European Aquatics has announced the full prize money for the 2026 Open Water Swimming World Cup after weather prevented two of the four stages from being completed, leaving only two stops counting toward the final standings.
According to a press release from European Aquatics, the decision to award prize money based on only two contested stops came on a recommendation from the European Aquatics Athletes Committee. The European Aquatics Bureau later approved it. The release also mentions that this reflects the organization’s “dedication and performance of its athletes.”
Prize money was awarded to the highest-ranking women and men based on performances in both Tenero and Razanac; winners received €2,500, runners-up €1,500, and third-placed athletes €1,000 (about $2,800, $1,680, and $1,120 USD).
Poland’s Klaudia Tarasiewicz took home the top prize money, finishing with 700 points in Tenero and scoring 800 points in Razanac to move into the top-earning spot. Finland’s Louna Kasvio finished 2nd with 1,350 points, while Germany’s Fabienne Wenske finished 3rd in the women’s standings with 1,250 points.
On the men’s side, Dario Verani notched 800 points at both stops to take home the biggest payday of €2,500; Poland’s Bartosz Kapala finished 2nd in the men’s rankings with 1,250 points. In comparison, Estonia’s Jaan Pasko finished 3rd with 1,200 points.
Though it was a different organization, the prize money for the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup was similar to what some athletes were offered to compete at the World Aquatics Open Water World Cup.
Just last month, Australian Olympian Moesha Johnson spoke out against a poor offer World Aquatics sent to a number of elite athletes to compete in the World Cup, which came to $2,500 USD and would be paid out at the conclusion of five Open Water swimming stops.
Her message was another shot at the global organization, fighting for better financial benefits and pushing back against feeling underpaid and undervalued.
