The IBF Youth World Cup 2025 Kicks Off with Strong Starts from Costa Rica and Denmark

2025 IBF Youth World Cup | Tournament logo

The IBF Youth World Cup 2025 officially got underway today at Olympia Bowling in Helsingborg, Sweden, as 39 nations sent their best young bowlers into action. With six qualifying games completed for both men and women today, it’s already clear that this year’s tournament will be full of surprises, breakout performances, and tight competition.

In the women’s division, Elena Weinstok of Costa Rica jumped to the top of the standings with a sharp 1291 series, averaging just over 215. Right behind her, Colombia’s Sara Duque stayed within striking distance at 1278, while Norway’s Jenny Mathiesen rounded out the top three with 1244. Germany’s Fiona Lindemann and Croatia’s Vivan Banjac completed the top five after consistent first blocks, with players from Denmark, Singapore, Ireland, Thailand, and Finland also making the top ten.

The men’s side saw an explosive performance from Denmark’s Nicolas Carter, who dominated the lanes with a stunning 1462 series—an average of 243.7 across six games. Mathias Otting from Norway followed with 1375, and Slovakia’s Simon Hrusovsky locked in third with 1348. Saudi Arabia, Romania, Malta, Germany, Estonia, New Zealand, and Sweden also placed representatives in the top ten. Sweden's Robin Ilhammar, who just won Masters gold in the European Men's Bowling Championships, rounded out the top 10 with 1293.

With Day 1 in the books, the athletes now shift their focus to the second block of qualifying games tomorrow, continuing the road to the top 16 and elimination rounds. The women will be first on the lanes in the morning, followed by the men in the afternoon.

June 18 kicks off at 09:00 with Games 7–12 of the women’s qualifying round. After a short break, the men return to the lanes at 13:30 to bowl their second block.

IBF Youth World Cup 2025 Schedule

Wednesday, June 18

• 09:00–12:00: Women (Games 7–12)

• 13:30–16:30: Men (Games 7–12)

Thursday, June 19

• 09:00–12:00: Men (Games 13–18)

• 13:30–16:30: Women (Games 13–18)

Friday, June 20 – Stage 2

• 09:00–11:30: Women Top 16 – Games 1–8

• 12:30–15:00: Men Top 16 – Games 1–8

Saturday, June 21 – Finals Day

• 09:00–10:30: Women Top 16 – Games 9–15

• 11:30–13:00: Men Top 16 – Games 9–15

• 13:45–14:30: Stage 3 – Top 8 (Men & Women)

• 15:00–18:00:

  • Stage 4 – Quarterfinals (Best of 3)

  • Stage 5 – Finals

• 18:00: Medal Ceremony & Victory Banquet