HAPPENING 17–25 October 2026 | Rotterdam will host the 54th edition of the FIG world artistic gymnastics championships in October 2026. The event marks the city's third time welcoming the international competition.
Rotterdam confirmed as host of 2026 world gymnastics championships
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has announced that Rotterdam will host the 54th FIG world artistic gymnastics championships from 17 to 25 October 2026. The announcement marks the return of the global competition to the city for the first time since 2010, and the third time overall after previous editions in 1987 and 2010.
Scheduled as part of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the 2026 edition is expected to feature around 500 gymnasts from more than 80 countries. Over nine days of competition, athletes will compete in both team and individual events in men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics.
Rotterdam Ahoy to serve as central venue
All competition and training sessions will take place at Rotterdam Ahoy. The venue, known for its multifunctional capacity and central location in the city, previously hosted the 2010 edition of the championships and more recently staged international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest. With a seating capacity of 15,000, the arena will accommodate both local fans and international spectators.
Leadership and local representation
Olympic horizontal-bar champion Epke Zonderland has been appointed Tournament Director. As a prominent figure in Dutch sport, his involvement adds a level of athlete-focused insight to the organising committee. The event is being coordinated by Dutch Gymnastics (KNGU), the City of Rotterdam, and Rotterdam Ahoy.
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb remarked, “Rotterdam 2026 will be a celebration of artistry, athleticism and our city’s maritime spirit. We look forward to welcoming the world once again.” Zonderland added that the organisers aim to inspire younger generations while ensuring a strong focus on the athlete experience.
Sustainability and education initiatives
The local organising committee is aligning the event with FIG’s environmental charter. Measures include carbon-neutral operations at Rotterdam Ahoy, incentives for spectators to use public transport, and a city-wide schools programme promoting physical activity and literacy in sport.
Overview of the event
The 2026 world artistic gymnastics championships will take place from 17 to 25 October. The event will feature men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics disciplines and will serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Rotterdam Ahoy will serve as the sole venue for all competition and training activities.
Getting to Rotterdam Ahoy
Rotterdam Ahoy is situated in the Charlois district in the southern part of the city. It is easily accessible by metro, with Zuidplein station located just next to the venue. The area is also home to shopping and dining facilities, making it a practical destination for both local and international visitors attending the championships.
_large.jpg)
.jpg)
