Around 430 athletes from more than 20 nations are set to take to the water across three days of competitions in Markham, with the 11 medal events taking place between 1-3 May.

The USA and Spain shared the headlines with spectacular team performances in the opening World Cup leg in Paris, before the Spaniards, in the absence of their American rivals, claimed two of the three team titles on offer in Somabay.

They will go head-to-head again in Markham, while Ukraine, who won the Team Acrobatic  event in Egypt, as well as China, Italy and Japan are each expected to deliver a range of dazzling displays as momentum builds ahead of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

China’s rising star Muye Guo, a double gold winner in Somabay, is one of the leading male ones-to-watch, with Spaniard Dennis Gonzalez and Britain’s Ranjuo Tomblin.

On the women’s solo side, Austria’s two-time World championship medallist Vasiliki Alexandri will take to the water competitively for the first time since winning double gold at the 2024 European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade last summer.

Canadian World champion and three-time Olympian Jacqueline Simoneau certainly knows about solo, duet, and team success. She gave World Aquatics her thoughts on what the 2025 Markham World Cup is likely to have in store.

What has shocked, surprised or made you smile so far this season?

“This season has been full of surprises, but what made me smile the most is seeing how much the athletes are pushing the limits of creativity and athleticism under the new rules,” says Simoneau.

“There’s a sense of freedom and boldness in the routines that is incredibly exciting to watch.”

Tell us more about the impact of the new rules and the ways nations are positively adapting to these latest revisions?

“The new rules have been a major shift, but they are helping to modernise and evolve the sport in a really positive way,” Simoneau tells World Aquatics.

“It’s been fascinating to see different nations interpret the rules through their own styles and strengths — some are focusing on higher technical difficulty, while others are emphasizing artistry and precision. It’s creating a really diverse and dynamic field!”

Who would you say has impressed you the most across the disciplines so far during the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup season?

“I’ve been especially impressed by the adaptability and innovation shown by both athletes and coaches this season,” she says.

“What’s been truly inspiring is seeing strong male athletes not just participating, but becoming key contributors to their teams.

“Dennis Gonzalez (Spain), Kantinan Adisaisiributr (Thailand), Artur Maidanov and Aldiyar Ramazanov (Kazakhstan) have really stood out.

Simoneau continues; “Kazakhstan, in particular, is leading the way by fully embracing the strength and unique qualities that male athletes bring, integrating two men into their team. I

“It’s exciting to see this new direction for our sport — one that’s more inclusive, dynamic, and reflective of the broader athletic potential within artistic swimming.”

Does the integration of these men and others give you optimism about the prospects of having men involved in the sport at an Olympic level for the first time come LA2028?

“The integration of more men into team performances has been a major, and very positive, development for the sport,” Simoneau tells World Aquatics.

“It brings a new energy and physicality, and it’s inspiring to see more male athletes finding a place in artistic swimming at the highest level.

“I absolutely believe that with three more years of development, we will see strong male participation in LA28 — and not just participation, but athletes who are truly essential to the teams’ successes!”

How have you found watching this season unfold so far since retiring from the sport following the Paris 2024 Games and do you ever miss competing?

“Watching this season has been incredibly exciting!” she reveals. “It’s inspiring to see how the sport is evolving and how athletes embrace the new era.

“Alongside my academic pursuits, I’m thrilled to be staying involved in new ways — supporting athlete development, mentorship, and helping to grow the sport both nationally and internationally.

“Artistic swimming continues to be a huge part of my life, and it’s energising to contribute to its future from a new perspective!

What can we expect from the Canadian athletes and the crowds in Markham?

“You can expect the Canadian athletes to bring a lot of heart, technical innovation, and resilience to Markham,” says Simoneau.

“They have been working so hard to adapt to the new system and to build routines that showcase both their athleticism and their creativity. They’re hungry to perform in front of a home crowd, and I think they’ll certainly rise to the occasion!

“The Markham crowd is going to be electric!

“Canada has a very passionate and supportive fan base for artistic swimming, and with the energy of a home competition, I have no doubt the athletes will feel that boost from the stands! It will be a memorable atmosphere for both the athletes and the fans.”

How strong is the sport looking generally ahead of Singapore 2025?

“The sport is looking stronger and more dynamic than ever!” Simoneau tells World Aquatics.

“The athletes are adapting quickly to the new demands, and there’s a real excitement around where the evolution of artistic swimming is heading.

“With the increased integration of men, the new emphasis on difficulty and creativity, and the broader global participation, I think Singapore 2025 is shaping up to be a historic event!

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of the artistic swimming community — whether as an athlete, coach, fan, or ambassador.

“The sport is growing, becoming more inclusive, and constantly pushing its own limits. I’m so proud to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see where it leads next!”

The Markham Schedule