~ The 19th Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships will see more than 350 of the world’s best Aerobic gymnasts step out in Pamplona’s Navarra Arena from 11–13 September to vie for eight World titles in a three-day competition bonanza.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 10.09.2026) :: The 19th Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships will see more than 350 of the world’s best Aerobic gymnasts step out in Pamplona’s Navarra Arena from 11–13 September to vie for eight World titles in a three-day competition bonanza.
On the line are best-in-the-world honours in the Individual Men’s and Women’s categories and five events where gymnasts partner with one or more teammates: Mixed Pair, Trio, Group, Aerobic Dance, and Aerobic Step. A team competition rounds out the event.
A gathering held every two years, the Pamplona Worlds will be the most illustrious congregation of Aerobics stars since the last World Championships in Pesaro (ITA) in 2024 — and the Gymnastics world is buzzing in anticipation.
“Every two years the Aerobics world gathers to crown new world champions and mark the growth and progress of this exceptional gymnastics discipline,” said World Gymnastics President Morinari Watanabe. “This year we expect competition in all categories to be more competitive than ever. The gymnasts never fail to surprise and delight us with their creativity and passion, and we cannot wait to discover what this World Championships has in store.”
Spanish homecoming for a beloved Gymnastics discipline
Spanish Aerobic gymnasts have captivated on World Championships stages since the inception of the championships in 1995, but they have never been able to do it at home — until now.
"It is a true honour for the Spanish Gymnastics Federation and for Spain to host a World Championships of such international significance,” said Local Organising Committee President Jesus Carballo. “It represents a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Gymnastics, to showcase the organisational capacity we have developed and strengthened over the years, and to share the passion that drives us to continue promoting and developing our sport across all its disciplines.”
Who to watch in Pamplona
The first Aerobics Worlds in Spain provides a unique moment for reigning men’s World champion Miquel Mañé (ESP), who lives near Barcelona and is seeking his third World title in five years. Since striking gold in his 2021 debut, Mané has finished no lower than second in the men’s competition, making him one of the most dominant Aerobic gymnasts ever at just 22 years old.
The retirements of Japanese legends Kitazume Riri and Saito Mizuki guarantee that at least two titles will be won by someone different. There is no shortage of candidates, including 2022 women’s World champion Anastasiia Kurashvili (UKR) and 2024 World bronze medallist Maelys Lenclos (FRA). Kurashvili has gone undefeated in World Cup competition this year, and she and Stanislav Halaida hold the European title in Mixed Pairs.
Mane’s main competition includes European champion Leonard Manta (ROU) and 2024 bronze medallist Davide Nacci (ITA). The People’s Republic of China, reigning champions in Trio and Group, have once again fielded an exceptional group of athletes. In Aerobic Dance, a World title and a World Games title have sated Hungary’s desire for more gold: its entire eight-member squad is back and targeting the top step of the podium once more.
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