Wild League Semifinalists Announced, Final in Porto
The quarterfinals at Danče produced unexpected twists, and the four best teams now see their chance for the title in the traditional Dubrovnik beach water polo championship.
The quarterfinals at Danče produced unexpected twists, and the four best teams now see their chance for the title in the traditional Dubrovnik beach water polo championship.
The beach water polo championship, the legendary Dubrovnik "Wild League," is entering its final stage. After the quarterfinal matches at Danče, the semifinalists are known, and they will compete for the prestigious title on August 10, 2026, in the old city port. The teams vying for the trophy are Plaža Bellevue, Elita, Porporela, and FUN H2O Mlini.
The final stage of the competition, which brought together 21 teams over the past month, attracts hundreds of loyal fans as well as numerous tourists. For decades, the "Wild League" has been not just a local sporting event but also an unmissable tourist attraction. While some shine with their water polo skills, others show only the basics, and the competition's anthem best captures its spirit: "Half a ton, but half swims."
The seriousness with which the finals are approached is underscored by the fact that Nenad Periš has taken over officiating for the final week. This Split native, who has refereed matches at world and European championships as well as the Olympic Games, does not yield to pressure, guaranteeing maximum fairness in the fight for the trophy.
Although top-tier water polo is expected in the final, the exhibition match also draws special attention. In it, the teams of the City and County, as well as the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, will face off. Spectators will thus get an answer to the question of whether politics or art will prevail this year.
This year's entire "Wild League," from the first referee's whistle to the final, was followed from the air, sea, and land by a team led by series author Rene Gallo and cameraman Filip Kos. Viewers of HRT will be able to follow their work in the eponymous series, which will air during the winter months, bringing a touch of Dubrovnik summer and a unique sporting atmosphere into homes across Croatia.
