2025 World Rowing Championships

Event Overview

The 53rd World Rowing Championships will take place from September 21-28, 2025, in Shanghai, China, marking the most prestigious annual rowing competition in the world. Organized by World Rowing (the International Federation of Rowing Societies) in partnership with the Chinese Rowing Federation, this eight-day championship represents the pinnacle of competitive rowing excellence.

Venue & Location

Shanghai Water Sports Centre, Dianshan Lake, Shanghai, China

The championships will be held at the state-of-the-art Shanghai Water Sports Centre, located on the scenic Dianshan Lake. This world-class facility was originally selected to host the 2021 World Championships, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The venue now serves as the premier destination for this rescheduled premier rowing event.

Competition Format

The championship features a comprehensive eight-day competition schedule utilizing a progressive qualification system from heats through to finals. The regatta includes both Olympic and International boat classes, encompassing:

• Senior rowing events across all traditional boat classes
• Para-rowing competitions
• Men’s, women’s, and mixed events
• Individual sculls, pairs, fours, and eights categories

Significance & Impact

As the biggest annual World Rowing event and the most important competition of the season, the 2025 World Championships serves as the ultimate test for the world’s elite rowers. Athletes from around the globe will compete for world titles in their respective categories, with the event serving as a crucial benchmark for international rowing excellence.

The championships hold particular significance as they mark Shanghai’s inaugural hosting of this premier rowing competition, positioning China as a major hub for international aquatic sports.

Participants

The event will welcome the world’s best rowers, representing national federations from across the globe, all competing for the coveted world championship titles in their respective boat classes.

This milestone event represents not only a significant moment for Shanghai and China but also for the global rowing community, as World Rowing continues to expand the sport’s international reach and showcase the highest levels of athletic achievement in competitive rowing.