The inaugural event in the Russian city was part of the sport's 80th anniversary celebrations and saw challengers for the title compete in the men's heavyweight category - over-100 kilograms.

Sixteen athletes from 13 countries took part - Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Germany, Serbia, The Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Lithuania, Moldova and Greece.

An Opening Ceremony was held where a welcoming address from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Honorary President of the International Sambo Federation, was read out by presenters.

Kazusionok, already a three-time world champion and four-time European champion, battled his way to the final and defeated Russia's Dmitry Eliseev via a 4-1 scoreline.

Belarus also won bronze as Yuri Rybak defeated Georgia's Beki Berdzenishvili with a submission lock.

Moldova's Denis Tahi was the second bronze medallist, defeating Serbia's Vladimir Gayich via superiority.

A second edition of the Absolute Cup is now planned for Brest in Belarus next year.