Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2025

The countdown is on for the 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships; a major annual event first held in 1963 as "Modern Gymnastics".

Key Info:

• Dates: 20-24 August 2025
• Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Events: All-Around, Hoop, Ball, Clubs and Ribbon

This year's edition marks an important milestone on the path to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, giving both emerging talents and established athletes a chance to shine on the world stage.

Where to Watch the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

Catch every routine from the 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships live and on demand - completely free on Eurovision Sport. Whether you're tuning in live or replaying your favourite performances, Eurovision Sport is your go-to destination for top-tier gymnastics coverage.

2025 World Championships Rhythmic Gymnastics Schedule

Catch four days of world-class competition at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2025, live on Eurovision Sport. See below for the rhythmic gymnastics schedule and results. Please note Schedule is subject to change.

Date	Expected Finals
August 20 (Wednesday) All Day	Individual Qualifications - Hoop & Ball
August 21 (Thursday) All Day	Individual Qualifications - Clubs & Ribbon
August 22 (Friday) Afternoon	Individual All-Around Final
August 23 (Saturday) All Day	Group All-Around Final
August 24 (Sunday) All Day	- Individual Finals: Hoop, Ball, Clubs, Ribbon - Group Finals: Hoop, Ball, Ribbon

What Is Rhythmic Gymnastics?

Rhythmic gymnastics is a spectacular blend of dance, athleticism, and acrobatics, where gymnasts perform routines to music using handheld apparatus - all on the floor. Every movement is a mix of precision, elegance, and control, turning athletic skill into performance art.

	Info
Apparatus Used	Ball, Hoop, Ribbon, Clubs
Event Types	Individual and Group
Routine Length	- Individual: 75-90 seconds - Group: 2.15 – 2.30 minutes
Judging Criteria	D = Difficulty, A = Artistry, E = Execution, Final score = D + A + E, with time and line penalties added if needed
Scoring System	- 4 judges per category - Highest & lowest scores dropped - Final = Avg + penalties
Common Penalties	Stepping out of bounds, dropped apparatus, overtime

Rio de Janeiro: Host City of the 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

The 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships will unfold in the iconic Carioca Arenas, located in Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Park - a venue steeped in elite sporting history and Brazilian pride.

About the Carioca Arena

• Built for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Carioca Arenas were originally designed to host basketball, judo, and wrestling events.
• There are three main arenas (Carioca 1, 2, and 3). Rhythmic gymnastics will take place in Carioca Arena 1
• Arena 1 is located in Barra da Tijuca, a vibrant neighbourhood, surrounded by mountains and coastlines.
• The arena can seat up to 6,500 spectators, offering an intimate but energetic atmosphere perfect for gymnastics.
• Arena 1 was host to the 2022 Pan American Gymnastics Championships, as well as the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier and Intercontinental Cup Final

Athletes to Watch at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

Rio will welcome a strong field of returning champions, rising contenders, and Olympic hopefuls, all aiming for the podium and make their nations proud.

• Darja Varfolomeev (GER) – 2023 World All-Around Champion and 2024 Olympic gold medallist; swept all five individual titles in Valencia.
• Sofia Raffaeli (ITA) – 2022 world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, known for her technical consistency and expressive style.
• Taisiia Onofriichuk (UKR) – 2025 European All-Around Champion, making her senior Worlds debut after a breakout season.
• Stiliana Nikolova (BUL) – Multi-time World medallist with high-difficulty routines and strong all-around potential.

Recap of the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

The 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Valencia, Spain delivered standout performances, Olympic qualifications, and historic firsts. It was a defining moment for top nations and emerging contenders alike.

• Germany's Darja Varfolomeev dominated the rhythmic gymnastics world championships 2023 results, winning the all-around title and sweeping all four apparatus finals: hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon.
• Israel claimed group all-around gold, solidifying their status as a world leader in group routines.
• China earned its first-ever world medal in the group all-around, marking a breakthrough on the global stage.
• Italy and Bulgaria featured prominently across the 2023 rhythmic gymnastics medal table, with strong showings in both individual and group events.
• The competition gave a clear view of the top contenders in rhythmic gymnastics ahead of Paris, with Germany leading the rhythmic gymnastics medals count race.

Why the World Championships Matter in Rhythmic Gymnastics

The Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships are the most prestigious annual event in the sport, second only to the Olympic Games. They serve as a central milestone for athletes and federations due to their broad influence and long-term impact.

• Rhythmic gymnastics Olympic qualification: In Olympic years or cycles, they act as a key qualification pathway for both individuals and groups.
• World rankings: Results play a critical role in shaping the FIG world rankings, which influence invitations to future events and seeding.
• Athlete visibility: Strong performances here affect national team selection and an athlete's global standing.
• Prestige: With multiple medals on offer, including the coveted all-around crown, they highlight the importance of world championships within the gymnastics calendar.

Discover More Gymnastics Events

Catch world-class gymnastics live on Eurovision Sport, including the World and European Championships. Head to our gymnastics hub to stream past events and see what's coming up.