With 85 athletes on the sand and the largest-ever US delegation in attendance, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is the first time the World Series will crown its champions on African soil, and with quadruple ranking points on offer, every win and every loss matters more than ever.

Saturday’s opening round of group stage bouts did not disappoint. Some athletes cemented their status as favourites, while others saw their title hopes thrown into doubt. With one final group round to come before the all-important knockout eliminations on Sunday night, nothing is guaranteed.

In the women’s 50kg division, the absence of 2024 World Champion Ana Maria PIRVU (ROU) means we are guaranteed a new name at the top of the podium. Stefania PRICEPUTU (ROU), the 2021 and 2022 champion, looked every bit like the Princess of Power as she claimed a statement win over current category leader Alevtyna LIASHENKO from the Ukraine in their opening bout. The Romanian’s time away from the sand hasn’t dulled her explosive power.

Over in the 60kg division, defending champion Anastasiya KRAVCHENKO (UKR) opened her campaign with a strong performance as Ukraine chase their third all-Ukrainian podium of the season. With compatriots Sofiia KUSHNIR and Oksana MOSKALOVA also in the hunt, it’s still very possible.

The women’s 70kg is wide open and could see history made. Dimitra ANDROUTSOU (GRE), the current rankings leader and winner in Monterrey, is eyeing Greece’s first-ever title in this division. She began confidently in Alexandria and remains on course.

In the +70kg, Eliana BOMMARITO (USA) continues to chase a third consecutive World Series crown. The reigning two-time champion has looked comfortable so far, but Ukraine’s Iryna PASICHNYK (UKR), Liudmyla PAVLOVETS TYCHYNA (UKR) are all still in the running.

Among the men, drama struck early in the 70kg category. Defending champion Oleksii BORUTA (UKR) was beaten in his second bout, while Germany’s Valentin SEIMETZ (GER) also faltered. That leaves the door wide open for three-time World Champion Levan KELEKHSASHVILI (GEO), who impressed on Day 1. Quentin STICKER (FRA) remains in contention and will need a strong showing in Sunday’s final group round to stay alive.

Vasile DIACON (MDA) took care of business in the 80kg class, looking every bit like the man to beat as he aims to defend his 2024 title. With France’s Hugo CUENOT (FRA) injured and Greece’s Christos CHRISTOFORIDIS (GRE) holding strong ranking positions, the first sessions already delivered some fireworks.

In the 90kg division, all eyes are on Azerbaijan’s Ibrahim YUSUBOV, the three-time defending champion who is chasing an unprecedented fourth straight crown. He started with a win, and while Oleksii YAKOVCHUK (UKR) is within striking distance in the rankings, it’s going to take something special to stop the Azerbaijani ace.

And finally, in the +90kg division, a rematch for the ages could be brewing. Georgia’s Mamuka KORDZAIA and Fatih YASARLI from Turkey are once again circling each other at the top of the bracket. With Yasarli chasing a third title and Kordzaia looking to defend his 2024 crown, Sunday’s showdown could settle more than just rankings.

Following the last round of group matches in the morning, the elimination rounds, and medal matches will take place on Sunday night when the champions of this leg and the overall World Champions in all eight weight categories will be crowned. The kings and queens of the sand await their coronation in Alexandria.