Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Miltiadis Tentoglou set the world-leading long jump this year with an 8.66m leap at the Greek Championships in July, marking his best distance in almost seven years. He holds the national record and aims to improve further, stating a bigger jump could happen this year.
His main rival for the men's long jump title at the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest is Tajay Gayle of Jamaica, who recently defeated Tentoglou in the Diamond League Final in Brussels and seeks to continue his strong form in Budapest. Gayle holds three world medals and two Diamond League titles, underscoring his international consistency.
The competition also includes Simon Ehammer of Switzerland, who recently set a Swiss record of 8.51m in a decathlon and finished second to Tentoglou at the European Championships. Other top contenders from the European Championships include Bozhidar Sarâboyukov, Gerson Baldé, and Luka Bošković, all of whom have medaled at world indoor competitions.
Tentoglou is a highly accomplished jumper, with the world title in Budapest in 2023, two Olympic gold medals, and two world indoor championships. Both Tentoglou and Gayle have highlighted their readiness for the strong field in Budapest, emphasizing focused preparation for this championship.