CANCELLED

The GGBY World Cup 2026 is cancelled.

The ISA is replacing the existing World Cup system with a new “World Series.” In order to participate, they require that all competition organizers sign identical, three-year contracts that contain many new requirements and restrictions on the competition side while not expanding the scope of the ISA’s responsibilities. 

For the past six months, I have been trying to strike a balance that would allow the GGBY World Cup to fit into the new system without losing the character of the competition in the process. The negotiations have been unsuccessful, and the unfortunate result is that the GGBY World Cup will not happen this year.

Organizing last year’s World Cup was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I am deeply grateful for the incalculable amount of work that so many people put into running the first Freestyle World Cup in North America, in such a beautiful and unlikely place. Thank you to the competition team, to the athletes, to the GGBY leadership and volunteers, and to everyone else who pitched in.

I apologize for announcing the return of the GGBY World Cup in 2026, then pulling the plug. Repeating the competition in a way that meets my own standards, while complying with the new ISA requirements is beyond my capacity. I truly wish things had turned out differently, but there is only so much in my control.

It’s been a wild ride, 

-Nat Lawson