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Arnold Sports Festival

National Exhibition Centre (NEC) UK

2027 19-21 March

Official collaboration between the World Kickboxing Organisation and the amazing

Arnold Sports Festival, in agreement with and also in attendance at the expo

by the one and only living legend

Arnold Schwarzenegger!

With Arnold Sports USA and Arnold UK uniting global stages across continents, the WKO is proud to elevate this groundbreaking championship to a new international standard of excellence and exposure which is now the.

WKO OPEN

COMBAT SPORTS

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Attendance to compete in each combat sport such as Ringsports or Tatami Sports.

Is only permitted through registration through the

World Kickboxing Organisation (WKO)

Teams can now register to compete in these prestigious championships, going head-to-head with thousands of elite athletes from across the globe — all battling for the honour of being crowned an Arnold Sports Champion, in front of a live audience of over 70,000 spectators and also globally Livestreamed through WKO-TV.

The Arnold Sports Festival 2026!

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Images from the Arnold Sports Festival

Live Action From Ring 3

Enjoy a Quick Walk Through of the Expo

Live Action From Tatami 3

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Arnold Back 2026.jpg

2027

19th to 21st March

Click tabs below to view useful links for the event

The Birmingham NEC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: (based on previous events)

 

Competition:

 

Will Arnold Schwarzenegger actually be there?

Yes he will be on stage for the Live Q&A usually on the Saturdays, plus he likes to walk around and see the event in action and visit the stalls.

Where does the UK Arnold Championships take place?

The Arnold Championships will take place at the NEC in Birmingham

Will points achieved here be accumulated to the World Grand Prix?

Yes the Arnold Sports Festival is a World Grand Prix event, so points achieved will be added to the rankings and leader board.

 

Where will I be competing?

Everything takes place in the NEC in Birmingham

 

What happens at the Check In?

All competitors are required to complete the fit to fight declaration on the Kihapp system as a part of the pre-entry process, then on arrival check in at the WKO check in desk. Once checked in go to the license check at the weigh in station and weigh in.

 

What happens if I do not weigh what I registered?

You will be moved into the next category which the weight you weighed matches.

What happens if I am not matched at all?

Anyone not matched at all will be given prior notification to look through live draws, if they find a suitable alternative. Let us know and we will add you.

What happens if I am not matched in all of my requests?

You will be refunded for any choices which we were unable to match you in.

What is the difference in Full or Partial Refunds for competitor registration through Kihapp?

 

Full Refund:

If we are unable to match you, we will fully refund your Kihapp entry fees, this will be done prior to the event commencing. 

Full refunds are only available if you pull out of the event with a minimum of 7 days prior to the event. This allows time to re-match your opponents or notify them they have no match due to you pulling out.

Partial Refunds:

If for example you entered for 3 categories but were only matched in 2. You will receive a partial refund for the difference you are owed. Partial refunds are issued in the days after the event has finished. (usually before the Wednesday after the event)

Partial refunds are only available over the minimum entry fee. The Minimum Entry Fee includes up to 2 Categories of your choosing + UK EXPO Weekend Pass. If you paid the minimum and are only matched in 1 there is no partial refund for this. If you entered 3 for example but only got matched in 1-2 fights you would be refunded the difference between the minimum fee and 3 category fee, and so on based on the volume of entries you paid for and were successful in being matched in.

 

Is there an online schedule?

Yes, WKO will published the online schedule once all draws have been provisionally created.

 

How will I know when I am competing?

By viewing the online schedule once its been published.

 

Do I need to weigh in?

Yes all competitors are required to weigh in, but will only be required to weigh in once for the duration of the event.

 

When does The Arnold Sports Festival Start?

The festival starts on the Friday at 10am, and finishes on the Sunday at 4pm.

 

WKO Combat sports will be hosted on:

  • WKO Super Gala - Title Fights
    Entrants who are eligble will be offered WKO Title Fights, as showcase bouts on the opening day of the Arnold Sports Festival in front of thousand of fans.
     

  • WKO Ringsports Championship Saturday
     

  • WKO Tatami Sports Championships Sunday

 

What time do we have to be there?

Competitors need to be there at 09:30am in the morning if wish to weigh in on the the day, or can weigh in any time up to 2hrs before due to compete. Scales will however close at 1pm.

Competition days and times will be:

Friday = Competitor Check in Days

 

Collect Expo Pass from the WKO Kiosk
10:00am - 12:00pm Kiosk Open

14:30pm - 16:30pm Kiosk Open
 

Morning Check In

10:00am - General Licence check and day before Weigh in up to 12:30pm

13:00pm - WKO Super Gala Title & Showcase Bouts 

15:00pm - 17:00pm Ringsports Licence check and day before Weigh in

17:00pm - Finish & Close

Saturday = Day 1 Ringsports Championships

 

Collect Expo Pass from the WKO Kiosk
08:30am - 10:30am Kiosk Open

15:00pm - 16:30pm Kiosk Open
 

Morning Check In

08:30am - General Licence check and day before Weigh in up to 13:00pm

09:30am - WKO Rules Meeting

10:00am - WKO Ringsports Championships kicks off

13:00pm - Lunch break for Officials & Staff

13:30pm - WKO Ringsports Championships resumes

15:00pm - 17:00pm Tatami Sports Licence check and day before Weigh in

17:00pm - Finish & Close

Sunday = Day 2 Tatami Sports Championships  

 

Collect Expo Pass from the WKO Kiosk
08:30am - 11:00am Kiosk Open

08:30am - General Licence check and day before Weigh in up to 13:00pm

09:30am - WKO Rules Meeting

10:00am - WKO Ringsports Championships kicks off

13:00pm - Lunch break for Officials & Staff

13:30pm - WKO Ringsports Championships resumes

17:00pm - Finish & Close

What are the weigh in options?

Competitors can weigh in 3 ways:

  • For competitors competing in both Ringsports and Tatami Sports they can weigh in on Friday from 10:00am to 13:00pm then 15:00pm to 17:00pm
     

  • For Ringsports only Competitors they have the option of:
    Day before weigh in on Friday from 15:00pm to 17:00pm

    or

  • Saturday 08:30am to 13:00pm. (up to 2hrs before due to fight)

  • For Tatami Sports  only Competitors they have the option of:
    Day before weigh in Saturday from 15:00pm to 17:00pm
    or
    Sunday from 08:30am to 13:00pm (up to 2hrs before due to fight)

Prior notification will be emailed direct to all registered competitors in regard to being able to request which days they wish to weigh in. Location and times of weigh in will also be notified well in advance. 

 

How many divisions can I enter?

You can enter as many divisions as you wish, we will do what we can to match you in as many, that we are able to run within the time constraints of the day. 

 

When do I need to pay for my entries?

All entries are paid for at the point of registration. 

 

How much do the divisions cost?

Minimum entry costs of £45 for 1 category of your choice

What's does my entry fee include?

Your £45 fee includes:

  • 1 category of your choosing 

  • Weekend pass to the Arnold Expo (worth £80+)

  • Day pass for your coach (worth £35)
    Coaches can upgrade for weekend pass at £25 which is worth £80+

Are weekend passes available for my coach?

Yes WKO pay for a day pass for each coach which are worth around £40, if your coach would like to upgrade for a weekend pass they may do so by paying £25 to WKO and we will subsidise the the cost of the weekend pass which are equal to £80+

I am only competing on one day can I come for the whole weekend?

Yes your competitor entry fee covers you for the Expo Friday to Sunday, what a bargain!

I am coming for weekend is it possible my coach can have entry just for one day?

Yes your entry fee covers your coaches 1 day pass, if they would like to upgrade and pay for a weekend pass this is optional for them (we highly recommend they do)

How does a coach apply for the upgrade pass?

Once registration has closed then draws and full refunds been completed. We will know the size of each team and how many coaches will be in attendance.

Then coaches will be able to purchase an upgraded Weekend Pass from the WKO Online store for £25. 

 

Do I need a fit to fight declaration?

Yes all fighters must have a fit to fight declaration completed at the point of entry into the Kihapp System.

What are 1st, 2nd & 3rd place rewards?

All will be awarded either Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals

 

Will there be a belt upgrade option for winners?

Yes, we have designed a unique and specific Arnold Sports Championship Belt, which all Gold Medalists are eligible to purchase as an optional upgrade. 

 

Flights & Transportation:

 

The closest Airport is Birmingham International Airport which has both the NEC and a selection of Hotels all in walking distance.

 

Hotels:

 

Can we book our own accommodation?

Yes all attending have the responsibility to book their own accommodation for the duration of their stay at the event.

 

How many spectators/supporters am I allowed to bring?

You can bring as many as you like

 

Competitor Requirements:

Do I need a license or suitable travel insurance?

Yes all competitors must have adequate insurance to compete:

  • All UK based competitors must have an in date license that covers them to compete in their chosen rules.

  • Does not have to be a WKO license but they are available if you require a license

  • NONE UK Competitors do not need a license but DO NEED sufficient travel insurance, in case of injury

 

Do I need a medical?:

Due to the duration of all bouts being shorter than that of Gala events, Medicals are only required where stipulated and if required a fit to fight medical to be carried out for you.

How much do the fit to fight medicals cost?

There is no charge for a WKO Fit to Fight Medical

Spectator Requirements:

What type of ticket do I require to spectate?

Spectators have many options and available upgrades. the basic ticket required is the 'UK-Expo Ticket'

What type of ticket is basic for me?

This is all down to if you want to be there for 1 day or more, the choices are:

  • UK-Expo 1-Day Pass 
    (fast pass option is available)

  • UK-Expo 3-Day Pass
    (fast pass option is available)

Is Parking Free?

No unfortunately NEC do have parking charges which are out of our control, we recommended if staying in a local hotel, leave your car there and walk over. 

Parking sells out for this event, so we suggest booking as early as possible and especially for disabled parking. WKO have no control or influence over the NEC parking arrangements.

Will WKO refund any spectator tickets?

The Arnold Sports Festival has a NO REFUND POLICY on all ticket purchases, this is out of WKO control or influence, sorry.

Other:

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS PLEASE DO NOT

HESITATE TO CONTACT US​​

2026

MEDALLIST'S CERTIFICATES

(CERTIFICATES ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, SCROLL THROUGH TO FIND AND PRINT YOURS)

RESULTS FROM

PREVIOUS CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Click the links to view results)

OPENING HOURS

Monday-Saturday

10.00am - 6.00pm

 

Sunday

10.00am 4.00pm

 

ADDRESS

WKO HQ

Unit 7 Rowms Lane 

Swinton

Rotherham

S64 8AE

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© 2017 WKO - World Kickboxing Organisation

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