The K-1 WORLD GP 2002 開幕戦 (Opening Tournament) takes place on February 24, 2002, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. This kickboxing event features an eight-man Heavyweight Grand Prix to kick off the 2002 season, with fighters including Peter Aerts vs. Sergei Gur, Ernesto Hoost vs. Tsuyoshi Nakasako, Mark Hunt vs. Adam Watt, and Stefan Leko vs. Jorgen Kruth. The tournament progresses through quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final to determine the opening round winner, with Peter Aerts emerging victorious over Ernesto Hoost by decision. Additional superfights include Mike Bernardo vs. Alexei Ignashov and a K-1 vs. Muay Thai bout with Kaoklai Kaennorsing. It’s the explosive start to K-1’s 2002 World Grand Prix journey, drawing 19,500 fans.
