The European Bridge League warmly congratulates all the young players who took part in the 2025 World Youth Team Championships, held in Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy.
We applaud every player who gave their best, inspired their teammates, and represented their countries with dedication and enthusiasm.
European players distinguished themselves with remarkable performances, winning a total of 14 medals, including 6 gold.
These were the European nations who earned a place on the podium:
🥇 Gold medallists
Poland
Under 16: Maksymilian Blicharz, Jakub Michalski, Blazej Mroz, Hubert Ozibko, Marcel Prokopowicz, Franciszek Stezala, Roland Lippik (captain), Marcin Kuflowski (coach)
Women Under 26: Lucja Ciborowska, Milena Klimiuk, Dominika Lucka, Ewa Morawska, Natalia Suszanowicz, Zofia Trojan, Rafal Marks (captain)
Sweden
Under 26: Andreas Abragi, Sanna Clementsson, Erik Hansson, Ivar Lichtenstein, Castor Mann, Alexander Sandin, Erik Fryklund (captain), Mikael Rimstedt (coach)
Estonia
Under 21: Kaspar Allas, Stella Brita Allas, Jurgen Gusson, Eleliis Orma, Albert Pedmanson, Jasper Vahk, Meelis Kuldkepp (captain), Tonno Vahk (coach)
Italy
Under 31: Giovanni Donati, Gabriele Giubilo, Andrea Manganella, Giacomo Percario, Roberto Sau, Sebastiano Scata, Dario Attanasio (captain), Valerio Giubilo (coach)
France
Youth BAM: Maxence Fragola, Theo Guillemin, Romaric Guth, Margaux Kurek Beaulieu, Leo Rombaut, Nao Tabata, Lionel Sebbane (captain)
🥈 Silver medallists
Netherlands
Women Under 26: Annika Damen, Lotte De Wijs, Sarah De Wijs, Arwen Oranje, Imke Van Den Wijngaard, Marieke Van Der Valk, Janneke Wackwitz (captain), Rens Philipsen (coach)
Youth BAM: Xavier Friesen, Ronald Goor, Sander Goor, Oscar Nijssen, Thibo Sprinkhuizen, Tobias Westerveld, Ruben Buijs (captain), Berend Van Den Bos (coach)
Bulgaria
Under 31: Mark Andonov, Zahari Ferov, Dobromir Lazarov, Angel Momov, Todor Pavlov, Nikolay Vasilev (captain)
Norway
U16 BAM: Solveig Draege, Theodor Lillejord, Brage Hansen Moe, Markus Hansen Moe, Emil Olsen, Sienna Vedaa Vangdal
🥉 Bronze medallists
France
Under 16: Timothe Bernieri, Lubin Crepin, Blanche Legras, Clement Lejosne, Esteban Lyoen, Xavier Roulle, Thibaud Vincenot (captain)
Under 31: Pierre Bedouet, Luc Bellicaud, Romain Bloch, Colin Deheeger, Thomas Guichet, Esteban Vallet, Herve Fleury (captain)
Italy
Under 26: Cristina Brusotti, Alessandro Carletti, Luca Draghi, Vincenzo Beniamino Fresa, Matteo Lombardi, Federico Porta, Dario Attanasio (captain), Valerio Giubilo (coach)
England
U16 BAM: Sam Akayan, Aleksander Blicharz, Joseph Hedges, Wilf Marshall, Stuart King (captain)
Also, Denmark (Amalie Rosa Bune, Leah Thrane Jacobsen, Clara Brun Pedersen, Alma Ertbjerg Rasmussen, Ella Rosthoej, Julie Marina Sigsgaard) won the Youth BAM Final B.
Joseph Hedges, from England, received the Joan Gerard Youth Award in the Under 16 category, in recognition of his exemplary attitude, sportsmanship, and positive spirit throughout the event.
But beyond medals and rankings, the real value of these Championships lies in the experiences shared, the friendships forged, and the lessons learned at and away from the table. Every win brings joy, every loss brings perspective, and both are essential steps in the journey of a young player.
As Rudyard Kipling wisely wrote:
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same…”
To all the participants: we admire your courage, your sportsmanship, and your passion. May this Championship be one of many milestones in your personal and bridge journeys.
And finally, good luck to all the players who will be competing from tomorrow on at the 16th European Youth Pairs Championships!