The 40th FAI World Gliding Championships will be held at Rudniki airfield near Częstochowa, in southern Poland, from 16 to 30 May 2026. The event is organised by the Częstochowa Aeroclub and will bring together up to 120 competitors from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
The Venue
Rudniki airfield (ICAO code EPRU) sits at an elevation of 262 metres above sea level approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Częstochowa city. The field offers three runways, including a 1800-metre concrete strip and two grass alternatives, giving organisers considerable flexibility for launch sequencing with large grids. The airfield is uncontrolled, with no airspace restrictions overhead, and the surrounding terrain is predominantly flat, cultivated farmland — a practical consideration for outlanding retrieval crews. Katowice and Kraków both within reasonable driving distance.
May in this part of Poland generally brings improving soaring conditions, with thermic days becoming more reliable as the month progresses. The competition area has a well-established reputation among Polish cross-country pilots as one of the more productive soaring regions in the country.
Classes
Three classes will fly at Rudniki in 2026: Open, 18 Metre and 20 Metre Multi-seat.
The Open class places few restrictions on glider design beyond a maximum all-up mass of 850 kg. In favourable conditions, Open class has historically been where the most ambitious design work in the sport has appeared. Current competitive models include the Schempp-Hirth Quintus, the Lange Antares 23E and the LAK-20, all with wingspans well beyond 20 metres.
The 18 Metre class limits all-up mass to 600 kg. This class has become the most active in terms of new glider development, with manufacturers producing designs that balance thermalling agility against inter-thermal cruise performance. Gliders in this class routinely achieve glide ratios in the range of 45 to 50:1, and task speeds on competitive days generally fall between 120 and 160 kph depending on conditions.
The 20 Metre Multi-seat class requires gliders to be flown with two crew members for the entire flight. With a maximum wingspan of 20 metres and an all-up mass limit of 750 kg. The two-seat format introduces a different tactical dimension, with crew coordination on tasks, navigation and weather reading all contributing to the result.
Schedule
Unofficial training begins on 9 May, giving teams time to acclimatise to the site and local airspace before the formal registration and technical inspection period opens on 10 May. Official training runs from 13 to 15 May. Contest flying runs from 17 to 29 May, with the closing ceremony and prize giving scheduled for 30 May.
Defending Champions
At the 38th FAI World Gliding Championships held in Uvalde, Texas in 2024, Stefan Langer of Germany took the 18 Metre title, with Simon Schröder second and France's Christophe Abadie third. In the 20 Metre Multi-seat class, Arnold and Striedieck won ahead of the Polish pairing of Rubaj and Matkowski, with Lutz and Janowitsch third. The Open class was won by Felipe Levin, with Michael Sommer second and Laurent Aboulin third. Germany also took the team cup, ahead of France and Austria. All three defending champions in the individual classes will be eligible to enter as additional competitors beyond the normal class entry limit of 50.
For pilots considering the trip as spectators or supporters rather than competitors, the region around Częstochowa is well served by road, and the proximity of Katowice airport makes it a reasonable destination from most parts of Europe.
Full details, bulletins and the registration form are available at wgc2026.eu
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