By Kevin Noone
400 fighters, 32 nations, 1,800 people, four competition rings and three extraordinary days of championship action on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sardinia.
The beautiful Italian island of Sardinia provided a spectacular backdrop for the hugely successful 2026 Amazing MuayThai European Festival, held from October 15–18, bringing together 400 fighters representing 32 countries for an unforgettable celebration of MuayThai, friendship, sporting excellence and international unity.
Hosted at the Pala Beethoven Arena in Quartu Sant’Elena, near Cagliari, the festival showcased the remarkable growth of MuayThai throughout Europe, with athletes, coaches, officials, families and supporters coming together for four memorable days.
At the heart of the festival were the prestigious WBC MuayThai European Championships, featuring three spellbinding days of tournament action from October 16–18.
Across four competition rings, with eight hours of action each day, athletes demonstrated extraordinary determination, courage, discipline and sportsmanship in their pursuit of European championship glory.
The tournament featured an extensive range of competitive divisions, including Adult Elite, Adult B-Class, Adult C-Class, Under-18, Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12 categories, alongside special exhibition contests for the festival’s youngest participants, the Under-10 athletes.
From experienced elite competitors to young fighters taking their first steps on the international stage, the festival provided a platform for every generation of the MuayThai community.
A Spectacular Opening Day of Learning and Inspiration
Before the first championship bell sounded, Thursday, October 15, delivered an exceptional programme of educational activities.
Against the stunning backdrop of Sardinia’s Mediterranean coastline, the Amazing MuayThai Masterclass brought together two outstanding figures from the sport: MuayThai superstar Dani Rodríguez and former elite Thai stadium champion Kaoponlek.
The beachfront masterclass was an extraordinary experience, allowing enthusiastic participants to learn techniques, exchange knowledge and enjoy an unforgettable session with two highly accomplished MuayThai athletes.
The beautiful surroundings, combined with the infectious enthusiasm of those attending, created a wonderful atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of the Amazing MuayThai Festival.
The same day also featured the highly successful Amazing MuayThai Trainers Workshop, conducted by renowned British trainers Richard and Lisa Smith of the legendary Bad Company Gym in Leeds.
With decades of experience developing championship-level athletes, including international superstar Liam Harrison, the Smiths shared their knowledge, coaching philosophies and invaluable insights with an enthusiastic gathering of trainers and coaches.
Their workshop reinforced one of the festival’s central objectives: ensuring that the development of MuayThai extends beyond competition into education, coaching excellence and the continued sharing of knowledge.
The festival also celebrated MuayThai’s deep cultural roots in Thailand, including an educational collaboration with Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University’s College of Muay Thai Studies and Thai Traditional Medicine.
Three Days of Championship Drama
When competition commenced on Friday, October 16, the atmosphere inside Pala Beethoven was electric.
Four rings operated throughout each competition day, with national teams passionately supporting their athletes as the pursuit of European gold medals gathered momentum.
Every contest told its own story of preparation, sacrifice, ambition and determination.
For some athletes, the festival represented another significant chapter in an established competitive career. For others, particularly the younger competitors, it was an opportunity to experience the excitement and responsibility of representing their country on an international stage.
The championship action culminated on Sunday, October 18, when the final contests determined the festival’s gold, silver and bronze medal recipients.
To every gold medal winner, congratulations on becoming a WBC MuayThai European champion. Your dedication, sacrifice and commitment have been rewarded with a tremendous sporting achievement.
To every silver and bronze medalist, congratulations on your outstanding performances and on earning your place among Europe’s leading competitors.
And importantly, to every athlete who travelled to Sardinia and competed without winning a medal, the WBC MuayThai family extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation.
Winning medals is only one measure of success.
Having the courage to enter the ring, challenge yourself, represent your team and compete with pride is an achievement deserving of recognition in its own right.
Recognising the Sacrifices Behind Every Fighter
Behind every athlete stands a network of people whose support, dedication and sacrifices make these opportunities possible.
The World Boxing Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to the parents and families of our young athletes.
The financial commitments, countless hours travelling to training sessions, weekends devoted to competitions and personal sacrifices made by parents should never be underestimated.
Without this extraordinary support, many young athletes would never have the opportunity to experience the personal growth, friendships and unforgettable memories that international tournaments provide.
Equally, the WBC recognises the sacrifices made by adult competitors who take time away from their employment, businesses, families and personal responsibilities to pursue their passion for MuayThai.
These athletes often invest considerable personal resources in their training, travel and preparation, motivated by their love of the sport and the opportunity to compete.
Their dedication deserves enormous respect.
A special acknowledgment also goes to the coaches, trainers, referees, judges, medical teams, volunteers and event organisers whose hard work and professionalism helped deliver three outstanding days of championship competition.
Thank You, Sardinia
The WBC MuayThai extends its sincere appreciation to the island of Sardinia, the city of Quartu Sant’Elena, the local organising team and everyone who contributed to hosting this exceptional international gathering.
Sardinia proved to be a wonderful home for the Amazing MuayThai European Festival, combining its natural beauty, Mediterranean hospitality and rich cultural identity with the energy and passion of the international MuayThai community.
Beyond the results, medals and championship contests, the festival created something equally meaningful: lasting memories, new friendships, renewed connections and stronger bonds between MuayThai communities from across Europe.
Athletes who arrived as sporting rivals departed having shared an experience that transcended national borders.
Coaches exchanged knowledge, families formed new friendships, and young competitors gained experiences that will remain with them for years to come.
The 2026 Amazing MuayThai European Festival was far more than a championship tournament. It was a celebration of people, passion, perseverance and the extraordinary international community that makes MuayThai so special.
As the curtain closes on an unforgettable four days in Sardinia, the World Boxing Council MuayThai congratulates everyone who contributed to making the festival such an incredible success.
The medals will be treasured, the victories remembered, and the friendships celebrated long after the final bell.
Lastly, but not least, we thank our amazing team of ring officials who without them, would be not in ring action. You were all sensational and professional throughout.
Thank you, Sardinia, for the memories.
WBC MUAYTHAI — THE PEOPLE’S SPORT.