Kayak Sprint Copenhagen 2026 will bring world-class sprint kayaking to the heart of Copenhagen, transforming the iconic waterfront at Islands Brygge into one of the most exciting race venues in the sport.
With racing taking place just metres from the city’s giant public screen, where fans will also gather to watch England and France compete in the football third-place play-off, and a Red Bull DJ providing the soundtrack throughout the day, the event promises a unique combination of elite sport, entertainment and summer festival atmosphere.
The inaugural edition will feature seven Olympians, including three-time Olympic champion Tom Liebscher-Lucz (Germany), alongside some of Scandinavia’s finest paddlers.
The Olympians competing are:
Tom Liebscher-Lucz (Germany)
Victor Gairy Aasmul (Denmark)
Morten Graversen (Denmark)
Lena Röhlings (Germany)
Sara Corfixen Milthers (Denmark)
Bolette Nyvang Iversen (Denmark)
Frederikke Hauge Mørcke (Denmark)
A New Format for Sprint Kayaking
At the heart of Kayak Sprint Copenhagen is an innovative competition format designed to combine the excitement of head-to-head racing with the fairness of performance-based rankings.
The tournament uses a hybrid time-trial and knockout format, where athletes are not locked into a traditional bracket. Instead, competitors are continuously ranked by their performance times, ensuring that speed and consistency are rewarded throughout the competition.
The event begins with a Seeding Round Time Trial, where every athlete races once against one opponent. The result of that race is determined entirely by time, with all competitors ranked from fastest to slowest. These rankings establish the seeds for the knockout stage.
The fastest athletes then progress into head-to-head elimination racing. However, the key innovation comes after the opening knockout round: in the men’s competition, the remaining 16 athletes are re-seeded based on their winning times, regardless of their original position. This means athletes are rewarded not only for winning but for winning quickly.
The format creates a unique competitive balance: athletes must focus on beating their opponent while also chasing the fastest possible times, reducing the impact of an unlucky draw and ensuring that performance remains the most important factor.
After re-seeding, the competition moves into traditional knockout rounds, with quarterfinals, semifinals and finals deciding the medal winners.
Victor Gairy Aasmul, Olympian, television personality and event organiser, believes the format represents a new way to experience sprint kayaking.
“People can expect fast, exciting racing, professional event coverage and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day. We’ve worked incredibly hard to create something special, and I’m proud of what our team has built.
“More than anything, we wanted to create a competition centred around community. Athletes can race, come straight back to shore, and immediately enjoy conversations, music and time together. At the same time, we’re showing another side of sprint kayaking—short, intense races in one of Europe’s most iconic waterfront locations. It doesn’t get much better than that.
“The format also creates something different for athletes and spectators. Every race matters, every second counts, and you always have to perform. It rewards speed, competitiveness and the ability to deliver under pressure.
“I hope everyone enjoys the experience and that this becomes the first of many editions. We’d love to make it even bigger next year.”
Building a Global Circuit of Iconic Paddle Events
Paddle Games Founder and CEO Ekaitz Saies sees Copenhagen as another important step towards a bigger vision for the future of sprint kayaking.
“I’m incredibly excited to see Paddle Games arrive in Copenhagen. Our long-term ambition is to build an international circuit of iconic events for sprint kayaking, much like Formula One or the World Surf League have done in their sports.
“Palma de Mallorca has become our equivalent of the Monaco Grand Prix, and Copenhagen now joins the calendar with an event that combines world-class racing, an incredible city and an atmosphere unlike anything our sport has seen before.
“We want to build a global community of paddlers who love racing in iconic locations, where anyone has the opportunity to line up alongside Olympic champions and experience our sport at its very best.
“When Victor invited me to race, I didn’t need much convincing. I love competing, I love discovering new cultures and cuisines, and Copenhagen is one of the most incredible cities. I’m already looking forward to breakfast on race day before giving everything on the water—and afterwards celebrating with the volunteers and organisers who have worked so hard to make this event possible.”
Kayak Sprint Copenhagen 2026 is organised in partnership with Paddle Games and local organisers, bringing together elite athletes and paddlers of all levels for a celebration of sprint kayaking in one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
Event Details
Event: Kayak Sprint Copenhagen 2026 Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026, 11:00 AM – 18:00 PM Location: Islands Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
BEYOND THE LANE. 