The 2026 UIM Aquabike European Continental Championship returns to Győr, Hungary this weekend, bringing together many of Europe’s top personal watercraft racers for another pivotal round of championship competition. But as the sport continues to evolve, the event represents far more than racing alone.
More than 120 provisional entries are expected as competitors from across Europe and beyond descend on the Hungarian city. Alongside another full schedule of Ski, Runabout and Freestyle competition, organizers have continued building the event into a celebration of the sport itself, blending world-class racing with activities designed to bring fans, families and the local community together throughout the weekend.
One of the highlights off the race course will be Győr’s Lantern Boat Parade, part of a growing trend in personal watercraft racing to transform race weekends into destination events. From vendor displays and entertainment to community activities surrounding the waterfront, promoters on both sides of the Atlantic are recognizing that attracting spectators means offering more than just competition on the water. It’s a philosophy that’s becoming increasingly common throughout the sport, and one that has helped elevate major Aquabike events into weekend festivals rather than single-day races.
Just as important is the UIM’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of racers. Running alongside the European Championship is the UIM Aquabike Junior World Championship, where young competitors gain valuable international experience while competing against the sport’s best emerging talent. The championship reflects a broader investment by the Union Internationale Motonautique in youth development through its Youth Development Programme, instructor training initiatives, introductory riding courses and expanded junior competition, all designed to create a clear pathway from first-time riders to international championship competition.
As professional riders battle for valuable championship points this weekend, the future of the sport will be sharing the same course. That combination of elite competition, community celebration and youth development has become a defining characteristic of modern UIM Aquabike events—and one of the reasons international personal watercraft racing continues to grow.
See below for the full official press release from the UIM.
Tuesday July 14th – Final preparations are underway in Gyor, Hungary, as the town prepares to host the second installment of the 2026 UIM Aquabike European Continental Championship and standalone Junior World Championship race. Following the success of the opening round in Mira, with its record-breaking number of riders, well over one hundred of the sport’s most competitive athletes are set to battle it out in this forthcoming weekend of racing.
As in previous years, all racing action will take place off Zámoly Beach at an old quarry lake in Gyorzamoly, near Gyor, except for Freestyle. The location for the weekend’s Freestyle races will this year be held in the Rába Twin Bridge area, on the River Rába, between the historic castle wall and Radó Island. This means the Freestyle riders will execute their spectacular routines of flips and tricks in front of the fittingly spectacular background of the historic castle wall, the River Rába, and Radó Island.
To celebrate the Championship’s return to Gyor, local partners have organised the Lantern Boat Parade to take place shortly after the Freestyle event, which will illuminate the downtown river section with magical lights and create a serene, enchanting atmosphere as the Hungarian sun sets and day gives way to night over the riverfront.
Alongside the racing and Lantern Boat Parade, the town of Gyor itself will be buzzing with life throughout the weekend, especially in the evenings for race competitors and attendees to enjoy. The Fröccsnapok (Wine Spritzer Festival), the city’s restaurants and cafés, and the concerts held in Gyor’s Dunakapu Square will all contribute to a vibrant festival atmosphere for the Grand Prix of Hungary.
Registrations for the race close on Thursday, July 16 at 6pm local time, with the first racing action taking place the following day, kicking off an intense racing schedule from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19.
