Copenhagen delivered a day to remember for paddlesport.

The first Paddle Games event in the Danish capital brought together Olympians, world champions, masters, and paddlers of all levels for a unique celebration of sprint kayaking. Set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most iconic cities, Kayak Sprint Copenhagen 2026 combined world-class competition with the atmosphere of a festival, creating a new experience for athletes, spectators, and the wider paddling community.

The event showcased the vision behind Paddle Games: bringing racing closer to people, creating exciting formats that are easy to follow, and allowing athletes from different generations and backgrounds to share the same start line.

The competition featured a fast-paced head-to-head format, where every race mattered and every stroke could decide an athlete’s journey.

Frederikke Hauge Mørcke Wins Women’s Title

The women’s competition produced thrilling racing from start to finish, with Frederikke Hauge Mørcke emerging as the champion of Paddle Games Copenhagen.

After progressing through the knockout stages, Mørcke delivered her strongest performance when it mattered most, winning the A-Final and securing the top step of the podium.

Katrine Hladka Jensen finished second after an impressive run throughout the competition, earning her place in the final and pushing the winner all the way.

The B-Final saw Sara Corfixen Milthers claim third place overall, while Lena Röhlings finished fourth.

The women’s event perfectly reflected the spirit of Paddle Games: elite athletes competing in a format where speed, courage, and the ability to perform under pressure are rewarded.

Gunnar Nydal Eide Takes Men’s Victory

The men’s competition was equally competitive, with Gunnar Nydal Eide claiming the Paddle Games Copenhagen title after a series of intense head-to-head battles.

Eide showed consistency and composure throughout the day, producing his best performance in the A-Final to take first place.

Torjus Helland With finished second, securing a well-deserved podium position after a strong performance in the final.

The B-Final featured one of the biggest names in the sport, with three-time Olympic champion Tom Liebscher-Lucztaking third place overall. Christian Bacher-Terkelsen completed the top four.

Having athletes such as Liebscher-Lucz competing alongside emerging paddlers highlighted one of the key ambitions of Paddle Games: creating events where Olympic champions and future stars can compete together in a new and exciting environment.

Masters Show the Sport Is For Life

The Masters category brought another important dimension to the event, proving that the passion for racing does not have an age limit.

In the A-Final, Ekaitz Saies took first place, with Christen Thing finishing second after a competitive final.

The B-Final saw Søren Hyttel secure third place overall, while Federico Arguisain finished fourth.

The Masters competition captured one of the most powerful messages of Paddle Games: paddlesport is a lifelong journey. From young athletes beginning their competitive careers to experienced paddlers who continue challenging themselves, everyone belongs on the start line.

A New Chapter for Paddlesport

Kayak Sprint Copenhagen was more than a competition—it was a statement about the future of sprint kayaking.

With Olympians, world-class athletes, masters, volunteers, and fans sharing the same space, Copenhagen showed the potential of a new type of sporting event: one that combines elite performance with community, entertainment, and connection.

Paddle Games was created with the ambition of building iconic events in iconic locations, bringing the excitement of paddling to new audiences around the world. Copenhagen became the next step in that journey.

The winners may have taken the trophies, but everyone who raced, supported, volunteered, and shared the experience contributed to something bigger.

The Paddle Games movement has only just begun.

You can find all the results here.