Athlete of the Year 2026
Pole & Aerial Sports
A title that recognizes not only results, but also dedication
The Athlete of the Year Award aims to recognize the athlete who, throughout the 2026 season, demonstrates outstanding sporting performance, dedication, development, sportsmanship, and commitment to the values of the Federation.
The award is not exclusively intended for elite or internationally competing athletes. The Federation believes that amateur, emerging, and multi-category athletes should also have a genuine opportunity to earn this recognition.
For this reason, the Athlete of the Year is determined on the basis of an objective, transparent, and predefined points system, complemented by an assessment of the athlete's commitment to the Federation's values.
1. Competitions included in the 2026 assessment
The following three major competitions are included in the 2026 Athlete of the Year ranking:
- Qualification Championship
- IPSF World Championships
- The Gala of Pole and Aerial Arts
An athlete must participate in at least two of the three competitions to be eligible for the Athlete of the Year Award.
This is particularly important because it ensures that athletes who do not compete at the World Championships — for example, athletes competing in amateur or other categories — still have a genuine opportunity to be considered for the award.
2. Points system
The two Hungarian competitions are awarded points according to the same base scale:
Place Points
1st 100
2nd 90
3rd 80
4th 70
5th 60
6th 50
7th 40
8th 30
9th 20
10th 10
3. IPSF World Championships – Double Points
The result achieved at the IPSF World Championships is awarded double points.
Place World Championship Points
1st 200
2nd 180
3rd 160
4th 140
5th 120
6th 100
7th 80
8th 60
9th 40
10th 20
The double weighting reflects the Federation's recognition of the additional sporting achievement required to compete successfully at international level.
4. Competition weighting
For an athlete competing in one category at all three competitions, the maximum available points are:
- Qualification Championship: 100 points
- The Gala of Pole and Aerial Arts: 100 points
- IPSF World Championships: 200 points
Maximum total: 400 points
Therefore, the weighting is:
- IPSF World Championships: 50%
- Qualification Championship: 25%
- The Gala of Pole and Aerial Arts: 25%
This system recognizes both international achievement and consistent performance throughout the domestic season.
5. Recognition of athletes competing in multiple categories
The Federation recognizes that competing in multiple categories requires additional preparation, commitment, versatility, and physical and mental effort.
Therefore, when an athlete competes in more than one category at the same competition, each category is scored separately and the points are added together.
Example:
Qualification Championship
- 1st place – Individual category: 100 points
- 2nd place – Doubles category: 90 points
Total: 190 points
If the same athlete also competes in two categories at the World Championships:
- 1st place: 200 points
- 3rd place: 160 points
Total: 360 points
The athlete's maximum possible score therefore increases according to the number of categories in which they compete.
This system recognizes the additional workload, versatility, and commitment demonstrated by athletes who compete in multiple disciplines or categories.
6. The award is not limited to World Championship athletes
The Federation's objective is to ensure that the Athlete of the Year Award does not become exclusively an elite or World Championship award.
Participation in and success at the World Championships is naturally a significant achievement, which is why World Championship results receive double points.
However, an athlete who does not participate in the World Championships may still be a strong candidate for the award if they achieve outstanding results at the two domestic competitions and demonstrate commitment through participation in multiple categories.
The system therefore recognizes:
- amateur athletes;
- emerging athletes;
- developing athletes;
- athletes competing in multiple categories;
- athletes demonstrating consistent performance throughout the season;
- athletes showing exceptional dedication to the sport.
7. Performance is not the only consideration
The objective points system provides the measurable foundation of the award.
However, the Athlete of the Year Award is not intended to be merely a competition ranking.
The Federation wishes to recognize an athlete who not only achieves strong results, but also represents the values of the Federation and the sport.
The following qualities may therefore be considered:
- dedication and commitment;
- sportsmanship;
- continuous development;
- active participation in competitions;
- respect for competition rules and judging decisions;
- respect toward fellow athletes and the wider sporting community;
- positive representation of the sport;
- commitment to the Federation's professional and community values.
The award should recognize not simply the athlete with the highest score, but the athlete who best represents the values and spirit of the Federation.
8. Who deserves to be Athlete of the Year?
The Athlete of the Year should be an athlete who, throughout the season, demonstrates:
Performance + Participation + Dedication + Sportsmanship + Leadership
The objective points system ensures transparency and fairness when comparing sporting achievements.
The Federation's values ensure that the award ultimately recognizes a person who is worthy of representing the sport and its community.
The goal is not simply to celebrate a World Champion.
The goal is to celebrate the athlete who, throughout 2026, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their performance, the sport, and the community.
9. Tie-breaker
If two or more athletes finish with the same total number of points, the following criteria will be applied in order:
- Higher World Championship result;
- Greater number of 1st-place finishes;
- Greater number of categories in which the athlete achieved a ranked result;
- Greater number of completed competitions.
If the ranking still cannot be determined, the Federation's appointed professional committee will make the final decision based on the predefined evaluation criteria.
Athlete of the Year 2026
The Athlete of the Year Award is for an athlete who does more than win — they set an example.
The Federation's goal is to recognize an athlete whom competitors, coaches, and the wider community can genuinely be proud of.
Performance matters.
Dedication matters.
Sportsmanship matters.
Leadership matters.
The Athlete of the Year is not simply a title based on results — it is recognition of an athlete who truly represents the spirit, values, and future of Pole & Aerial Sports.
