On July 7, 2026, as part of the 20th International Summer Martial Arts Camp near Varna, Bulgaria, the next edition of the World Cup Varna in Kyokushin Karate will take place. The tournament is one of the most prestigious international competitions for athletes aged 14 to 21.
This year, the event will bring together 437 competitors from 25 countries, making it one of the largest international forums for young Kyokushin karate athletes worldwide. National teams from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa will send their most promising fighters to compete for the prestigious World Cup titles. Bulgaria will be represented by 70 competitors, who will defend the country’s colors against strong international opposition.
Over the years, the World Cup Varna has established itself as an important stage for the future stars of Kyokushin karate, attracting growing international participation and creating opportunities for the exchange of experience between different schools and martial arts traditions.
The competition will be held in three age divisions: Youth (14–15 years), Juniors (16–17 years), and Cadets (18–21 years), with athletes competing in separate male and female weight categories. For young Kyokushin talents aged 14 to 17, the organizers have prepared medals, trophies, and diplomas for the athletes who finish first, second, and third in each category.
Particular attention will be focused on the Cadet division (18–21 years), where competitors will battle not only for medals but also for substantial prize money. In the men’s divisions (under 75 kg, under 85 kg, and over 85 kg), the winners will receive €5,000, runners-up €3,500, third-place finishers €2,000, and fourth-place finishers €1,000. In the women’s divisions (under 55 kg, under 65 kg, and over 65 kg), the prize fund includes €3,500 for first place, €2,500 for second, €1,500 for third, and €1,000 for fourth place.
At the beginning of July, World Cup Varna 2026 will once again turn Bulgaria into a global meeting point for the next generation of martial arts talent. Among the countries represented at this year’s Kyokushin tournament are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Morocco, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Chile, Japan, and many others.
