A total of 109 athletes from 12 nations have entered the Championships, highlighting the continued growth and strength of freestyle kayaking across Europe. Athletes representing Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland will battle for the European titles across all freestyle disciplines.
Germany arrives with the largest delegation of the Championships with 21 athletes, followed by Great Britain with 20 and Ireland with 16. Finland, France and Spain also bring strong teams packed with international experience.
International Stars Return to the European Stage
The 2026 Championships will feature several athletes who have been among the leading names at recent European and World Championship events.
One of the biggest names on the start list is Spain’s Joaquim Fontan Masó, one of the most successful freestyle kayakers of the last decade and a regular contender for both World and European titles. Fontané returns once again as one of the favourites for the men’s kayak crown.
Spain also fields a strong squad including Oriol Roig Dueñas and Núria Fontané i Masó, both athletes with important international championship experience and proven performances at elite level.
Finland’s team brings considerable strength with experienced athletes such as Tuomas Kaukola, Visa Rahkola, Olli Nyrhilä and Miika Sorjonen, all well known within the international freestyle scene and frequent finalists at major European competitions.
Great Britain will once again be among the nations to watch, led by athletes including Matthew Stephenson, Samuel Ward, Gavin Barker and Michael Shaw, representing one of the deepest squads of the Championships.
Germany, traditionally one of Europe’s strongest freestyle nations, enters a powerful team featuring athletes such as Roman Glasman, Patrick Stange, Robert Büchmann, Nicolai Schmid and several emerging young talents capable of challenging for podium positions.
Ireland also arrives with a highly competitive delegation following strong performances in recent international events, while France’s squad includes experienced athletes such as Tom Dolle, Valentin Parasme and Antoine Michaud, all capable of reaching the final rounds.
Strong Link to Recent European and World Championships
Many of the athletes entered for the 2026 Championships were also present at the most recent major freestyle events, including the 2024 European Championships in Graz, Austria, and the 2025 World Championships, ensuring an exceptionally high competitive level.
Several recent European finalists and World Championship competitors will once again meet on the continental stage, creating exciting rematches and renewing rivalries that have defined international freestyle kayaking over the last seasons.
The mix of established champions, experienced finalists and rising young athletes guarantees intense competition throughout the week, with margins expected to be extremely small in several categories.
With more than one hundred athletes, twelve nations and many of Europe’s most accomplished freestyle paddlers on the start list, the 2026 Paddle Europe Freestyle Championships are set to deliver spectacular performances, high-level competition and unforgettable moments.
The stage is ready. Europe’s best freestyle athletes are preparing to fight for continental glory.
Preliminary timetable and start lists available soon at the official website for the championships here
1.6.2026
