What Is 2014 World Taekwondo Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 World Taekwondo Grand Prix was a series of elite tournaments held in 2014 across four cities, featuring the world's top taekwondo athletes competing for ranking points and prize money totaling over $1 million.

Key Facts

The 2014 Grand Prix series included events in Manchester, UK; Suzhou, China; Acapulco, Mexico; and Querétaro, Mexico
A total of 128 athletes from 38 countries participated in the final Grand Prix Final in Querétaro
Prize money across the series exceeded $1 million, with individual event winners earning $20,000
Events were held from July to December 2014, culminating in the Grand Prix Final in December
The competition used the World Taekwondo Federation's electronic scoring system and Olympic-style rules

Overview

The 2014 World Taekwondo Grand Prix was a premier international competition series organized by World Taekwondo (WT), designed to showcase the best elite taekwondo athletes ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. It served as a crucial ranking platform, allowing athletes to earn points toward Olympic qualification while competing for substantial prize money and global recognition.

The Grand Prix series featured four major events across three continents, drawing top-ranked fighters from over 30 nations. Each tournament followed Olympic weight categories and scoring rules, ensuring consistency with the sport’s highest level of competition.

Manchester hosted the first leg from July 11–13, 2014, featuring 128 competitors across eight weight divisions and serving as a test event for future WT competitions.
Suzhou, China hosted the second event in September 2014, drawing record crowds and featuring a dominant performance by home athletes, who won three gold medals.
Acapulco, Mexico hosted the third event in November 2014, marking the first Grand Prix held in Latin America and expanding the sport’s global reach.
Querétaro, Mexico hosted the Grand Prix Final from December 12–14, 2014, where only the top 16 ranked athletes per weight class competed for the title and $20,000 prize.
Over $1 million in prize money was distributed across the series, with $20,000 awarded to each event champion and additional bonuses for undefeated performances.

How It Works

The 2014 Grand Prix series operated under a structured qualification and competition format, designed to reward consistency and elite performance throughout the year. Athletes earned entry based on world ranking points, with only the top performers advancing to the final event.

Qualification System: Athletes qualified based on WT World Ranking points earned in sanctioned events; only the top 32 per weight class could enter preliminary tournaments.
Event Structure: Each Grand Prix event followed a single-elimination format with repechage for semifinal losers, ensuring all medalists were determined through direct competition.
Scoring Technology: The K-Protector electronic scoring system was used, registering valid kicks and punches to the trunk and head with sensor-based accuracy and real-time display.
Weight Categories: Eight Olympic weight classes were used, including men’s and women’s divisions ranging from -49kg to +80kg.
Prize Distribution: Winners earned $20,000 per event, silver medalists $10,000, and bronze medalists $5,000, with additional travel stipends for lower-ranked participants.
Ranking Points: Points awarded at each event contributed to the Olympic qualification standings, making the Grand Prix a critical component of athlete preparation for Rio 2016.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the four 2014 Grand Prix events by location, date, number of athletes, prize money, and host nation medal count:

Location	Date	Athletes	Prize Money	Host Nation Medals
Manchester, UK	July 11–13, 2014	128	$250,000	2 (1 gold, 1 bronze)
Suzhou, China	September 5–7, 2014	128	$250,000	5 (3 gold, 2 silver)
Acapulco, Mexico	November 21–23, 2014	112	$250,000	3 (1 gold, 2 bronze)
Querétaro, Mexico	December 12–14, 2014	128	$300,000	4 (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
Total Series	July–December 2014	Over 400 entries	$1.05 million	Mexico: 7, China: 5, UK: 2

The Grand Prix Final in Querétaro offered the largest prize purse and featured only the season’s top performers, making it the most prestigious event of the series. Host nation Mexico achieved its best results here, capitalizing on home advantage and growing taekwondo infrastructure.

Why It Matters

The 2014 World Taekwondo Grand Prix played a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape leading into the 2016 Olympics. It elevated athlete visibility, standardized elite competition formats, and expanded taekwondo’s global footprint.

Boosted Olympic Preparation: Athletes used the series to test strategies and gauge performance against top rivals ahead of Rio 2016, making it a critical training and ranking tool.
Increased Prize Incentives: With over $1 million in total prizes, the Grand Prix provided financial support to professional taekwondo athletes, encouraging full-time training.
Expanded Global Reach: Hosting events in the UK, China, and Mexico demonstrated taekwondo’s growing international appeal and diversified participation.
Advanced Technology Use: The consistent use of electronic scoring enhanced fairness and transparency, reinforcing confidence in judging standards.
Strengthened National Programs: Countries like Mexico and China invested more in taekwondo after strong showings, leading to improved training and youth development.
Increased Media Coverage: The series attracted broadcasters from over 80 countries, significantly boosting the sport’s visibility and fan engagement.

Overall, the 2014 Grand Prix set a new benchmark for elite taekwondo competition, combining athletic excellence with strategic global expansion and modernized competition standards.