PDGA Pro Worlds to be Held in Europe in 2025

PDGA Pro Worlds to be Held in Europe in 2025

In an exciting revelation for the global disc golf community, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has declared that Finland will be the host country for the 2025 PDGA World Championships. This monumental decision marks a historic milestone, as it will be the first time in the history of the sport that the PDGA World Championship ventures beyond North American soil.

Leading the charge for this prestigious tournament is Jussi Meresmaa, the esteemed Tournament Director renowned for orchestrating the European Open in Finland. The championship is set to unfold across two distinguished courses: The Beast in Nokia, a familiar terrain for European Open attendees, and the Tampere Disc Golf Center, a modern championship-level course designed to challenge players in every aspect of the game.

Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Meresmaa expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Bringing the PDGA World Championships to Finland has been my goal for over a decade. Developing the European Open in Nokia as a premier annual Major event and creating a new championship-level course in Tampere have given us the opportunity to bid for the most prestigious disc golf event globally. I am incredibly excited and proud to arrange the first-ever PDGA Worlds in Europe. It is an honor."

Speculation about the possibility of a European PDGA World Championship has circulated for years. Notably, a Finland bid led by Meresmaa narrowly missed the mark for the 2024 tournament, set to be hosted in Virginia. The timing for the 2025 Pro Worlds is yet to be announced. However, the PDGA emphasizes that it will align closely with the European Open on the schedule to "maximize travel efficiencies for players."

The Finnish Disc Golf Association is rightfully celebrating this achievement, as the World Championships anticipate the participation of around 300 players from over 30 countries, making it a globally significant event. The tournament is expected to attract players from diverse corners of the globe, promising a truly international spectacle.

The estimated economic impact on the region is substantial, ranging between €3-4 million. Both Tampere and Nokia, the host cities, are enthusiastic partners in organizing this unique competition. Tampere's Events Director, Perttu Pesä, expressed pride in being the first destination outside of America to host the MM, noting, "We have been planning this for a long time, and now we can get to work together." Nokia's Mayor, Eero Väätäinen, highlighted the success of international events in the city and the positive effects on the local economy.

As the world's best disc golf players prepare to gather in Finland for the most prestigious event in the sport, the global disc golf community eagerly anticipates witnessing history unfold on Finnish courses. Stay tuned for further updates as the excitement builds towards the 2025 PDGA World Championships in Finland! 🥏