Heatwaves, Inspiration, and Rising Stars: Day 3 of the German Open Championships 2026

Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday 13 August 2026 – As a bright summer wave hit Stuttgart, the atmosphere inside the Liederhalle Culture and Congress Centre matched the vibrant energy outside step for step. While spectators kept cool with traditional hand fans in the summer warmth, the real heat on the floor was generated entirely by world-class DanceSport.

Amidst the bustling concourses, a simple, overheard remark from a spectator resonated deeply through the hall: "Watching them dance just makes me want to start training right now." Though her name remains unknown, her words captured the very soul of GOC. DanceSport possesses a unique magic, the power to awe without requiring expertise, and a rare ability to unite dancers and fans alike, both on and off the floor.

Adding to the prestige of the evening events inside the Beethoven-Saal, the finals were graced by the presence of distinguished leadership, including Mr. Nenad Jeftić (WDSF 1st Vice-President and Vice-President for Sports) and Mr. Sergey Nifontov (WDSF General Secretary).

Heatwaves, Inspiration, and Rising Stars: Day 3 of the German Open Championships 2026

Highlights of the Day: Thursday 13^th August

WDSF Open Latin Rising Stars

The undisputed centerpiece of Thursday’s schedule was the WDSF Open Latin Rising Stars. Delivering explosive rhythm, exceptional speed, and remarkable technical control, Kazakhstan’s Stefan Kagadi and Tamara Belenkaya brought the house down to capture gold, securing their second consecutive WDSF Open Latin Rising Stars victory following their triumph in Cossirano di Trenzano in June.

They edged out Poland’s Kajetan Tygielski and Nicole Menser, who capped off a remarkable campaign at the German Open Championships 2026 by taking a highly contested silver medal, while China's Xia Weiyi and Li Yijia completed the podium with bronze.

WDSF Open Standard Youth

Lithuania’s Matas Puplevicius and Gabija Vilciauskaite made their sole event in Stuttgart count, delivering a flawless performance to capture gold. Building on their momentum from their victory at the WDSF Open Standard Youth in Tallinn last April, the pair showcased exceptional poise to edge out Moldova's Artem Crivenco and Alexandrina Martinova for the title.

WDSF Open Standard Senior III

Reigning World and European Champions Massimiliano Ferrini and Elisabetta Galilei led a masterful Italian showing to claim gold, followed by World bronze medallists Vittorio Bramati and Silvia Martorelli in second.

WDSF Open Latin Junior I

Romania's Eduard Gabriel Croitoru and Ana Colbu triumphed in a high-octane final, leading ahead of 10-Dance bronze medallists Sebastian Bier and Elisabeth Wilhelm (GER) and Ukraine's Roman Shtepliuk and Olivia Kuziv.

WDSF Open Solo Latin Male Junior I

Italy made a statement at the top of the standings with a dominant first and second finish by Cristian Perrone (Gold) and Riccardo Zacheo (Silver), with Germany's Maxim Zielke taking bronze.

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Junior II

In an astonishingly competitive field featuring 152 global contenders, Germany's Caroline Sophie Overheu claimed victory by winning all five dances. The remaining podium spots were decided in a thrillingly close three-way battle separated by single placement digits, with Barbare Kobakhidze (GEO) taking silver and Natalia Simo (ESP) earning bronze.

WDSF Open Standard Senior V

WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Youth

You can check all the competition results of the day here.

The Stage is Set for GrandSlam Standard

As Day 3 draws to a close, the energy in Stuttgart is reaching fever pitch. The preliminary rounds and Rising Stars categories have set a soaring benchmark as the true pinnacle of the week approaches with tomorrow´s GrandSlam.

Friday marks the opening of the highly anticipated WDSF GrandSlam Standard. Nearly 200 world-class couples will take to the floor in pursuit of one of the most coveted titles in global DanceSport. Fans can look forward to seeing titan pairings in action, including Dariusz Mycka & Madara Freiberga, Andrea Roccatti & Julia Mozdyniewicz, Cojoc Rares & Matei Andreea, and Dmitri Kolobov & Signe Busk, among many others.

The heat is on both in the air and on the dance floor. Stay tuned and follow the action on the WDSF livestream!

Heatwaves, Inspiration, and Rising Stars: Day 3 of the German Open Championships 2026