Košice Open 2026 returns to Slovakia with an international weekend of Ballroom and Latin dance competitions featuring athletes and couples from across Europe and beyond. The event combines WDSF ranking competitions, Rising Stars categories, Senior divisions, youth events, and solo competitions, creating a dynamic atmosphere for dancers of different generations and competitive levels.
This edition welcomes 92 couples and 184 athletes representing 31 countries, making Košice Open one of the notable international dance weekends in the region. Alongside major WDSF competitions, the event also includes DSE Children Grand Prix categories, Hobby events, and solo divisions for younger dancers.
Venue
The competition takes place at Spoločenský pavilón in Košice, Slovakia. The venue offers multiple competition floors and space for a full international dance weekend with WDSF championships, gala sessions, and youth competitions. Košice is one of the largest cities in Slovakia and provides convenient travel access for dancers arriving from neighboring European countries.
What to Expect
- Ballroom and Latin competitions across multiple WDSF categories
- WDSF European Championship Ten Dance Adult
- Rising Stars and International Open events
- Senior I, II, III, and IV categories
- Youth, Junior, Juvenile, and Solo divisions
- DSE Children Grand Prix competitions
- Hobby competitions for couples and girls
- International participants and adjudicators
- Structured two-day competition schedule
- Evening gala finals and championship atmosphere
Competition Highlights
Saturday, 6 June 2026
- WDSF European Championship Ten Dance Adult
- WDSF International Open Standard Adult
- WDSF Youth Open Standard
- WDSF Open Senior III Standard
- WDSF Open Senior III Latin
- WDSF Rising Stars Adult Latin
- DSE Grand Prix Junior I Standard
- DSE Grand Prix Junior I Latin
- Adult A, B, C, and D categories
- Multiple Solo Bronze and Silver events
Sunday, 7 June 2026
- WDSF International Open Latin Adult
- WDSF Open Senior I Standard & Latin
- WDSF Open Senior II Standard & Latin
- WDSF Open Senior IV Standard
- WDSF Rising Stars Adult Standard
- WDSF Youth Open Latin
- DSE Grand Prix Juvenile and Junior II categories
- Košice Open Grand Prix Solo Standard & Latin
- Hobby competitions for couples and girls
- Junior and Solo Silver competitions
Schedule Overview
WDSF European Championship Ten Dance Adult
Saturday, 6 June 2026
- 08:00 — Opening of the hall
- 12:00 - 12:30 — Check-in
- 13:00 — Competition begins
- 16:00 — Opening Ceremony
- 19:00 — Gala Evening & Finals
International Judging Panel
The competition features adjudicators from multiple countries including Slovakia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Armenia, Croatia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary, the United States, Austria, Albania, Czech Republic, and Lesotho.
Judges include Raul Avram, Marco Bartolini, Gianita Bigazzi, Albert Hakobyan, Petr Horáček, Matej Chren, Pavel Imre, Jaroslav Krtička, Szymon Kulis, Ivanka Marki, Ivan Martinec, Olexandra Myshko, Milan Plačko, Marieta Plačková, Inez Sahlin, Susanne Stukan, Simon Szucs, Remigijus Suslavicius, Simona Cicchitti, Radka Britaňaková, Virgiliu Bumbu, Vita Domanska, Anton Fabík, Ladislav Gerenyi, Marián Chladný, Jozef Kovács, René Lempeľ, Ľubomír Mick, Patrik Scholtz, Milan Špánik ml., and Peter Vidašič.
Registration
Several categories are currently open for registration, while selected championship events may already be closed. Competitors should regularly check the official website for schedule updates, registration limits, and category information.
Travel & Accommodation
Košice is accessible by car, train, and regional flights, making travel convenient for participants from Central and Eastern Europe. Since the event includes major WDSF championship categories and international participation, booking accommodation early is highly recommended.
Notes
Schedules, registration status, and category availability may change before the event. Always confirm final details directly through the official organizers and competition website.