Sofia Hosts the 2026 WDSF Bulgarian Open Championships

Sofia, Bulgaria – 7–8 March 2026. The 2026 WDSF Bulgarian Open Championships (BOC) gathered the international DanceSport community in the Bulgarian capital for two days of competition and celebration of the sport. The competition took place at the five-star Hotel Marinela Sofia, welcoming athletes, officials and spectators from around the world to a venue conveniently located close to Sofia Airport.

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The championships brought together 767 athletes representing 46 countries, including 685 Solo competitors and 192 couples, underlining the event’s broad international participation. With more than 1,000 spectators attending and all tables fully reserved, the competition floor unfolded before a full and attentive audience throughout the weekend.

Representatives from government institutions were also present, reflecting the recognition of DanceSport within the country’s sporting and cultural landscape.

Highlights of the day, Saturday 7^th March

Saturday’s programme featured an extensive schedule of competitions across multiple age groups and disciplines. Among the many categories contested, the WDSF European Championships Solo Latin Female Adult and WDSF European Championships Solo Latin Female Junior II formed the central focus of the day.

For many athletes, the championships carried particular emotional weight. Several competitors were making their debut at a European Championship, while others returned determined to defend the positions they had secured in the previous edition. The atmosphere inside the hall reflected these personal journeys. Throughout the finals, the audience remained engaged despite the late hours, offering steady encouragement that accompanied every performance.

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Team spirit was clearly visible among the national delegations throughout the day. Supporters from Türkiye and Italy created a lively atmosphere in the venue, cheering on their athletes during the decisive rounds. One of the most memorable moments arrived during the medal ceremony of the European Championship Solo Latin Female Junior II. As Giulia Gianfrate received the gold medal, Italian athletes and supporters joined together in singing the Italian national anthem, creating an emotional scene that resonated across the hall.

Another defining achievement of the evening came in the European Championship Solo Latin Female Adult, where Rosa Granato secured her second European title. Speaking after the victory, she shared a message that resonated strongly with fellow dancers:

“Believe always in yourself, because if you want it, you can achieve it.”

Key Results of the Day

WDSF Open Standard Rising Stars

WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Adult

WDSF World Open (new series) Latin Adult

WDSF European Championship Solo Latin Female Adult

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WDSF European Championship Solo Latin Female Junior II

Among the categories contested over the first competition day we can also find: WDSF Open Standard Senior III, IV and V, WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Youth, Junior I and II, WDSF Open Solo Standard Female Junior II, WDSF Open Latin Youth and DSE Children Grand Prix Latin Junior I, II y Juvenile. You can check all the competition results here.

Highlights of the Day, Sunday 8^th March

Sunday’s WDSF World Open Standard Adult offered couples the opportunity to present the elegance and structure characteristic of the discipline.

The audience responded with the same enthusiasm that had marked the previous day, and the atmosphere inside the hall reflected a traditional DanceSport setting where musicality, posture and movement were central to the performances.

The date also coincided with International Women’s Day, adding an additional dimension to the event. In several categories, the adjudication panels were composed entirely of female judges, highlighting the contribution and leadership of women within DanceSport.

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Key Results of the Day

WDSF World Open (new series) Standard Adult

WDSF Open Latin Rising Stars

WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Adult

WDSF Open PD Latin Adult

Between the categories held over the second competition day we can find: DSE Children Grand Prix Standard Junior I, II and Juvenile, WDSF Open Standard Adult, Youth, WDSF Open Latin Senior I and II, WDSF Open Solo Latin Female Youth, Junior I, II, Juvenile I and II. You can check all the results of the day here.

DanceSport in the Heart of Sofia

Across three days of competition, the 2026 Bulgarian Open Championships demonstrated the strong international interest surrounding DanceSport. With athletes from nearly 50 nations, a packed audience and a broad programme of events, Sofia once again served as an important meeting point for dancers across multiple generations and competitive levels.

Reflecting on the event, WDSF President Shawn Tay remarked:

“Seeing the stories unfold in Sofia is inspiring, athletes overcoming challenges, first-time Europeans stepping onto the podium, and champions proving their dedication once more. Perseverance, passion and the thrill of sharing it on the international stage.”

From first-time European finalists to returning champions, the event reflected the diversity and personal stories that shape the global DanceSport community. As the final awards were presented, the weekend concluded with a sense of shared achievement among athletes, organisers and supporters alike.

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