X-Style
X-Style includes the categories Junior Expert (14 years or younger) and Expert. In these categories, the titles “Junior World Champion” and “World Champion” are awarded.
We have decided not to introduce any country restrictions.
Starting groups of ten or fewer riders will compete against each other, with the top three riders advancing to the next round.
Time limits:
Preliminary round: 1 minute
Semi-final: 1.5 minutes
Final: 2 minutes
Artistic Freestyle
The Artistic Freestyle competitions (Individual, Pairs and Group) are divided into two categories and are subject to country-based entry limits:
- Expert
- Convention Contest
1. Expert (World Championship)
The Expert category includes Junior Expert (14 years or younger) and Expert. In these categories, the titles “Junior World Champion” and “World Champion” are awarded.
Each country is invited to nominate its strongest riders for these competitions. We would be pleased to see as many nations represented as possible.
1.1 Entry limits per country (for Junior Expert and Expert):
- 3 female individual competitors
- 3 male individual competitors
- 3 pairs
- 3 small groups
- 3 large groups
If a country placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in the Expert category (Individual or Pairs) at Unicon 21, one additional competitor per podium placement may be entered in that respective category.
Please also refer to the attached PDF: Competitor Limits for Junior Expert and Expert.
1.2 Substitute riders (Group Freestyle)
Substitute riders stepping in for Group Freestyle performances must be officially registered as members of the respective group. Substitute riders are included in the award ceremony and will also receive a medal in the event of a podium placement. Each group may nominate and register up to five additional riders.
1.3 Practice time
In deviation from the IUF Rulebook 2019, the practice time before each Expert category is 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes. In addition, the competition floor will be available exclusively to Expert riders earlier on the competition day for at least 60 minutes. Non-fixed age categories will only be created if at least six performances are registered in the respective category.
2. Convention Contest
The Convention Contest includes only Individual and Pair competitions in Artistic Freestyle.
Fixed age categories:
U11, U13, U15, U17, U19, U21, U23, U25, 25+
Non-fixed age categories:
U30, U40, U50, U60, 60+
2.1 Entry limits per country:
- 30 male individual competitors
- 30 female individual competitors
- 30 pairs
A maximum of four routines per age category may be submitted. If a country wishes to register more than four routines in an age category, please contact us to discuss a possible solution.
3. Time limits
The time limits apply equally to the categories Expert and Convention Contest.
| Discipline | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| All Individuals | 3 minutes |
| All Pairs | 3 minutes |
| All Groups | 5 minutes |
4. Lists of Competitors and Judges by Country
4.1 Competitor List
Countries with more interested athletes than available starting places in Artistic Freestyle must submit a qualification list for the Expert and Convention Contest categories.
Only athletes listed on these lists may register for the Artistic Freestyle competitions.
4.2 Judges List
“Parties (Countries/Clubs) that participate at competitions must nominate judges in relation to the number of Artistic Freestyle participants they send” (see IUF Rulebook 2019).
In order to gain an early overview, we kindly ask all countries to submit a list of potential judges from their country.
A specific request regarding judge allocation will be published on the Unicon 22 homepage after the registration deadline for the Freestyle competitions.
Representatives of each country may request the competitor and judges lists directly from us:
freestyle@unicon22.at
We would greatly appreciate receiving these lists from as many participating countries as possible at an early stage to ensure a smooth competition process.
Important Deadlines
For countries:
Submission deadline for “Competitors by Country” and “Judges by Country” lists:
April 1, 2026
For participants:
Registration deadline for the Freestyle competitions (including X-Style):
June 25, 2026
