15 Jul 2025

Austria to host top pilots: FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship

The skies over Wieselburg in Austria will play host to a colourful and vibrant arena from 16-23 August 2025, as top pilots from 22 nations put their skill and strategy to the test in the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship.

Some of the most famous names in competition ballooning will have their sights set on the title. Switzerland’s Stefan Zeberli currently lies in first place in the FAI rankings, and will be hoping to claim the top podium spot against the 2024 World Champion, Clément Seigeot of France. Third in the FAI rankings is Dominic Bareford of the UK, another strong contestant for the podium.

Clement Seigeot lifts the FAI World Hot Air Balloon Champion's trophy in Szeged, Hungary in 2024

Commenting on the geographical features of the area, the event organiser highlights that the northern Mostviertel region, at the foothills of the Austrian Alps, is perfect for ballooning with its steady altitude winds and small valleys that can be easily calculated. The competitors’ flight map will feature very few restricted areas; landmarks include the river Danube to the north of Wieselburg, and the Ötscher mountain which dominates in the south.

Claude Weber, President of the FAI Ballooning Commission, commented:

“We're looking forward to an exciting competition with strong international representation and a great mix of seasoned pilots and rising talents. Ballooning Championships are a true challenge for pilots—and that’s what makes them so captivating. It’s not just the teams who feel the thrill. Everyone following the event can appreciate the skill it takes to navigate wind, weather, and strategy, along with the spectacular views both from the air and the ground. Our sincere thanks to the Mostviertel Ballooning Club for their warm and generous welcome.”

To gain the maximum points during the competition and win the coveted champion title, each balloonist must use their skills in navigation, decision making and strategic flying. Coordinating with their ground teams, pilots will judge how best to ascend or descend into the different wind layers and reach the required destination to drop their markers as close to the targets as possible.