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Bulgaria Grand Prix 2026 : World-Class Opening Ceremony Sets the Stage for Jet Ski Supremacy
8-12 July 2026, Diddi Beach, Salafovo, Burgas, Bulgaria
BURGAS, BULGARIA – The Black Sea coastline roared to life today as the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2026 officially kicked off in Sarafovo Beach, Burgas. With over 200 of the world’s elite riders representing 32 nations, the season opener promises to be a historic milestone in professional motorsports.
A Premier Opening
The atmosphere was electric during a grand opening ceremony attended by Bulgaria’s top dignitaries. Mr. Dimitar Nikolov, Mayor of Burgas Municipality, and Mr. Encho Keryazov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Bulgaria , presided over the event, signaling the nation’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting excellence.
They were joined by Tournament Director of WGP#1 (Waterjet World Grand Prix / World Cup) Mr. Parikhet Subsahakarn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA ) Mr. Scott Frazier, and key partners including Mr. Dimitar Iliev, Mr. Yordan Nikolov, and Mr. Peter De Smet, President of IJSBA Europe. A defining moment saw Mr. Subsahakarn formally present the WGP#1 hosting rights to Mayor Nikolov, cementing Burgas as a premier hub on the global waterjet circuit.
Racing Under Fire: The Endurance War
As the formalities concluded, the intensity surged on the water. The PRO-AM ENDURANCE OPEN—the ultimate test of stamina and precision—saw a legendary clash. The grid featured the return of “King of Endurance” Jean-Bruno Pastorello, a four-time world champion, alongside reigning World Cup winner Francois Medori and heavyweights James Bushell and Gyorgy Kasza.
In a stunning opening moto, Medori lived up to his world-class pedigree. He secured the holeshot, aggressively fending off Pastorello’s veteran maneuvers, and maintained his lead through to the checkered flag to claim a hard-fought victory.
Thai Champion Maintains Dominance
In the EXPERT SKI GP, defending World Series champion Tanawid “Saint” Molee (THA #T30) reminded the field why he holds the crown. Molee dominated the race from the opening buoy, expertly managing pressure from UK standout Sam Wilson and Cyprus’s dark horse Sergei Alekseenko. Molee’s commanding finish proved he remains the rider to beat heading into the finals.
With the preliminary rounds setting a blistering pace, the competition shifts to the decisive Final Motos tomorrow. As the world’s best prepare for the ultimate showdown, all eyes remain on Sarafovo Beach to see who will be crowned champion of the Bulgaria Grand Prix 2026.
