The organizers of the European Bridge Championship believe that holding the tournament in Riga will not only recoup state investments but also bring economic benefits. Amidst the debates about funding, they remind that around 2000 participants from dozens of countries will arrive in the capital this summer.
In Latvia, the discussion continues regarding the feasibility of state funding for the European Bridge Championship, which will be held for the first time in history this summer in the Baltic countries. The tournament organizers are confident that the event will not only be a sporting occasion but will also bring significant economic returns.
According to a member of the board of the LLC "Bridge Academy," Karlis Rubin, the EuroBridge2026 championships will take place in Riga from June 27 to July 15. First, national teams will compete for the prizes, followed by youth teams.
It is expected that more than 1000 players will come to the Latvian capital, and together with coaches, referees, representatives of the European Bridge League, and fans, the total number of guests will reach approximately 2000 people. The organizers calculated that each participant will spend an average of at least a week in Riga. As a result, the city could receive more than 16,000 overnight stays from foreign guests.
The economic effect is currently the main argument for the project's supporters.
According to estimates from the Riga Tourism and Development Agency, direct revenues to the Riga budget could amount to about 270,000 euros, while the state budget, according to the organizers' calculations, could receive up to one million euros. The overall contribution to the country's economy is estimated at around five million euros.
In comparison, the economic return has become the main criterion for the new program supporting international sporting events, which the government is currently preparing.
Rubin emphasizes that this is not just about money. In his opinion, the tournament will help raise the recognition of Latvia and Riga among the international bridge-playing community. Although this sport remains relatively niche in Latvia, 42 countries and nearly 289,000 players are registered in the European Bridge League.
The organizers also expect additional effects from the presence of well-known players and popular figures from the world of bridge, which could attract the attention of specialized media and social networks.
Meanwhile, the issue of state funding remains open. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs previously stated that he does not see the need for direct support for the championship and requested additional clarifications from the responsible ministries.
Currently, the Ministry of Economics proposes to allocate 225,000 euros to support international sporting events through a competitive mechanism. Various sports federations will be able to receive funding if their projects meet the established criteria for economic efficiency. The organizers of the bridge championship intend to participate in this competition on equal terms.
At the same time, the tournament will not be a closed event only for participants. In early July, at the International Exhibition Center in Kipsala, everyone will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the game, participate in introductory events, and experience the atmosphere of the largest European bridge tournament.
A final decision on the allocation of state funding has yet to be made, but the organizers are convinced that the European Bridge Championship is capable of bringing Latvia not only sports results but also a tangible economic outcome.
