Waterskiing’s Biggest Event Comes to Italy: The 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship Lands in Recetto

MILAN, FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – Italy and FISSW, the Italian Federation of Surfing, Waterskiing, and Wakeboarding, are ready to welcome the elite of waterskiing with open arms. This August, Italy will host the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship, the most anticipated and prestigious event in the sport’s premier category.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a world-class venue: the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship will take place from August 27 to 31 in Piedmont, at the FISSW center in the Parco Nautico del Sesia in Recetto (Novara province)—a facility that stands as a jewel in the sport’s international crown. The grand stage of the “classic disciplines,” as waterskiing is known, is returning to Italy. And this is no first-time event. Over the years, our country has hosted this pinnacle competition four times, the last of which was in 2001. The event will be organized by FISSW, with the support of Regione Piemonte and Sport e Salute, under the auspices of CONI.

“We are honored to host and organize the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship,” said Claudio Ponzani, president of FISSW. “The classic disciplines are at the heart of our Federation’s history, and celebrating them with an event of this magnitude fills us with pride. Our goal is to offer athletes and fans an unforgettable experience in a world-class waterskiing venue.”

“I am thrilled to announce the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship, taking place from August 27th to 31st, 2025, at the stunning Lago di Sesia in Recetto, Italy. As a world-class destination for IWWF competitions, Italy will once again provide the perfect stage with its top-tier facilities. The Federazione Italiana Surf Sci Nautico e Wakeboard’s selection to host this prestigious event highlights their passion and commitment to the growth and promotion of towed watersports worldwide. I am excited to welcome athletes, teams, and fans for an incredible showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship. Get ready for an unforgettable competition, where the world’s top athletes will compete for waterskiing glory,” said José Antonio Pérez Priego, IWWF president.

“It is a great honor for IWWF Europe to host the 39th edition of the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championship, the 18th in Europe,” said Patrice Martin, president of IWWF Europe. “Eight years after the last edition in Paris (France), the world of waterskiing returns to Europe for a second edition in Recetto (Italy), 24 years after the first one. From August 27th to 31st, 2025, the world’s 200 best male and female waterskiers will compete for eight individual titles and the title of best nation in what already promises to be an exceptional show.

This event will also host the IWWF Congress, where a new governance will be elected for the next four years—an opportunity to simultaneously define the IWWF’s ambitions and strategic priorities. Thanks to the Italian Federation, its president, and all the partners who support this project. See you on August 27th for the opening ceremony!”

Recetto will be buzzing with activity—not just from the summer heat. Around 200 athletes and 35 national teams are expected at the Italian federal center, with at least 1,000 people in attendance, including technical staff, sports officials, and accompanying family members—many of whom will arrive as early as August 10 for training and on-site testing. And then there’s the crowd. A world-class spectacle is guaranteed, with the best skiers on the planet competing in three distinct technical disciplines (slalom, tricks, and jump), as well as the overall title and team medals.

The Parco Nautico del Sesia in Recetto will provide the perfect backdrop. Purpose-built for waterskiing, its three lakes, meticulously calibrated shorelines and bathymetry, make it Europe’s finest facility and one of the best in the world. Just last summer, in collaboration with Regione Piemonte, FISSW successfully hosted the European Youth Classic Disciplines Championship, where Italy’s young talents climbed the ranks to secure the bronze medal.

Centro Tecnico Federale di Recetto (NO)

Alice Bagnoli @fotografacamilabernal

Thomas Degasperi @fotografacamilabernal