The tournament, staged from 31 August to 6 September 2026, represented the first global championship for WP4. The format has been designed to offer a faster and more accessible version of water polo, built around speed and decisive moments, with fewer players, and a smaller and more transportable playing area. 

The fast and attacking nature of WP4 was on full show throughout the week, with over 1,800 goals scored across the 84 men's and women's matches - an average of more than 21 goals per game. 

Dubrovnik proved to be a fantastic setting for the debut event. With Croatia's water polo tradition and spectacular Old Harbour providing the backdrop, the event combined a distinctive location with a format that has quickly established its own identity.  

USA and Spain make history 

In the women's event, the United States progressed to the final without dropping a single set and continued this dominant form by defeating Spain 3-0 in the gold-medal match. 

Taking the first set 4-1, USA then overcame a spirited fightback by Spain to win a close second set thanks to two late goals by Jewel Roemer. They then sealed their perfect campaign by claiming the third set amid jubilant scenes. 

Elsewhere, Russia secured the bronze medal in the women’s competition with a convincing 3-0 victory over Australia. 

The USA’s Ryann Neushul was named Women's Most Valuable Player with 36 goals across seven matches, highlighting her role as one of her team’s most consistent and dangerous attackers. 

Spain's Mariona Terre received the Best Goalkeeper award, rewarded for her decisive shot-stopping and her ability to keep Spain in tight matches during their campaign. 

The men's championship produced a dramatic conclusion with Spain overcoming Russia to become the first men's WP4 world champions.  

Four tightly contested sets sent the first ever men's WP4 final to a penalty shootout. With momentum on their side following a late leveller in the fourth set, Spain emerged victorious in the shootout 3-1, to claim a historic gold medal with a 3-2 win. 

Hosts Croatia also had reason to celebrate on the final day, defeating Serbia 3-0 in front of a passionate local crowd at the Old Harbour to claim the bronze medal. 

With an impressive field of standout performances throughout the week in the men’s competition, the goalscoring exploits and attacking threat of Croatia's Roko Peliacaric was rewarded, as he was named Men's Most Valuable Player (MVP). 

Didac Garcia of Spain won the Best Goalkeeper award, thanks notably to his performance in the final, making nine saves as his team secured the gold medal. 

Looking forward to the future of WP4 

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam hailed the success of the inaugural edition. 

President Al Musallam said. 

“Congratulations to Spain and the United States on becoming our first champions, and we extend our thanks to the coaches, support staff, officials, organisers and the city of Dubrovnik who have contributed to this historic event. The enthusiasm we have seen throughout the week gives us great confidence for the future of WP4 and its potential to bring the sport to new spectators around the world.” 

Tomislav Dumančic, Head of the Organising Committee said: “We are extremely proud to have hosted a new chapter for water polo, here in Croatia, with this WP4 Open Championships. Dubrovnik was the perfect stage, with the historic backdrop of the Old Harbour and passionate crowds of knowledgeable spectators creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Dubrovnik delivered an unforgettable debut and we look forward to seeing what’s next for WP4.” 

The format proved to be a fantastic spectacle, including unpredictability, penalty shootouts, quick decision-making and fast-paced action with team and individual skill on full display. With almost 40% of all goals scored from action shots, the tournament demonstrated that WP4 can produce high-intensity and dynamic competition, capable of driving forward an exciting new chapter for water polo.