Who are the world’s best lumberjacks competing in Stuttgart? On October 30 and 31, around 100 athletes from four continents will meet at the Porsche-Arena for the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championships. The stage is set for an exciting competition: in the team event, the reigning world champions face strong challengers, while the individual title is up for grabs. The field also includes athletes who have already set records this season, as well as several who could spring a surprise in Stuttgart.
Back in 2023, 6,500 fans created an extraordinary atmosphere at the Porsche-Arena. Sold-out stands are expected once again in 2026. The action gets underway on Friday evening with the team competition. Twenty national teams will compete in a knockout format. Four athletes from each team perform four disciplines in succession: Stock Saw, Single Buck, Underhand Chop and Standing Block Chop. The faster team advances to the next round. There is hardly any time to catch their breath.
Australia are the clear favorites. The “Chopperoos” have remained unbeaten in the team competition since 2018, have won the world title ten times and also hold the current world record. However, the competition is closing in. Poland claimed bronze in 2025 and returns with a strong team. Szymon Groenwald and Michał Dubicki have once again demonstrated their class this year: Groenwald successfully defended his Polish championship title, while Dubicki won the European Trophy for the third consecutive time.
The USA are also among the teams capable of making life difficult for Australia in their quest for another title. Their line-up includes Matt Cogar and Nate Hodges, who finished first and second respectively at the 2026 US Championships. Cogar secured his eighth national title, while Hodges impressed with, among other things, a strong Hot Saw time. If the Americans can combine their individual strengths in the team event, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
And then there is Team Germany. Competing in front of a home crowd, the German athletes will be looking to prove they can hold their own against the world’s best. The host nation’s team is led by Danny Martin, a seven-time German champion and four-time record holder.
On Saturday, October 31, the focus shifts to the individual competition. One thing is certain: there will be a new world champion. Reigning champion Jack Jordan from New Zealand failed to qualify.
Instead, his older brother Shane Jordan will compete in Stuttgart. Brayden Meyer is another contender for the title. The 2025 runner-up will take to the stage as the reigning Australian champion and world record holder in the Underhand Chop, giving him the opportunity to claim his second world title.
From a European perspective, much of the attention will be on Poland’s Szymon Groenwald. The 20-year-old tops the European ranking, finished third at the 2025 World Championships and has already set three European records this season.
Team captain Danny Martin is also very familiar with the Porsche-Arena. The seven-time German champion will compete in the Single Buck during Friday’s team event before facing the international competition again in Saturday’s individual event. Stuttgart holds special memories for him: at the 2023 Individual World Championship, Martin surprised everyone by taking bronze. Three years later, he will be looking to create another special moment in front of his home crowd.
Both evenings are sold out. The competitions will also be streamed live on Youtube and Facebook, More than Sports TV and unbeaten TV. Further information about the competitors and the full results can be found in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Database.
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Championships 2026 at a glance:
When: October 30 Team World Championship, 8 pm
October 31 Individual World Championship, 8 pm
Where: Porsche-Arena, Mercedesstr. 69, Stuttgart
