It’s been a season of shakeups across the PWC racing world — new initiatives, shifting schedules, more question marks than answers some weeks. So there’s something almost grounding about watching one of the sport’s oldest institutions do exactly what it’s always done: show up, right on time, with a plan.
IJSBA has officially begun the rollout for the 2026 Short Block Technologies World Finals, set for October 3-11 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona — and the 45th installment of the sport’s original flagship competition is shaping up to be a big one. Every single World Finals in the event’s history has been held in Lake Havasu City, a streak IJSBA is clearly proud to keep going. This year’s Finals also double as the second stop of the WGP#1 Series, with IJSBA hinting that a few more surprises are still to come as the event draws closer.
For anyone new to the World Finals, it’s the culmination of a full year of competition — riders who’ve spent the season racing at international events all season long to qualify for a shot at the sport’s top title. Expect the latest PWC hitting speeds upwards of 80 mph across stand up and runabout divisions, plus the always-electric freestyle segment, where competitors pull off some of the most gravity-defying tricks in any motorsport. The event also makes room for juniors, women’s divisions, and the vintage class riders who keep the sport’s roots alive.
The staples around the racing are all confirmed and returning too — the PWC Fest, the Poker Run, a full-grounds trade show, a PWC owners convention, and the always-popular Saturday Night Under the Bridge freestyle show.
The headline for this early release, though, is the tentative contingent schedule — and the “contingent” part is doing real work here. Last year’s Finals stretched across seven full days of racing. This year, IJSBA is planning for six, but they’re candid that it could shrink by a day or two depending on how things shake out closer to the event. Between a surge in travel visa support applications (more processed for 2026 already than 2024 and 2025 combined) and the broader strain of a tightening global economy and international travel restrictions, IJSBA is building in flexibility rather than locking in a schedule they might have to break later. They’re also leaving the door open on running Novice, Amateur, and Expert classes as three equally scored motos that close once full, though that’s not the current plan.
What is locked in: opening registration, check-in, the Young Guns program, the Poker Run, and Saturday Night Under the Bridge all have fixed dates that won’t move regardless of how the rest of the week shifts.
Riders and fans with questions on the schedule can reach IJSBA directly at [email protected] or by calling +1-714-751-8695, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific. Full press releases, including the complete day-by-day breakdown, below.
IJSBA is pleased to begin the roll out for the 2026 Short Block Technologies World Finals. This World Finals is also the second stop of the WGP#1 Series and, shortly, we expect to maybe have a few more surprises that compliment the event. This is the 45th installment of the original flagship Personal Watercraft competition and gathering. The PWC Fest, Poker Run, Trade Show, and the Saturday Night Under The Bridge Freestyle Show are all returning. Today we give a heads up of our tentative contingent schedule.
So, what does it mean to have a contingent schedule? Last year, we made the days easy by spreading the event over seven full days of racing. IJSBA has processed more travel visa support applications for 2026 than in 2024 and 2025 combined. We also face the reality of a tightening global economy and travel restrictions due to international strife. We are going to plan on a full six days of racing this year but this could get reduced by a day or two depending on what cards are dealt to us as the event gets closer. We are leaving open the possibility that we may run all Novice, Amateur, and Expert classes as three equally scored motos and close each class once they become full. That is not the plan for now but it may be a possibility. The opening registration, check in, and Young Guns program, Poker Run, and Saturday Night Under The Bridge Show are fixed dates and will not change. Please review the tentative schedule and send any questions or comments you may have to [email protected].
September 29:
Limited availability for forklift use for international competitors with shipping containers.
Friday, October 2:
VIP Check In and Pit Placement
Saturday, October 3:
Check in and registration begins. Pit placement opens
Technical Inspection Begins
Rider Participation Track Calibration
Sunday, October 4:
IJSBA Young Guns Program
Check in and registration continues
Monday, October 5:
Practice Begins
Tuesday, October 6:
Racing Begins for Novice, Amateur, and additional categories.
Wednesday, October 7:
Racing for Amateur, Expert, and additional categories. Possible Junior start date.
Thursday, October 8:
Morning Moto 1 of Amateur Endurance
Racing for Expert, Pro Am, and additional categories. Junior Racing.
Friday, October 9:
PWC Fest begins: Poker Run sign In, Fishing sign in, Poker Run Day 1
Morning Moto 2 of Amateur Endurance
Racing For Expert, Pro Am, Junior, and additional categories.
Amateur Freestyle
Awards for all completed classes
Saturday, October 10:
Poker Run completes and drawing
Morning Moto 1 Pro Am Endurance
Racing for Pro Am, Pro, Vintage, Junior and additional categories.
Pro Freestyle
Saturday Night Under The Bridge
Sunday, October 11:
Morning Moto 1 Pro Am Endurance
Racing for Pro Am, Pro, Vintage, Junior and additional categories.
Pro Freestyle
Awards
2026 World Finals And Watercraft Trade Show October 3-11, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
IJSBA is pleased to release the working logo for the 2026 Short Block Technologies World Finals which takes place this October 3-11 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This year’s World Finals marks the 45th consecutive year of the event and all installments have been in Lake Havasu City!!! This 2026 World Finals will also be the second stop of the 2026 WGP#1 World Finals. Stay tuned for more details coming more frequently.
The IJSBA World Finals is an on the water competition of numerous divisions of Personal Watercraft. Competitors have spent the year honing their skills at various international events to become eligible to earn the top title of the year. The latest Personal Watercraft will travel at speeds upwards of 80 MPH in premiere competitions for both Stand Up and Sit Down style watercraft. The competition program also includes the popular Freestyle segment where gravity defying tricks are done with some of the greatest athleticism seen in any motorsport. Rounding out the event are divisions for kids, women, and persons who celebrate the nostalgia of the sport by competing on vintage watercraft.
The event features a full grounds trade show for all things Personal Watercraft, a PWC owners convention..
Questions regarding the event should be directed to the International Jet Sports Boating Association by emailing [email protected] or by calling +1-714-751-8695 on Monday through Thursday’s from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time.
