The 2025 Championships Will Blend Sport, Culture, and Community by the Sea
Welcome to Genova, where the heart of European fencing will beat from 14 to 19 June 2025. As one of the most anticipated events on the fencing calendar, the European Senior Championships are set to unfold in a city rich with history, innovation, and maritime charm.
In this special launch feature, Giuseppe Costa, President of the Local Organising Committee, and Pascal Tesch, President of the European Fencing Confederation, share their insights and visions for an event that goes far beyond the piste — embracing values of excellence, inclusion, and community. Together, they offer a unique perspective on what makes Genova 2025 a championship like no other.
A Moment of Pride for Italy
Hosting the European Championships is a moment of national pride and a significant opportunity for Italy and the city of Genova. Giuseppe Costa, President of the Local Organising Committee, describes it as “a chance to offer athletes and delegations an unforgettable experience and to show how Italy combines world-class sporting organisation with the beauty and hospitality of its regions.”
Costa’s claimed is second by EFC President Pascal Tesch : "Italy is one of fencing's strongest nations," who stresses that "Inspection reports are promising, and I'm confident the LOC will deliver an outstanding show."
The event aims not only to deliver excellent competition but to serve as a platform for promoting values such as sustainability, inclusion, and community participation. “This is not just a sporting event,” Costa says, “it is a European story being told through the lens of Liguria.”
Meticulous Planning and Local Synergy
Since the event was officially awarded in 2022, preparations have moved forward with great momentum. The Organising Committee has worked closely with the City of Genova, the Liguria Region, and local hospitality partners to ensure that all delegations are welcomed with the highest standards of service.
Public transport connections to the venue have been strengthened in cooperation with AMT, with a strong focus on sustainable mobility. A dedicated shuttle service will also connect key hotels to the competition site, ensuring smooth logistics for all participants.
An initiative that Tesch comments with "Sustainable transport is crucial. We should make these initiatives mandatory, not just welcome them. I'm pleased Italy is joining this movement."
A Championship Like No Other
What makes this event truly unique is its setting and structure. Preliminary rounds will take place in the 20,000-square-metre Jean Nouvel Pavilion, while finals will be hosted in the newly renovated Palasport, redesigned by world-famous architect Renzo Piano. The dual-venue setup offers a rare blend of architectural excellence and practical functionality.
Beyond the competition, visitors can enjoy the exhibition “From History to Fencing”, which explores the sport’s origins and evolution — including an immersive virtual fencing experience that connects the tradition of fencing with its future, another aspect that pleases the EFC president :.” We must think beyond pure sport. Creating 'more than a sport event' makes fencing more accessible and interesting. While gold medals remain the ultimate goal, cultural and tourism connections attract broader audiences and generate revenue to reinvest in the sport.”
Culture and Hospitality in the Spotlight
Cultural engagement is a key pillar of this edition. Each delegation will receive a welcome pack filled with information and recommendations for exploring Genova’s rich artistic and historical offerings.
On the eve of the official opening, international guests will be invited to attend a special performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Teatro Carlo Felice — one of the city’s iconic cultural venues. “Genova will tell its story through its places, its art, and its hospitality,” Costa affirms.
EFC President Tesch completes : “The Magic Flute explores timeless themes: love, power, revenge, wisdom, the quest for enlightenment, and the struggle between good and evil. Its celebration of virtue, courage, and the triumph of enlightenment makes it a perfect match for fencing.”
Community at the Core
The Championships have been designed as a participatory experience, with strong involvement from the local community. Volunteers will play a central role, recruited through an open call on the official website and through agreements with the University of Genova and several secondary schools.
Even the official mascot for the 36th edition was created by local students. “Every moment of this event will be built together,” says Costa. “We want to transform the sense of belonging into shared energy and showcase Genova as a city that knows how to welcome, inspire, and grow.”
A Legacy Beyond the Podium
Looking beyond the event itself, the Organising Committee hopes the Championships will leave a lasting legacy. “We want to attract new fencers, especially young people, through the example of the 12 fencing clubs already active in Liguria,” Costa says.
He also hopes the event will raise awareness among local institutions about the need for accessible, inclusive sports facilities — particularly for parafencing. “This sport deserves dignified and well-equipped environments where every athlete can thrive.”
"We're at the beginning when it comes to inclusion," adds Pascal Tesch. "Raising awareness is paramount, but we must understand that real inclusion doesn't mean making everyone equal—that's impossible. Instead, we must accept people as they are and find ways to coexist despite our differences."
Your Invitation to Be Part of It
As the countdown begins, fencing fans from across Europe are encouraged to make their way to Genova for this unmissable event. “It’s a unique opportunity to experience the sport we love at its highest level,” Costa says. “Genova will be ready to welcome everyone with passion, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments.”
So mark your calendars and join us in Liguria for six days of fencing, friendship, and celebration.
? 14–19 June 2025
? Genova, Italy
? www.europeischermagenova2025.com
?️ Tickets available from 6 March via Vivaticket
? Download full info pack
We look forward to seeing you on the piste and in the tribunes. Let the road to Genova begin!
