“Simply the Best”: GrandSlam Latin Crowns the Closing Day of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool

Blackpool, United Kingdom, Sunday 29 March 2026. Blackpool woke up under grey skies and steady rain, but that did little to slow down the heartbeat of the Winter Gardens. As umbrellas filled the streets outside, the world’s best DanceSport athletes made their way indoors, shaking off the water and gathering once again beneath the chandeliers of the Empress Ballroom. The atmosphere felt different today: not only because it was the final day, but because everyone inside the venue knew the same thing, the story of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival was about to reach its final page.

From early rounds to the evening session, the venue became a shelter not only from the weather, but from the outside world itself. With the presence of more than 40 judges and officials from across the globe, every detail of the day carried the weight and prestige of a truly international championship. Coaches, families, athletes and spectators moved through the corridors with the familiar mixture of nerves and excitement, all with one shared focus: the decisive final hours of the WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult, the competition set to close the festival with the kind of intensity only Blackpool can deliver.

“Simply the Best”: GrandSlam Latin Crowns the Closing Day of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool

WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult (2nd day)

All roads led to one moment on Sunday: the long-awaited WDSF GrandSlam Latin Adult Final, the competition that had been building tension from the very first hours of the morning. Throughout the day, the Winter Gardens felt like it was holding its breath, with athletes, coaches and spectators counting down the hours until the Empress Ballroom lights would shine on the biggest Latin showdown of the weekend.

Adding an extra touch of prestige, the final was presented by a very special guest: Marius Andrei-Balan, multiple-time World Champion, whose presence alone reminded everyone in the hall that this was not just another final, this was Blackpool.

The opening Samba immediately ignited the audience. The moment the finalists stepped onto the floor, the atmosphere shifted. The crowd rose in volume and energy as the stars entered the Empress Ballroom, and every beat of the music felt amplified by the excitement in the room.

Among the most explosive reactions of the night came for Malthe Brinche Rhonde and Sofie Sorensen, the Scandinavian couple whose entrance alone sent a wave through the audience. Their sharp synchronicity and fearless rhythm brought the ballroom to its feet, and when the music ended, the applause did not stop, clapping, shouting, and a clear demand from the public for more.

Equally commanding were Konstantin Gorodilov and Polina Figurenko, who brought a different kind of intensity to the floor. Fierce, bold and full of personality, they danced with a presence that felt impossible to ignore, showing the kind of character that defines true GrandSlam finalists.

Then came the moment where the floor truly became a battlefield: Paso Doble. All couples returned together, and the Empress Ballroom turned into a storm of drama, power and sharp lines, with every pair fighting for space, attention and control.

The atmosphere softened with the romantic Rumba, performed individually, allowing each couple to tell their own story. In that quieter tension, the audience followed every detail, every pause, every connection, every breath between movements.

The podium battle remained incredibly tight until the last second. When the results were finally announced, the emotion in the hall was immediate — one of those spine-tingling Blackpool moments that athletes and fans never forget.

But the final surprise came at the very end. After the official programme, the couples delivered an unforgettable, spontaneous moment: dancing together in an improvised celebration to “Boogie Wonderland”, with the entire Empress Ballroom on its feet, clapping in rhythm. It was one of those rare scenes that cannot be planned, a pure expression of unity, joy and shared love for DanceSport, offering the perfect golden ending to this 2026 Blackpool GrandSlam.

The winners sealed their triumph with a spectacular final celebration, unexpectedly breaking into the rhythm of a Spanish Paso Doble, turning their victory into a performance of its own, before the night closed in the most fitting way possible: with the sound of “Simply the Best” echoing through the Winter Gardens, as the 2026 festival reached its final, unforgettable conclusion.

Highlights of the Day, Sunday 29^th march

Between the categories that were also held over this last competition day we can also find:

WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Youth

The WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Latin Youth brought one of the most dynamic and exciting finals of the closing day, as six outstanding couples stepped onto the Empress Ballroom floor with speed, intensity and remarkable confidence. The category once again proved why Youth Latin remains one of the most thrilling divisions to watch, with every couple delivering performances full of ambition and character.

The gold medal went to Maddox Loevenhardt and Sara Coman (DEN), a couple who have firmly established themselves as true competitors, always dancing with fearless energy and an unmistakable hunger to win. Their presence on the floor continues to grow competition after competition, and Blackpool added yet another major title to what has been an impressive series of recent successes.

Silver was claimed by Patrick Berbece and Andreea Sturzinschi (ROU), who leave the 2026 festival with a second medal in their pocket. After winning gold in the WDSF DanceSport Festival Championship Standard Youth just two days ago, the Romanian couple returned to the floor with confidence and determination, confirming their versatility by adding a prestigious Latin silver medal to their Blackpool campaign.

The bronze medal was secured by Artem Crivenco and Alexandrina Martinova (MDA), a duo whose progress has been impossible to ignore. Over a relatively short period of time, they have gained visibility across the international circuit, consistently reaching finals and placing on podiums in major events. Their performance in Blackpool confirmed that they are quickly becoming one of the most consistent and promising couples in the Youth category.

Just outside the podium, Liu Xuan and Gao Leqi (CHN) finished fourth, followed by Tizio Tiago Domingues da Silva and Isabell Zagorje (GER) in fifth. Sixth place went to Giosue' Micalizzi and Denise Gagliano (ITA), completing a final that kept the audience engaged from the first Cha Cha to the final Jive.

WDSF World Challenge Cup Standard Rising Stars

The WDSF World Challenge Cup Standard Rising Stars brought a strong and elegant final to the Empress Ballroom. With refined movement, ambition and clear competitive maturity, the finalists confirmed why this category continues to be one of the most closely followed events of the festival.

Gold went to Batu Sandiraz and Emilija Ulcinaite (TUR), who celebrated a truly special moment in Blackpool by claiming their first-ever WDSF medal at the Winter Gardens. Their performance combined confidence and composure, earning them a breakthrough victory on one of the most demanding stages in the world.

The silver medal was claimed by Ivan Vinogradov and Olga Khrebtova (AIN), a couple who once again demonstrated their high level and consistency. With strong technical control and polished elegance, they confirmed their ability to remain among the top contenders in international Standard Rising Stars competitions.

Bronze was secured by Joao Relha and Nadia Dominika Kastrau (POR), continuing their excellent competitive trajectory. After winning gold at the WDSF World Challenge Cup Standard Rising Stars in Riga last December, the Portuguese duo now adds a prestigious Blackpool bronze medal, further cementing their position among the most competitive couples of the category.

Just outside the podium, Dmytrii Forostianov and Helene Novalee Tilgert (GER) finished fourth, adding another major final to a strong international career that has been steadily growing since 2023. Spain’s Daniel Ficola and Tatiana Gonzalez Contreras (ESP) took fifth place, while Kajetan Tygielski and Nicole Menser (POL) completed the final in sixth, rounding out a category full of quality, promise and strong international representation.

WDSF Super Grand Prix PD Standard Adult

The WDSF Super Grand Prix PD Standard Adult offered one of the most complete moments of the entire closing day, combining entertainment, tradition and elite-level Standard dancing. Before the couples even took the floor, the Empress Ballroom was already fully engaged thanks to a lively and humorous Kiss Cam, which instantly warmed up the crowd and created one of the most enjoyable and spontaneous moments of the day.

Moments later, the mood shifted as the finalists entered the floor, bringing the elegance and refinement that define Professional DanceSport. The tension rose with the first of this year’s Solo Dances, the Tango, before the final concluded with a vibrant and uplifting Quickstep, sending the audience into loud applause as the last notes echoed through the ballroom.

The podium was confirmed in a medal ceremony presided over by WDSF President Mr. Shawn Tay and President of BDDANCE x UDANCE Ms. Vera Zhang, adding an extra layer of prestige to an already outstanding final.

Gold went to Alexey Glukhov and Anastasia Glazunova (MDA), a couple whose legacy continues to expand with every performance. Their authority, elegance and composure on the floor made it clear once again why they are now firmly established among the most dominant names in Professional Standard.

Silver was claimed by Vadim Shurin and Anastasia Meshkova (LAT), who delivered a performance marked by strong presence and impressive clarity. Throughout the final, they combined technical control with confident expression, earning a well-deserved place on the podium in Blackpool.

The bronze medal was secured by Edgaras Baltaragis and Indre Baltarage (LTU), continuing an excellent competitive run. After recently winning bronze at the Barcelona PD Standard Adult in January, the Lithuanian couple arrived in Blackpool with momentum and once again proved their consistency at the highest international level.

Just outside the podium, Jonas Alexander Pettersen and Kristy Puusepp (NOR) finished fourth, reaching the final in what represents an important milestone in the early stages of their PD journey. Nikita Anikeev and Elina Kokotova (AIN) placed fifth, followed by Jiang Jiying and Zhao Yuye (CHN) in sixth, completing a final filled with world-class quality.

Between the categories that has been also unfolded over this last competition day we can also find:

WDSF Open Standard Senior IV

WDSF Open Standard Senior II

WDSF Open Latin Senior I

WDSF Open Ten Dance Junior II

You can check all the competition results by clicking here.

With Thanks to Our Partners and Supporters

As the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival comes to an end, WDSF expresses sincere gratitude to all partners and organisations whose support made this event possible. Special thanks go to Casa Musica, Atos, Sportsxpert, and to BDDANCE x UDANCE, Official Title Partner of the festival, as well as to the British DanceSport Federation, whose collaboration remains essential in bringing DanceSport’s global community back to Blackpool.

WDSF also thanks the broadcast and media partners delivering the festival to audiences worldwide, including Vivaro Media, DSI TV, Dance TV, WeChat (BD Dance TV), RTV Budva, PV Plus, and the Olympic Channel, which provided exclusive coverage of the GrandSlam decisive rounds.

In addition, WDSF warmly acknowledges the exhibitors and vendors in the Horseshoe Pavilion, including Focus Dance, Dong XinDance, International Dance Shoes, DSI London, Dance Queen, and Beauty Code, whose presence continues to enhance the festival experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Finally, heartfelt appreciation goes to the Empress Orchestra, the photographers, videographers, officials, staff, and the many volunteers who travelled from across Europe, whose work behind the scenes ensures that the magic of Blackpool continues year after year.

“Simply the Best”: GrandSlam Latin Crowns the Closing Day of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool

See You in 2027!

With the final music fading inside the Empress Ballroom and the Winter Gardens slowly beginning to empty, the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival comes to a close with memories that will travel home with every athlete, coach and supporter who stepped through its doors. Blackpool once again proved why this event holds such a special place in DanceSport: because of the unique magic created by the Empress Ballroom, the unmistakable atmosphere of its walls, and the tradition kept alive by the Empress Orchestra, whose live music remains one of the great treasures of this festival.

WDSF President Shawn Tay reflected on the spirit of the event and the people behind it:

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to every single person who contributed to organising this event. From our staff and officials to our volunteers, partners and athletes, this festival exists because of your dedication. We leave inspired by what we have witnessed here, and we are already looking forward to returning next year to write the next chapter together.”

Nenad Jeftic, WDSF 1st Vice President and Vice President for Sports, who underlined the importance of the team working behind the scenes and expressed appreciation to the WDSF staff and to Mr. Sergey Nifontov, WDSF General Secretary, for his constant commitment and hard work throughout the event.

And while the curtain falls on 2026, the story continues. The next chapter is already marked in the calendar: the WDSF DanceSport Festival will return to Blackpool once again from 6 to 9 May. See you on 2027 WDSF DanceSport Festival!

Photos by Hery Deslandes

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Published on 29 March 2026