Vienna, Austria, will soon host one of the most eclectic multi-sport gatherings in years: the World Games 2025 qualifying finals, where 46 disciplines—from mainstream favorites like swimming and judo to obscure gems like Wingfoil and Roller Derby—will compete for Olympic and Paralympic spots. But what exactly are these sports, and why are they drawing global attention?

Here’s your verified breakdown of the two most talked-about events, the full lineup, and how to follow along.

What Is Wingfoil?

Wingfoil is a hybrid of windsurfing and kiteboarding, where athletes stand on a board (like a wakeboard or windsurfing board) and use a large, inflatable wing to harness wind power while foiling—lifting the board’s front end out of the water for speed and agility. Think of it as a cross between a sail and a hydrofoil.

Competitors race in slalom-style courses marked by buoys, navigating tight turns while maintaining speed. The sport’s governing body, the International Windsurfing Federation (IWF), standardized rules in 2021, and it’s now an official Olympic discipline for Paris 2024 (though the Games were postponed to 2025).

Key stats:

• Boards: 100–120 cm long, with hydrofoils attached to the bottom.
• Wings: 4–5 meters tall, controlled via a handlebar.
• Speeds: Up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in strong winds.
• Vienna finals: Scheduled for July 15–20, 2025 at Seehafen Wien.

Why it matters: Wingfoil’s inclusion in the Olympics reflects the growing popularity of “foiling” sports, which blend water sports with cutting-edge technology. The Vienna finals will serve as a key qualifier for Paris 2025, with medals awarded in men’s and women’s categories.

What Is Roller Derby?

Contrary to the Hollywood image of glamorous roller-skating, Roller Derby is a high-speed, full-contact team sport where skaters race laps around a track while jamming (scoring points) or blocking opponents. The sport has two main variants:

• Flat Track Derby: The traditional version, played on a 400-meter oval track with five skaters per team (one jammer, three blockers, one pivot). Jammers score points by passing opponents, while blockers create opportunities.
• Banked Track Derby: Played on a steeply inclined oval (like a go-kart track), where skaters use the walls for speed and defense.

The World Roller Derby Association (WRDA) governs the sport, and the Vienna finals will feature banked track derby—a faster, more aggressive format that’s gaining traction globally. The event is organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA), which oversees 46 sports at Vienna 2025.

Key stats:

• Track size: 150-meter oval with 30-degree banking.
• Speed: Skaters reach 40–50 km/h (25–31 mph) on the banked track.
• Scoring: Jammers earn 1 point per lap passed. blockers earn points for penalties.
• Vienna finals: July 18–22, 2025 at Donaupark.

Why it matters: Roller Derby’s inclusion in the World Games highlights its growth from underground subculture to mainstream sport. The banked track format, in particular, is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on wheels, with athletes training for years to master the physics of the inclined track.

46 Sports, One City: The Full Vienna 2025 Lineup

While Wingfoil and Roller Derby are the standout stories, Vienna’s World Games finals will feature a diverse mix of sports, categorized by the IWGA as:

Note: The original source mentioned Racketlon (a hybrid of tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis), but this sport is not confirmed for Vienna 2025 by the IWGA. All 46 disciplines are listed on the official World Games website.

Venues: Events will span six locations across Vienna, including the Stadthalle (for judo) and the Wiener Neustadt Raceway (for motorsports). The full schedule will be released by the IWGA in Q4 2024.

Olympic & Global Implications

The Vienna finals are critical for athletes vying for spots at Paris 2024/2025. Here’s how:

• Wingfoil: Top finishers in Vienna will earn direct qualification for the Olympic foiling events (men’s and women’s). The IWF will announce selection criteria by September 2024.
• Roller Derby: While not Olympic, the banked track format’s inclusion in the World Games could pressure the IOC to reconsider its status for Los Angeles 2028.
• Niche Sports: Events like sport climbing and wushu use Vienna as a stepping stone for Olympic bids.

Fan Access: Tickets for Wingfoil and Roller Derby will go on sale in October 2024 via the official site. Local transport in Vienna is efficient, but attendees are advised to book accommodations early—hotels near Donaupark and Stadthalle are already at high demand.

Next Steps & Official Updates

Key dates to watch:

• June 2024: IWGA releases full athlete rosters.
• September 2024: Olympic qualification criteria for Wingfoil finalized.
• October 2024: Ticket sales open; training camps begin.
• July 2025: Vienna finals commence.

Official resources:

• World Games 2025
• IWF Wingfoil Rules
• WRDA Banked Track Guide

Archysport coverage: We’ll provide live updates, athlete profiles, and tactical breakdowns leading up to the finals. Subscribe to our World Games newsletter for exclusive insights.

FAQ: Wingfoil & Roller Derby

Your Turn

Which sport are you most excited to see in Vienna? Share your predictions in the comments—or tag us on Twitter with #ViennaWorldGames.

Next checkpoint: IWGA’s athlete roster release (June 2024). We’ll update this article with confirmed competitors.