The coastal town of Sozopol will mark a milestone in Bulgarian sports history this autumn, as it hosts the country’s first-ever international beach wrestling tournament on October 4, 2025.
The event, set to unfold on the picturesque Central Beach, will welcome young athletes across multiple categories and promises to bring global attention to the Black Sea resort.
The competition will feature matches in boys, girls, cadets, and juniors age groups, ensuring representation across the next generation of wrestling talent. The official draw for the tournament will take place a day earlier, on October 3, setting the stage for an action-packed weekend.
The decision to bring the event to Sozopol was formalized following a meeting between Sozopol’s mayor, Tihomir Yanakiev, and Bulgarian Wrestling Federation president, Stanka Zlateva. Both leaders highlighted the tournament’s significance not only for Bulgarian sport but also for the local community.
“It is an honor for Sozopol to be the first city in the country to host an international beach wrestling competition,” Mayor Yanakiev said in a statement.
“This sport combines tradition, strength, and maritime spirit—qualities that are the foundation of our community. With such events, we establish the city as a center of sports, young talents, and international cooperation.”
The event is particularly meaningful as beach wrestling has been included in the program for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. Hosting the tournament allows Bulgaria to contribute to global preparations while showcasing its wrestling heritage and the country’s growing sports infrastructure.
Bulgaria already enjoys a strong reputation in beach wrestling. National athletes like Miglena Selishka, who won silver at the 2019 Doha World Beach Games, and Sofia Georgieva, noted for her consistent performances, have demonstrated Bulgaria’s competitive edge on the international stage.
At the grassroots level, the Angel Gochev Wrestling Club has produced remarkable talent, including Emre Myumyunov, a silver medalist at the European Boys’ Championship, and Olympic bronze medalist Evelina Nikolova, who continues to inspire the next generation.
For Sozopol, an ancient town with rich cultural traditions and a thriving tourism sector, the tournament presents a unique opportunity to unite sports, tourism, and community pride. With its sandy beaches and deep maritime culture, the city offers the perfect backdrop for a sport that embodies physical strength and resilience.
The municipality has extended an open invitation to residents and visitors alike to witness the historic occasion. Organizers expect the event to attract not only local fans but also international guests, positioning Sozopol as a rising hub for sports tourism along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
By bringing the international wrestling community to its shores, Sozopol hopes to inspire young athletes, strengthen ties with global sporting federations, and leave a lasting legacy as the birthplace of international beach wrestling in Bulgaria.
With the Youth Olympic Games on the horizon, the tournament in Sozopol will stand as both a celebration of sport and a showcase of Bulgaria’s commitment to nurturing young talent on the world stage.