What Is 2013 World Taekwondo Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 World Taekwondo Grand Prix was the inaugural season of a new elite competition series launched by World Taekwondo, featuring the top 16 ranked athletes in each Olympic weight category. It consisted of three events held in Manchester, UK (December 13–15), Moscow, Russia (November 22–24), and Zagreb, Croatia (October 4–6), with prize money totaling $200,000 across all events.

Key Facts

The 2013 World Taekwondo Grand Prix launched as the first edition of the annual elite series.
Three events were held in Zagreb, Moscow, and Manchester in 2013.
Each event featured the top 16 athletes in four Olympic weight classes.
Total prize money across all events was $200,000.
Manchester hosted the final and most prestigious event in December 2013.

Overview

The 2013 World Taekwondo Grand Prix marked the debut of a groundbreaking competition series designed to showcase the world's best taekwondo athletes in a high-profile, season-long format. Organized by World Taekwondo (then WTF), it aimed to increase the sport's global visibility and provide consistent elite-level competition outside the Olympics and World Championships.

Featuring the top 16 athletes in each of the four Olympic weight classes—men's and women's -58kg, -68kg, -80kg, and +80kg—the series awarded ranking points and prize money. The events were strategically scheduled in late 2013 to build momentum ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

First Event: The opening round took place in Zagreb, Croatia, from October 4–6, 2013, setting the tone for the new series with full participation from top-ranked athletes.
Second Event: The second leg was hosted in Moscow, Russia, from November 22–24, 2013, drawing record crowds and strong European representation.
Final Event: The season concluded in Manchester, UK, from December 13–15, 2013, where final rankings and prize money were determined.
Qualification: Athletes qualified based on World Taekwondo rankings, with only the top 16 in each weight class invited to compete.
Prize Pool: A total of $200,000 in prize money was distributed across all events, with $10,000 for each weight class winner at each Grand Prix stop.

How It Works

The Grand Prix format was designed to mirror other elite international sports circuits, emphasizing consistency and peak performance. Athletes earned points at each event, contributing to an overall series ranking and Olympic qualification pathways.

Invitation-Only: Participation was limited to the top 16 athletes per weight class based on World Taekwondo rankings, ensuring elite-level matchups.
Weight Classes: The competition featured four Olympic weight divisions for both men and women, aligning with Olympic standards.
Scoring System: Matches followed standard 12-point scoring per round with electronic scoring systems (PSS) used for accuracy.
Tournament Format: A single-elimination bracket with repechage for semifinalists ensured fair medal distribution.
Ranking Points: Results contributed to World Taekwondo Olympic rankings, influencing Rio 2016 qualification.
Prize Money: Each event awarded $10,000 to gold medalists, $5,000 to silver, and $2,500 to bronze winners.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the three 2013 Grand Prix events by location, date, participants, and prize structure.

Event	Location	Dates	Weight Classes	Prize per Gold
Grand Prix 1	Zagreb, Croatia	October 4–6, 2013	4 (2 men, 2 women)	$10,000
Grand Prix 2	Moscow, Russia	November 22–24, 2013	4 (2 men, 2 women)	$10,000
Grand Prix Final	Manchester, UK	December 13–15, 2013	4 (2 men, 2 women)	$10,000
Total Events	3 cities	Oct–Dec 2013	12 total events	$200,000 total
Athletes	~192 competitors	16 per weight class	8 total divisions	Equal prize distribution

The Grand Prix series distinguished itself by offering consistent high-stakes competition, unlike the quadrennial Olympics or biennial World Championships. Its compact schedule and invitation-only format raised the competitive intensity and media appeal, setting a precedent for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Grand Prix was a pivotal moment in taekwondo’s evolution into a modern, professional sport. By introducing a global circuit with financial incentives, World Taekwondo elevated athlete engagement and fan interest.

Olympic Preparation: The series provided critical competitive experience ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics, helping athletes refine strategies.
Global Reach: Hosting events across three continents increased the sport’s international profile and broadcast visibility.
Athlete Incentives:$200,000 in prize money offered financial support to elite competitors, rare in Olympic combat sports.
Standardization: The use of electronic scoring systems ensured consistency and fairness across all events.
Media Growth: Events were broadcast globally, with increased digital coverage and social media engagement.
Legacy: The 2013 series laid the foundation for annual Grand Prix events that continue to this day.

The inaugural 2013 World Taekwondo Grand Prix successfully bridged the gap between traditional championships and a modern sports league, marking a new era for the sport.