Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, renowned for its historic water polo culture and ancient harbour, will host the inaugural World Aquatics Water Polo 4x4 Open Championships, introducing the new Water Polo 4x4 (WP4) format to a global audience.
This innovative discipline features four players per side, a smaller playing field, and a shorter shot clock, creating a fast-paced and intense game designed for open-water and urban settings. The event aims to complement traditional water polo while broadening the sport's international appeal.
The tournament will feature 26 teams from 20 countries across five continents. Notable athletes such as Rachel Fattal, Paula Camus, and Max Irving are expected to participate.
World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam described WP4 as a milestone in making aquatic sports more dynamic and accessible. He noted that Dubrovnik's harbour, known as a Game of Thrones filming location and host of the historic Wild League amateur tournament, provides an ideal venue.
Tomislav Dumančić, President of JUG Dubrovnik, emphasized the importance of hosting the global debut of WP4 in Croatia, a country with strong water polo traditions, and expressed enthusiasm for showcasing Croatian culture alongside world-class competition.