After successful events in Da Nang, Vietnam, and Poreč, Croatia, the tour now moves on to a country with a long-standing wrestling tradition, as the battle for ranking points and World Series glory continues to gain momentum.

Given Georgia's place in beach wrestling history, Batumi is a fitting destination for this landmark event. Since the launch of the Beach Wrestling World Series, Georgian athletes have consistently been among the sport's biggest stars and most successful competitors.

The World Series arrives in a nation whose sands have been graced by a golden generation of Georgian beach wrestlers. Olympic medallist Dato Marsagishvili was one of the standout performers in the inaugural season of the World Series, while Dato Piruzashvili and Davit Khutsishvili played a key role in establishing Georgia as one of the leading nations in beach wrestling. Four-time Beach Wrestling World Champion Levan Kelekhsashvili is one of the sport's most decorated athletes and continues to add to his remarkable legacy.

That tradition remains strong to this day. Mamuka Kordzaia has never finished a season outside the top three and has been on top of the podium three times since 2019. Iuza Tsertsvadze and Luka Chkhitunidze have also enjoyed major success on the World Series circuit in recent years, helping to ensure that Georgia remains one of the sport's dominant forces.

Several athletes are arriving in Batumi in outstanding form. Ukraine's Oleksii Boruta remains unbeaten, having secured gold medals at the men's 70 kg division events in Da Nang and Poreč. Georgia's Luka Chkhitunidze has mirrored that achievement in the 80 kg category, claiming back-to-back wins and establishing himself as a leading contender for this year's World Series title. Home fans will also have the chance to cheer on Kelekhsashvili, one of the biggest names in the field.

The heavyweight category promises to be another fascinating battle. Georgia's Mamuka Kordzaia and Ukraine's Vazha Daiauri have won gold medals at the first two events of the season, setting the stage for a potential rematch between two of the sport's most accomplished athletes.

The women's divisions have provided some of the most exciting action of the season so far. Ukraine’s Oksana Moskalova opened the campaign with consecutive gold medals in the 60 kg category, while fellow Ukrainian Olena Nikitinska arrives in Batumi full of confidence after claiming gold and the Top Technique award in the 70 kg category in Poreč. Reigning +70 kg champion Eliana Bommartio of the United States returned to the Series by taking gold in Poreč, and will be a contender this time around as well. 

Batumi is the latest iconic coastal destination to host the World Series, joining Da Nang and Poreč on the 2026 calendar. Located on Georgia's Black Sea coastline, the city combines a vibrant seaside atmosphere with a deep-rooted wrestling culture, providing the perfect backdrop for an elite beach wrestling competition.

With only two stops remaining after Batumi, every ranking point is becoming increasingly valuable. A strong result in Georgia could provide a decisive advantage heading into the final stages of the 2026 Beach Wrestling World Series season.

Competition begins on 20 June. Those unable to attend in person can follow the action across the official Beach Wrestling World Series social and digital media channels, including YouTube, the website, and Instagram for live updates, results, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the weekend.