The German city has hosted a Grand Prix since 2010 with its annual competition upgraded to Grand Slam status this year.

Sixty-five nations will be represented with 446 judoka registered to competed in all.

It follows on from the Tunis Grand Prix and Paris Grand Slam events which have opened the judo season.

Olympic and world medallists are among the entries with stern competition almost a certainty across the divisions.

In men's action, Japan's Rio 2016 Olympic champion Mashu Baker is making his long awaited return at under-90 kilograms.

He has not competed since his triumph in Brazil so his form will be interesting to observe in Düsseldorf.

Another reigning Olympic champion from Japan will also grace German tatami with Shohei Ono in action at under-73kg.

Other male judoka to watch include Olympic and world silver medallist Rustam Orujov of Azerbaijan, also at under-73kg.

Olympic silver medallist Hisayoshi Harasawa will compete at over-100kg for the first time since his surprise defeat in round two of the World Championships in September.

In women's action, Olympic gold medallist Tina Trstenjak headlines the under-63kg class while Japan's world champion Ai Shishime battles in the under-52kg division.

Triple world champion and double Olympic medallist Yuri Alvear of Colombia is the main threat at under-70kg, while Brazilian world gold medallist Mayra Aguiar will start her season at under-78kg.

At over-78kg, openweight world champion Sarah Asahina will look to continue her fine form which has seen her win five of her last six events.

The Grand Slam will last until Sunday (February 25). 

To watch the latest action on Judo TV, click here.