The World Rookie Tour is ready to level up its skateboarding division for 2026 with two major updates: a new location for the Skateboard Finals and the appointment of a new Skateboard Technical Director.

After last year’s successful edition in Velenje, the World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals will move to Celje, Slovenia, where a brand-new skatepark is currently under construction and scheduled for completion this summer. The Finals will take place from September 25th to 27th, 2026.

The park was once again designed by Chris Khan, one of Slovenia’s top skateboarders, who will also oversee the build. Chris already designed the skatepark in Velenje that hosted last year’s Finals, further confirming his experience in creating high-level competition venues.

Designed by skaters for skaters, the new setup promises fresh lines, creative flow and technical features built for next-level progression and high-level competition.

The 2026 season is about to drop, with the full World Rookie Tour Skateboard calendar coming soon.

For now, the first two stops are already locked: the French Fries Rookie Fest in Les Deux Alpes on May 13th, 2026, kicking off the summer flow in the French Alps, followed by the Garda Rookie Fest in Riva del Garda on September 13th, 2026, one of the key events of the season.

These first confirmations already set the tone for an international and progressive tour.

More events will be announced shortly, stay tuned.

At the same time, the World Rookie Tour officially welcomes Iztok Šumatić as Skateboard Technical Director.

A long-time WRT partner and an important pillar of the World Cup Skateboarding organisation, Iztok will be responsible for consolidating and supervising the technical side of the WRT skateboard tour, while supporting organisers in delivering events at an increasingly professional international level.

With decades of experience inside the international skateboarding scene, Iztok has built a strong reputation as a Head Judge, event organiser and technical expert, working on skateboard competitions across the globe. His role within the World Rookie Tour will also include supporting the pre-selection process for new events aiming to join the tour calendar.