American Burroughs, who won gold at London 2012 in the men's 74kg class, began the year as world number one and following his second World Championship win in Budapest last September, he ended 2013 in top spot once again.

Another man to make a big impression in Budapest was defending world champion in the 96kg category Reza Yazdani of Iran, who returned to action following an injured knee at London 2012.

Yazdani defeated 2010 world champion and London 2012 bronze medallist Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan in the World Championship final to finish the year as number one.

Another Iranian, Hassan Rahimi also topped the end-of-year rankings in the 55kg class after he secured the world title at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena, while in the 60kg category Russia's Bekhan Goygereev was the dominant force after a Russian national title, Universiade win at Kazan 2013 followed by a World Championship crown.

European champion Devid Safaryan of Armenia added the world title to his collection to finish top of the 66kg rankings, while a win over 2010 World Championship bronze medallist Reineris Salas of Cuba saw Ukrainian Ibrahim Aldatov secure his second world title and top the 84kg rankings.

The 120kg category sees Russia's Khadzhimurat Gatsalov end the year as world number one for the first time following his fifth World Championship win in Budapest.

On the women's side, Japan's Olympic champion Yoshida claimed her 11th world title helping her to finish as world number one in the 55kg category, while compatriot and fellow London 2012 gold medal winner Icho claimed her eighth World Championship win to end the year atop the 63kg rankings.

Japan's Saori Yoshida finished the year as world number one once again after picking up her 11th world title in Budapest ©AFP/Getty Images