Europe’s rising rowing talent set for Brandenburg showdown

With 32 nations, 444 athletes, and 14 boat classes, including the increasingly popular Mixed Double Sculls and Mixed Eight, the event promises two days of highly competitive racing on one of Europe’s most established regatta courses. Both days will be livestreamed on World Rowing’s YouTube platform, bringing the action to a global audience.

A venue steeped in rowing tradition

The championships return to the historic Beetzsee regatta course, a natural lake venue with more than five decades of international rowing heritage. Following significant investment after German reunification, the course has evolved into one of Germany’s most modern rowing facilities, combining natural beauty with advanced sporting infrastructure.

The venue has previously hosted major international events including the 2005 World Rowing Junior Championships, 2008 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, and the 2016 European Championships. Most recently, it welcomed over 3,500 participants for the 2024 World Rowing Masters Regatta, reaffirming its reputation as a world-class host.

Strong fields led by single sculls entries

With 19 entries in the under 19 men’s single sculls (JM1x) and 17 in the under 19 women’s single sculls (JW1x), these two boat classes attracted the highest number of entries of the regatta.

The depth of the men’s single sculls field is particularly striking. Several athletes bring proven international experience, including Hungary’s Barnabas Botond Kup, a silver medallist at the 2025 European Rowing Under 19 Championships and fourth at the World Under 19 level, and Norway’s Raphael Arkadiusz Pintsch, who has consistently placed inside the top six in this boat class last year.

Greece’s Iason Mouselimis and Germany’s Oskar Mueller also enter with strong Under 19 credentials, having been part of a medal winning crew boats last season.

In the women’s single sculls, Greece’s Paschalina Mouratidou stands out as one of the most decorated entrants, having secured multiple medals in international U19 and U23 events across different boat classes. Denmark’s Mejse Oestergaard Nielsen also returns after last year, looking to improve on her A-Final finish from 2025.

Powerhouse crews to watch

Beyond the singles, several crews arrive in Brandenburg with impressive track records.

In the women’s quadruple sculls (JW4x), Poland looks particularly dominant on paper, with a crew composed entirely of athletes who were part of a gold medal-winning quad at last year’s World and European Under 19 Championships. Romania and Czechia also field experienced line-ups, with multiple athletes having medalled in recent Under 19 and Under 23 competitions.

Austria’s men’s eight returns with six crew members from last year’s event, who had claimed bronze at the 2025 European Rowing Under 19 Championships.

Mixed events continue to grow

The inclusion of the Mixed Double Sculls and Mixed Eight continues to add a dynamic dimension to the regatta. These events, which combine men and women athletes in the same crew, are attracting increasing interest and provide a platform for team depth and versatility.

Italy appears particularly strong in the mixed eight, fielding crews that include athletes with gold-medal pedigree across multiple categories, while Romania’s mixed combinations draw on their traditionally strong women’s programme.

A stage for future stars

The European Rowing Under 19 Championships remain one of the most important stepping stones in the sport for European nations, offering a first glimpse of athletes who will go on to compete at Under 23, senior, and Olympic level.

With a blend of returning medallists and emerging talents, the regatta in Brandenburg promises exciting racing across all boat classes.

As Europe’s next generation of rowers take to the historic waters of Beetzsee, the championships are set to deliver not only fierce competition, but also a preview of the sport’s future.

How to watch

The 2026 European Rowing Under 19 Championships will be streamed live on World Rowing’s official YouTube channel.

• Dates: 23–24 May 2026
• Coverage: Full race programme across both days
• Platform: World Rowing YouTube (free to access globally)