2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta in Bled Set to Become the Biggest Rowing Regatta in History

More than 4,700 athletes from 51 countries will race across five days at Lake Bled in what is set to become the largest rowing regatta ever staged.

Masters rowing is booming.

From 9–13 September, the global Masters rowing community will descend on Lake Bled, Slovenia, for the 52nd World Rowing Masters Regatta, where record-breaking participation will make the venue the largest rowing regatta in the sport’s history.

More than 4,700 athletes from 51 countries across six continents are currently entered, with mixed events still open. Rowers have already signed up for over 20,000 racing seats across 981 races in five days.

The spectacular setting is about far more than postcard-perfect scenery. Framed by Bled’s island church and its cliff-top castle overlooking the lake, the venue is deeply woven into rowing’s history. Bled Rowing Organising Committee has earned a global reputation for delivering world-class regattas, and the Bled Rowing Centre‘s natural rowing course has hosted four World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989 and 2011.

Bled is also synonymous with Masters rowing, having previously hosted the event in 1986, 1995 and 2017.

From 2,000 to 20,000: Four Decades of Growth

The growth of the World Rowing Masters Regatta has been extraordinary, and Bled shows that rise most clearly.

In Bled alone, participation has climbed from 2,051 racing seats in 1986 to 5,244 in 1995, 18,344 in 2017, and now more than 20,000 in 2026, with mixed events still open.

Demand has reached record levels. For the first time in the event’s history, not every entry request can be accommodated, with some crews placed on waiting lists or declined because the race schedule has reached its practical limits. In 2026, racing is constrained only by daylight.

To welcome the largest Masters rowing regatta ever to Bled is an extraordinary honour for our Organising Committee, our volunteers and our community,” said Jernej Slivnik, Executive Director.

“This event shows what makes Masters rowing so special. People travel from every corner of the world to race hard, reconnect with lifelong friends, and celebrate our shared passion for rowing. We are proud that Bled’s rowing tradition and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers can provide the stage for this historic moment.”

The Sport-For-Life Community

For World Rowing Masters Commission Chair Ronald Chen, the record participation reflects something much bigger than impressive numbers.

“Masters rowers are the living expression of rowing as a sport for life. They are the lifeblood of clubs around the world—continuing to compete, volunteering, coaching and inspiring the next generation to discover our sport.”

“To see thousands of athletes from their twenties into their nineties coming together in Bled demonstrates the strength of our rowing community. These championships celebrate lifelong participation, friendship and healthy competition, and they remind us that rowing belongs to every generation.”

A Truly Multi-Generational Regatta

Masters rowing is open to athletes from the year they turn 27, with racing spanning 13 age categories through to 89+.

This year’s regatta will feature competitors from across the lifespan, including Elekne Kaszo (91), the oldest female competitor, and Don Tanhauser (92), the oldest male competitor.

A total of 110 athletes aged 80 and over will race in Bled—a record for the event—and will receive a regatta medal and distinctive Octos lanyard recognising this achievement.

The age distribution highlights one of the regatta’s defining characteristics: multiple generations sharing the same racecourse in a unique celebration of lifelong participation unlike almost any other international sporting event.

Women Reach Another Milestone

The event has also reached a historic milestone for women’s participation.

Of the 4,711 competitors currently entered, 2,091 are women, representing 44.4 percent of the field. This steady rise reflects the continued growth and inclusiveness of the Masters rowing community worldwide, adding another layer to the event’s story.

Racing Across Five Days

The regatta will feature 981 races, with Wednesday through Saturday dedicated to age-category racing before Sunday’s programme concludes with mixed events.

The official start lists for Wednesday through Saturday are now available on the official event website. Under World Rowing’s new draw principles, lane allocations and crews racing outside their age categories were assigned randomly. At the same time, every effort has been made to maximise fairness for athletes competing within their age categories, including avoiding crews from the same club or country meeting where possible.

With racing stretching from dawn to dusk, Lake Bled is ready to welcome thousands of athletes for a Masters rowing festival unlike any seen before.

Start Lists Published – When & Where You’re Racing

Visit the official event site to find the published start lists.

The start list for mixed events will be published on Saturday, 12 September at 10:00 CEST. Entries for mixed events remain open until 11 September at 15:00 local time.