The considered favourite leading in was Stefan "Blitz" Leko, who was on a five-fight K-1 win streak throughout 2003, and had beaten Peter Aerts, Mike Bernardo and Francisco Filho leading up to the World Grand Prix.
Stefan "Blitz" Leko was considered the leading candidate for the role; he achieved a five-fight win record in K-1 during 2003, defeating Peter Aerts, Mike Bernardo, and Francisco Filho before the World Grand Prix.