Budapest has officially announced the competition dates for the World Aquatics Championships and the World Aquatics Masters Championships in 2027. The announcement provides clarity for athletes, national federations, and fans, marking a crucial step in preparations for both events and the qualification path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Hungarian capital will host both elite and masters competitions simultaneously for the first time. Budapest’s world-class aquatics facilities, combined with its strong tradition of hosting international events, will ensure a platform for record-breaking performances and inclusive participation across all age groups.
The World Aquatics Championships will take place from 26 June to 18 July 2027. Over 2,500 athletes from more than 200 countries are expected to compete across six aquatic sports. The schedule for each sport is as follows:
- Water Polo: 26 June – 9 July
- Diving: 26 June – 4 July
- Open Water Swimming: 3 – 8 July
- High Diving: 8 – 11 July
- Swimming: 10 – 18 July
- Artistic Swimming: 10 – 17 July
Fans can expect intense competition throughout the 23-day event, from open water races in early July to pool finals mid-month. The Championships will bring together the world’s top athletes to compete for world titles at the premier event on the international aquatics calendar.
The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore set a high standard, with standout performances including Felipe Perrone’s decisive goal for Spain in water polo, Summer McIntosh winning four individual swimming golds for Canada, and Florian Wellbrock capturing four golds in open water events for Germany. The Masters Championships in Singapore also saw 30 Masters World Records and 129 Masters Championship Records.
The World Aquatics Masters Championships in Budapest 2027 will celebrate lifelong participation in aquatic sports. More than 8,000 athletes from over 180 countries are expected to compete in an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. The Masters schedule is as follows:
- Artistic Swimming: 26 – 30 June
- Open Water Swimming: 29 – 30 June
- Swimming: 3 – 9 July
- Diving: 5 – 10 July
- Water Polo: 11 – 17 July
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam stated, “The confirmation of the competition schedule for Budapest 2027 is a significant milestone for athletes, organisers and sports fans. Budapest has a proven history of delivering exceptional aquatic events, and we are confident that these Championships will provide outstanding competition environments for athletes of all ages.”
Hungary has a long-standing aquatics legacy, dating back to Alfred Hajos, the first Olympic swimming champion at the Athens 1896 Games. Since 1995, the country has hosted 32 World Aquatics events, including two World Aquatics Championships, the Masters Championships in 2017, and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in 2024.
Budapest’s Duna Arena will host diving and artistic swimming competitions, while swimming and water polo events will move to the MVM Dome, one of Europe’s largest indoor sports arenas. Hungarian Swimming Federation President Sandor Wladar said, “The confirmation of the sport-by-sport competition dates provides important clarity for athletes, teams and national federations. Each milestone brings us closer to delivering a Championship that will unite athletes and fans from Hungary and around the world over 23 days of world-class aquatic sport.”
