07/09/2026
4x4xFAR THE BEST THING
Water Polo Dubrovnik has opened the door to something special
As the curtain comes down on the inaugural 4x4 World Championships, there is a feeling that we may have witnessed the beginning of something very significant for water polo.
And what a place to begin.
Under the UNESCO listed walls of Dubrovnik, surrounded by centuries of history and with the Adriatic Sea providing one of the most spectacular sporting arenas imaginable, a new version of our game was introduced to the world.
The United States emerged victorious in the women’s competition, while Spain claimed the men’s crown. But perhaps the biggest winner was water polo itself.
Most importantly, we saw a version of water polo that people could quickly understand, enjoy and embrace.
Yes, the event was held in Croatia, one of the great water polo nations of the world and home to one of the biggest Wild League competitions in the world but there is a strong argument that Dubrovnik should become the spiritual home of this competition.
Some sporting venues simply fit the product, and watching elite water polo played in the sea beneath those famous walls created something television cameras and spectators can instantly connect with.
But the biggest takeaway goes far beyond Dubrovnik.
This format has room to grow.
Look at the nations that were not represented. The women’s competition did not feature traditional powers such as Netherlands, Canada, Italy or Hungary.
On the men’s side, major water polo nations including France, Greece and Hungary were also absent.
Imagine when they arrive.
Imagine the depth of talent available when more countries embrace the format and begin identifying players specifically suited to 4x4 water polo.
That is where this becomes particularly exciting.
Rather than competing with traditional water polo, 4x4 can become another pathway within it.
It can provide opportunities for athletes who may sit just outside senior national teams. It can create another international stream for emerging players.
And perhaps most interestingly, it could give experienced athletes approaching the end of their traditional international careers another opportunity to remain involved at the highest level.
Different formats suit different athletes.
The reduced numbers, increased space and speed of the game create different tactical and physical demands.
Players who thrive in movement, one on one situations, shooting and creativity suddenly have another international stage on which to perform.
And then there is the entertainment factor that had many a legend watching from the sidelines ( pictured Ratko Rudic, Vanja Udovicic and Dejan Udovicic )
Modern sport is competing for people’s attention. Shorter formats have transformed cricket, rugby has successfully developed sevens, basketball has taken 3x3 all the way to the Olympic Games, and now water polo has an opportunity to create its own alternative product.
It doesn’t need to replace the traditional game.
It needs to complement it.
What Hrvatski vaterpolski savez and World Aquatics have produced in Dubrovnik has demonstrated what is possible when our sport is prepared to think differently.
Take water polo out of the traditional swimming pool environment. Put it somewhere spectacular. Reduce the numbers. Increase the space. Let some of the world’s most skilful athletes attack.
Then bring the spectators close.
The result in Dubrovnik was something fresh, fast and visually spectacular.
Where this format goes from here will depend on the ambition and imagination of those responsible for developing it.
More nations, more events, greater broadcast exposure and potentially a genuine international circuit could transform 4x4 into another important part of the water polo calendar.
Dubrovnik gave us the first chapter.
Hopefully, it won’t be the last.
Because after watching what unfolded beneath those magnificent Croatian walls, there is one overwhelming feeling that 4x4 waterpolo is about to explode.
📸Matthew Gallagher and Academy Waterpolo it was our please to bring you the sights, sounds and tastes of 4x4 in Dubrovnik.
