The European Universities Water Polo Championship 2025 has officially concluded on 13 July with a moving and energetic Closing Ceremony at the Vukovar Swimming Pool, marking the end of an unforgettable competition of student sport, unity, and fair play.

Throughout the week, Vukovar welcomed athletes with open arms and a warm heart, athletes, volunteers, organisers, officials, and supporters, counting over 150 participants representing 7 universities from 4 European countries. 

From the first whistle to the last goal, the tournament offered interesting matches in also building bridges between cultures and creating memories for a lifetime.

In the men’s finals, the title of champions went to the University of Pecs (HUN), which triumphed in a tense and action-packed match against the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (HUN).  The bronze medal was secured by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (HUN) after an exciting game against the University of Zagreb (CRO) and completing the podium with all-Hungarian teams.  

FINAL STANDINGS

1. University of Pecs (HUN)
2. Budapest University of Technology and Economics (HUN)
3. Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (HUN)
4. University of Zagreb (CRO)
5. Eszterhazy Karoly Catholic University (HUN)
6. Ozyegin University (TUR)
7. Artois University (FRA)

Individual excellence was also recognised during the ceremony:

• Top Scorer Award: Tur'an Andr'as from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (HUN) with 33 goals 
• Best Goalkeeper Award: Abel Ferens Szilagyi from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (HUN)
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Vidovenyecz Zsombor from the University of Pecs (HUN)

The medals and awards were presented by Zeljko Sudaric, Dean of the Polytechnic Lavoslav Ruzicka in Vukovar and President of the Local Organising Committee; Milan Zvan, EUSA Executive Committee member and SCAC Chair; Filip Susac, Deputy Mayor of the City of Vukovar; and Nenad Peris, Water Polo Technical Delegate. Individual awards were handed by the two impressive and decorative former water polo players - Anđelo Setka and Gergely Kiss.

In a symbolic moment of continuity, the EUSA flag was passed from the organisers in Vukovar to  Milan Zvan, marking the official end of the championship and transferring the honour of hosting to the next destination.

"We witnessed not only top-level water polo, but also the spirit of unity that defines the EUSA movement," shared Zeljko Sudaric during his speech.

The European Universities Water Polo Championship 2025 proved that sport can inspire, unite, and leave a lasting legacy, especially in a city like Vukovar, where resilience and pride are woven into every corner.

EUSA thanks the Local Organising Committee, volunteers, the city, and all involved stakeholders for the great work done around the European Universities Water Polo Championship, ensuring a high level of professionalism, warm hospitality, and a memorable experience for all participating teams and officials.

For more information on the European Unviersities Water Polo Championship, please see https://waterpolo2025.eusa.eu/