The Hippo World Finals are the grand finale of the Hippo English Language Contest, bringing together some of the most talented young English learners from around the world. After months of preparation and several qualifying rounds, finalists from more than 75 countries gathered in Italy to celebrate language, learning, and international friendship.
Held in the historic city of Spoleto, Italy, the 2026 World Finals were much more than an academic competition: they were a vibrant celebration of communication, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. Students put their English skills to the test through listening, reading, writing, and speaking examinations, alongside the Hippo Test, designed to assess their overall language proficiency. All examinations were evaluated by an international team of qualified assessors.
A Look Back at the Hippo 2026 World Finals
The event began with the arrival of participants in Spoleto and registration at the Hippo Desk, where finalists received their badges, participation certificates, and essential information for the days ahead. The excitement soon moved to the streets with the Grand Opening Parade, one of the highlights of the event. Accompanied by the Spoleto Marching Band, students and their accompanying adults paraded through the city, escorted by the musicians all the way to the square. There, Accademia Creativa, an Italian theatre company, entertained the crowd with a spectacular performance combining different forms of live entertainment and street art. It was a joyful and colourful opening to three days of competition, discovery, and international friendship.
In the following days, the focus turned to the competition itself. Finalists demonstrated their abilities across all four language skills and completed the distinctive Hippo Test, while the programme also offered plenty of opportunities to relax, have fun, and connect with fellow participants from around the world. Games led by Elia and Riccardo, cheerful photo sessions with the beloved Hippo mascot, and interviews at the Hippo Spotlight Corner brought energy and laughter to the days between examinations. Through these interviews, students could share their stories and reflect on what being part of the World Finals meant to them.
Teachers also had a special opportunity for professional development through a dedicated workshop led by Stuart McDonald, exploring ideas and approaches to English language teaching. The programme further encouraged teachers and coordinators to exchange experiences, build connections, and strengthen the international Hippo community.
The cultural programme offered participants a chance to discover Italian art, traditions, and lifestyle. Coordinators also took part in dedicated activities, including a welcome meeting and opportunities to explore Spoleto’s historic surroundings. Together, these experiences made the World Finals a meeting point for young learners, educators, and international representatives, united by a shared passion for language and cultural exchange.
The three-day event culminated in the World Finals Grand Awards Ceremony at the Teatro Nuovo Gian Carlo Menotti. In an atmosphere filled with excitement, applause, and pride, finalists were celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and achievements. The announcement of the winners marked the culmination of months of preparation and an unforgettable international journey, while every finalist was recognised for reaching this prestigious stage of the Contest.
Participants left Spoleto with medals, certificates, new friendships, and lifelong memories. Beyond the examinations and awards, they took home a valuable experience of learning, discovery, and mutual understanding: a reminder that language can bring people together across borders.
We look forward to welcoming students, teachers, and coordinators to future Hippo events, where the joy of learning and growing together continues: the Hippo Way!
Relive the excitement! Explore the photo gallery from Spoleto and discover the highlights of the Hippo 2026 World Finals, capturing moments of learning, laughter, celebration, and international friendship.
