2026 World Rowing Championships: Paulis and Rienks appointed as regatta directors, Staatsloterij as main national sponsor

The organising committee of the 2026 World Rowing Championships proudly announces that Staatsloterij will be the main national sponsor of this global event. Starting September 2025, Ilse Paulis and Nico Rienks will jointly take on the role of dual sporting regatta directors. In collaboration with World Rowing, the Royal Dutch Rowing Federation (KNRB), Topsports Amsterdam, the Municipality of Amsterdam, and TIG Sports & Events, the duo is working towards an international championship of world-class sporting excellence and organizational strength.

The 2026 World Rowing Championships will take place from 24 to 30 August 2026 at the Bosbaan in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the ‘Amsterdamse Bos’ and bordering the Zuid-as, the city’s main business district. The Bosbaan has a rich sporting legacy and is a proven stage for international rowing events. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations to be fully ready to host this global championship.

Over 1,200 para and elite athletes from more than sixty countries are expected to compete in both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. Among them will be word’s best rowing athletes including members of the successful Dutch team, which is certain to draw strong home support.

Jean-Christophe Rolland president of World Rowing looks forward to returning to Amsterdam. “The Bosbaan is a historic stage in the world of Rowing—a place that has twice hosted the World Championships and continues to embody the spirit of competition and camaraderie that unites our sport. With its rich heritage and vibrant energy, Amsterdam offers the ideal setting for this landmark event. It’s not just about the racing—it’s about the city’s passion for sport, its festive spirit, and the unforgettable memories we’ll create together.”

For the first time in the history of the World Rowing Championships, the event will have a dual leadership. Olympic champion Ilse Paulis (Rio 2016) and two-time Olympic gold medalist and former national coach Nico Rienks will share the role of Regatta Director. Both are deeply rooted in the sport of Rowing and are eager to apply their experience and insights at the highest level of competition. “ The Netherlands are a world-class Rowing nation — our top athletes have proven that for years with their achievements, and so have our fans,” says Ilse Paulis, Olympic champion and tournament director of the 2026 World Rowing Championships.

“This World Championship is our opportunity to show that to the world: a future-focused, inclusive event where sport, experience, and pride come together — with perhaps more than 45,000 spectators. In 2014, I had the chance to compete in front of a home crowd — with my family and friends in the stands, dressed in orange along the course. Becoming world champion on home waters was one of the most beautiful moments of my athletic career. That energy — I wish it for every fan. In 2026, they’ll be able to cheer on our rowers up close — and truly feel what makes this sport so special.”

“In 2014, we proved that the Bosbaan was a world-class venue – it was a great celebration, adds co-director Nico Rienks. With that experience, a strong team, and great ambitions, we’re building an inspiring event. A place where athletes compete for medals and visitors experience exhilarating moments. This will be a World Championship you truly do not want to miss—both on and off the water.”

Staatsloterij is a brand of Nederlandse Loterij, the largest supporter of sport and physical activity in the Netherlands. Each year, a portion of proceeds from its games is reinvested into both elite and grassroots sports. As title sponsor of the 2026 World Rowing Championships, Staatsloterij is making a significant contribution to the development of Rowing in the Netherlands.  “In August 2026, the Bosbaan will be the ultimate stage for a spectacular Rowing event — a natural follow-up to the success of TeamNL Rowing in Paris. We at Staatsloterij are proud to be the title sponsor of this prestigious sporting event on home soil: the World Rowing Championships, adds Michael Kastelijns, Managing Director of Lotteries at Nederlandse Loterij. Especially in the year we celebrate Staatsloterij’s 300th anniversary. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse 45,000 rowing fans in the Netherlands, all TeamNL supporters, and sports enthusiasts around the world in a wave of orange joy.”