Every few years, roller derby fans around the world gather to watch the sport’s biggest international event — the Roller Derby World Cup. It brings together the best national teams, skaters, and fans under one roof for a few days of intense competition and celebration.
But unlike most global tournaments with fixed venues, the Derby World Cup travels. Each edition finds a new city and a new host league ready to welcome teams from every corner of the world.
The Heart of Global Roller Derby Competition
The Roller Derby World Cup began as a way to showcase how far the sport had come since its grassroots revival in the early 2000s. Organized by an independent committee of leagues and volunteers, the tournament celebrates inclusivity, skill, and the growing reach of flat-track roller derby.
Each edition hosts teams representing countries from every continent. Skaters travel at their own expense, bringing flags, fans, and team spirit to a shared track. The result is a weekend filled with emotion, strategy, and pure derby energy. All in all, a festival for everyone who loves the sport.
Roller Derby World Cup 2025 — Innsbruck, Austria
- The 2025 Roller Derby Cup was held in Innsbruck, Austria, from July 3 to 6, 2025.
- The host venue, Olympiaworld Innsbruck, offers one of Europe’s most modern sports facilities and sufficient capacity for fans from around the world. This marks the first time the Roller Derby World Cup has been hosted on the European mainland. Additionally, it was a major milestone for the international derby. The local league,
- Fearless Bruisers Roller Derby Innsbruck coordinated with the World Cup committee to handle logistics, travel, and fan experiences.
- The event was one of the largest gatherings of flat-track athletes ever held in Europe.
Looking Back
2014 World Cup
The roller derby world cup 2014 showcased how far the sport had evolved since its early days. While smaller in size than today’s editions, it helped lay the foundation for a truly global format.
Teams from North America, Europe, and the Pacific competed, and Team USA continued its early dominance, claiming another championship title.
2018 World Cup
The next major milestone came with the roller derby world cup 2018, held in Manchester at the EventCity arena. Thirty-eight national teams participated, including emerging nations from Latin America and Asia.
The roller derby world cup 2018 teams list featured strong line-ups from the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Japan. In the end, Team USA secured gold once again, with England taking silver and Australia earning bronze.
The derby World Cup results from 2018 highlighted how competitive the field had become. Many matches were decided by only a few points, showing that the skill gap between nations was narrowing.
What to Expect in 2026
Looking ahead to the roller derby world cup 2026, the next chapter in international flat-track derby is already stirring. The detailed official information is still limited. However, there are several key points to watch:
- The next edition will build on the momentum generated by the 2025 Innsbruck tournament. It is likely to involve a new host city and expanded team participation.
- For the men’s division, the Men’s Roller Derby World Cup 2026 has been scheduled in Orléans, France, from April 30 to May 3, 2026.
- These back-to-back tournaments, scheduled for 2025 (women’s) and early 2026 (men’s), reflect the sport’s increasing global reach and gender inclusivity.
- Fans and teams should anticipate announcements regarding the host league, ticketing, team roster registration, and the roller derby world cup 2026 schedule in the months following the 2025 event.
- With 48 teams confirmed for 2025 and growing demand worldwide, the 2026 edition could set new benchmarks for participation, media coverage, and international reach.
Men’s and Junior Derby World Cups
While the main Derby World Cup focuses on women’s flat-track play, the men’s and junior divisions have grown rapidly.
The Men’s Roller Derby World Cup 2018 was hosted in Barcelona, Spain. Moreover, it featured top male skaters from over 20 countries. Team USA Men took the championship title that year, reinforcing their strength in both divisions.
The Junior Roller Derby World Cup 2023 results saw youth teams competing in Valence, France, with Team Canada Junior taking bronze. These tournaments give younger skaters and male athletes their own international stages while strengthening derby’s global foundation.
World Cup Winners So Far
Across every edition since its inception, Team USA has remained unbeaten, winning each women’s derby world cup title. England, Australia, and Canada have consistently placed in the top four, showing remarkable growth and depth across the global field.
As more leagues mature worldwide, upcoming tournaments like the Roller Derby World Cup could bring surprises. New nations, such as Finland, Japan, and Argentina, have demonstrated that strategy and discipline can close the gap against established powerhouses.
FAQs
Where was the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 being held?
The 2025 edition was in Innsbruck, Austria, at Olympiaworld Innsbruck from July 3–6, 2025.
Who won the last Derby World Cup?
In 2025, Team USA won the women’s roller derby world cup.
Is there a men’s Derby World Cup?
Yes. The Men’s Derby World Cup 2018 was held in Barcelona, Spain. Additionally, Team USA Men claimed the top spot.
Are there junior divisions?
Yes. The Junior Roller Derby World Cup 2023 took place in Valence, France.
Where can fans find the latest results?
All World Cup results and official updates are posted on the event website and verified social-media pages shortly after each bout.
Which countries are strong contenders for 2026?
Expect top performances from the USA, England, Australia, and Canada, while nations like Finland, Sweden, and Japan continue to rise quickly.
Conclusion
From the 2014 Roller Derby World Cup to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s journey reflects how far the sport has grown across continents. What started as a volunteer-driven project is now a global celebration of speed, teamwork, and resilience.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Austria or streaming from home, the Derby World Cup offers a rare chance to see the best skaters in the world sharing one track — not just to win, but to represent everything roller derby stands for: inclusivity, power, and community.