in the Female Kumite -50kg division, holding the lead with victory in Paris and a silver in Antalya. Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan follows closely behind with 180 points, following her triumph in Antalya.

Female Kumite -55kg: Shima Sets the Pace

Airi Shima of Japan takes command in the Female Kumite -55kg category, after winning in Antalya. Louiza Abouriche of Algeria emerges as the main contender, securing second place with 120 points.

Female Kumite -61kg: Golshadnezhad and Chajai Share the Lead

Atousa Golshadnezhad of Iran and Fatima-Zahra Chajai of Morocco share the lead in the Female Kumite -61kg division, as the two athletes have shared the gold medals at the two events. Maryam Ajaray of Belgium trails behind in third place at 240 points.

Female Kumite -68kg: Quirici Claims the Lead

Elena Quirici of Switzerland asserts her dominance in the Female Kumite -68kg category, aiming to keep the Grand Winner award she currently owns. Mobina Heydariozomcheloei of Iran follows behind at 240 points.

Female Kumite +68kg: Torres Leads the Charge

After reaching the podium at the two events of the season, Maria Torres of Spain takes the lead in the Female Kumite +68kg division. Rochelle Walters of England who won silver in Paris follows suit in second place.

Male Kata: Nishiyama Sets the Standard

Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan leads the Male Kata category, and after winning the crown at the two events of the year acts as the frontrunner to remain as the Grand Winner of the division. Ariel Torres of the United States follows closely behind, as he aims to challenge Nishiyama's supremacy.

Male Kumite -60kg: Samdan takes lead

Turkiye’s Eray Samdan heads the Male Kumite -60kg category after making it to the podium of the two events. The former Grand Winner aims to recover the title and has Abdullah Shaaban of Kuwait is second as the main contender at 300 points.

Male Kumite -67kg: Said Oubaya dominates

The division of Male Kumite -67kg is clearly dominated by Said Oubaya of Morocco who has prevailed at the two events of the season. The finalist at the two events Luca Maresca of Italy trails behind in an anticipated duel for the domination of the category.

Male Kumite -75kg: Abdelaziz Abdalla on top

Olympian Abdelaziz Abdalla of Egypt is on top of the category of Male Kumite -75kg after winning gold at the two events. Omer Faruk Yurur of Turkiye is second at 780 points.

Male Kumite -84kg: Youssef Badawy shows strength

Defending World and continental champion Youssef Badawy of Egypt is the leader in Male Kumite -84kg. Konstantinos Mastrogiannis of Greece is second at 300 points.

Male Kumite +84kg: Taha Tarek Mahoud takes lead

After winning silver in Antalya and gold in Paris, Taha Tarek Mahmoud of Egypt heads the category of Male Kumite +84kg and hopes to take the Grand Winner award for the first time. Anes Bostandzic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is challenging the top position at 420 points.

As the Karate 1 Premier League progresses, the competition intensifies, promising exhilarating clashes and unforgettable moments on the journey towards crowning the Grand Winners. After the events in Paris and Antalya, the Karate 1-Premier League moves now to Cairo (Egypt) from April 19 to 21 and Casablanca (Morocco) from May 31 to June 02.