After spectacular World Tour stops in Tobago, France and the United States, the DØDS Diving League (DDL) is heading back to its home country! On Saturday, August 8th starting at 14h CEST, the world's best døds divers will gather at Kongstenbadet in Fredrikstad for the fourth stop of the 2026 World Tour and the final opportunity to qualify for the DØDS Diving World Championship later this month.
For one day, Kongstenbadet will be transformed into an international action sports arena featuring grandstands, live commentary, music, giant screens and some of the sport's biggest stars. With prestigious Norwegian broadcaster NRK airing the event across Norway and DØDS Diving League distributing highlights through its global digital channels, the event will showcase Fredrikstad to audiences both nationally and internationally.
The event will also be distributed internationally through DØDS Diving League's digital channels, which reach millions of viewers every year. In addition, the competition will be streamed LIVE on DAZN outside Norway and broadcast on ESPN across North America, giving Fredrikstad a unique opportunity to showcase itself to both national and international audiences.
The competition brings together many of the world's leading athletes, including local favourite Truls Torp, alongside Tore Våge, Reagan Popoff, Herman Solstad, Asbjørg Nesje, Simen Mathisen and Fredrikstad's own Simen Fisk. Athletes from Spain, France, the United States, Switzerland and several other countries will compete for valuable World Tour points and the remaining places at the DØDS Diving World Championship.
Home athlete Simen Fisk looks forward to competing in Fredrikstad
For Fredrikstad native Simen Fisk, this year's World Tour stop is more than another competition. It is an opportunity to perform in front of family, friends and a home crowd while representing one of the world's top-ranked teams.Together with Herman Solstad, Fisk forms Team Nordic Legend, currently ranked second in the world in the Team Winners standings.
"It means a lot to compete at home”, says Fisk. “Herman and I have had a really strong season together, and we've built great momentum as a team. To have the chance to perform in front of family, friends and everyone from Fredrikstad makes this event even more special. We want to put on a show that people will remember.". “If we can fill Kongstenbadet and create a true festival atmosphere, I believe Fredrikstad can become a permanent stop on the World Tour. That would mean a great deal for the sport, for the city and for those of us who come from here. I really hope people come out and experience just how spectacular døds diving is up close."
Building a long-term World Tour destination
Although this marks the first time Fredrikstad hosts a DØDS Diving League World Tour event, the ambition extends well beyond a single competition.
"We are looking for cities that want to grow together with us, not simply host an event," said Paul Rigault, CEO of DØDS Diving League."Fredrikstad has everything we look for. It has a fantastic venue, a strong event culture and a community that embraces new experiences. Our ambition is to explore the opportunity of making Fredrikstad a permanent destination on the DØDS Diving League World Tour."
Beyond the sporting competition, the World Tour also serves as a platform to promote its host cities internationally. Through live broadcasts, digital content and social media, the League reaches millions of viewers every year.
"When we select a host city, we want to give something back. We want to create a celebration for local residents while introducing the city to a global audience. That has become an important part of what we are building with the World Tour," Rigault added.
Creating value for the local community
For DØDS Diving League, every World Tour stop is designed to deliver lasting value beyond the competition itself. As title partner of the Fredrikstad event, SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus sees the event as an investment in both the local community and the regional economy.
"We are proud to help bring the DØDS Diving League to Fredrikstad. Events like this create energy throughout the city and attract visitors from near and far. They generate positive economic activity for local businesses while creating memorable experiences for people across our region. This is exactly the kind of initiative we are proud to support," said Ida Andberg, Head of Social Responsibility at SpareBank1 Østfold Akershus.
Free DØDS Academy for children
Before the world's best athletes take to the platform, SpareBank 1 Østfold Akershus, together with DØDS Diving League, will host a free DØDS Academy led by local athlete Simen Mathisen. Children and young people will learn the fundamentals of death diving, including technique, safety and confidence-building, while meeting some of the world's best athletes.
"Developing the next generation is one of our most important responsibilities," said Rigault. "If we want the sport to continue growing, we need to give young people the opportunity to experience it safely and meet the athletes they look up to. That is just as important as the competition itself."
Participation in the DØDS Academy is free of charge, with registration opening shortly.
A full day of entertainment
The World Tour stop in Fredrikstad is designed as a festival experience for spectators of all ages. Visitors can expect spectacular dives from platforms up to 10 metres high, world-class athletic performances, live entertainment, music, food and family activities throughout the day.
Synnøve Finden will be on site with their food truck, while the celebrations continue after the competition with the official World Tour afterparty at Quality Hotel Fredrikstad, bringing together athletes, partners and fans.
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Gates open at 14h
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Qualification begins at 14:30h
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The finals start at 17h
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After Party at Quality Hotel Fredrikstad at 19h
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early as strong attendance is expected.