Nine Days of World-Class Gymnastics: 95,000 Visitors at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam
With 95,000 visitors and 14 world titles awarded, the organisers are looking back on a highly successful Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 in Rotterdam. For nine days, the world’s best gymnasts and enthusiastic fans from across the globe created an incredible atmosphere at Rotterdam Ahoy. Beyond the competition floor, the event also inspired people of all ages to get active.
The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships were held in Rotterdam for the third time, following previous editions in 1987 and 2010. Packed stands and enthusiastic fans from around the world created a fantastic atmosphere at Rotterdam Ahoy. The energy in the arena was particularly palpable during the finals, as athletes were cheered on by passionate crowds.
World Titles for Japan, China and the United States
A total of 14 world titles were awarded during the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto was crowned men’s all-around world champion, while American Skye Blakely claimed the women’s individual all-around title. In the team competitions, Japan proved strongest in the men’s event. China took gold in the women’s team competition, ahead of the United States and Japan.
Championships Director Epke Zonderland Proud of the Event
“We’re looking back on a fantastic Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The incredible support from the spectators and the many compliments from the participating nations made this event even more special. With our theme, Building Bridges, we wanted to bring people together through the power of sport. That truly came to life here. I’m incredibly proud of all the staff and volunteers whose tremendous dedication helped make these Artistic Gymnastics World Championships such a success,” said Zonderland.
Memorable Moments for the Netherlands
The Dutch men’s gymnastics team reached the team final at an Artistic Gymnastics World Championships for only the second time in history, securing an impressive seventh-place finish. Two Dutch gymnasts also competed in the individual all-around final. Elijah Faverus finished 20th, while Jermain Grünberg placed 22nd in the world.
Naomi Visser qualified for both the all-around final and the uneven bars final. The 25-year-old gymnast finished 11th in the all-around competition before achieving an impressive fifth place in the uneven bars final the following day.
More Than Elite Sport: Inspiring People of All Ages to Get Active
Beyond the competitions, the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships also focused on connection and physical activity. Ahead of the event, the Nijntje World Championships Movement Festival took place at Rotterdam Ahoy on Friday, 16 October. More than 2,000 young children came together to enjoy physical activity through play.
During the Senior Experience on 20 and 21 October, participants aged 45 and over took part in a range of physical activities and gained insights into their own balance and mobility. Meanwhile, the international Healthy Ageing Expert Meeting explored how physical activity can contribute to healthy ageing and the role cities can play in supporting it.
These activities reflected the Building Bridges theme, bringing people together and encouraging them to get active both on and off the competition floor.
The 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships were organised by TIG Sports & Events in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Gymnastics Federation (KNGU).
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