Text: Chuckernaut & Dana Del Slay
Photos: Renate Schwarzmüller (Games), VRD (Other)
An event of diversity, (DIY-)sports and solidarity.
From July 3rd to 6th, 2025, Innsbruck became the center of the global roller derby community – with a World Cup that made a statement not only in terms of sport but also politically. Organized by the local Innsbruck team, the Fearless Bruisers, the Roller Derby World Cup 2025 at Olympiaworld was a huge event that will never be forgotten, surrounded by beautiful mountains. The sport we love most once again cast its magic and demonstrated how diverse, popular, and important roller derby is.
80 games in 4 days
A total of 48 teams – including national teams and, for the first time, borderless teams like Black Diaspora and Fuego Latino – competed in a total of 80 bracket-style matches. Over 1,000 skaters, including bench and line-up crews, 6,000 tickets sold, and five simultaneous tracks transformed Innsbruck into the center of the derby-verse.
Team Austria started the first day against Team France, but lost 47:427. The second match against the skaters from Team Scotland also ended in favor of the opposing team, with a score of 130:219. On the third day, however, Team Austria celebrated a decisive victory against Team Vietnam, 429:53.
The most exciting game for us was the quarter-final match between Équipe de France and Team Sweden. A roller derby thriller like no other, it was thrilling right up until the very end, with France winning 138:108. In the semifinals, England faced Australia (117:133) and the USA faced France (226:63). England ultimately won the bronze medal against France 149:49, while Team USA won the final against Australia 208:55, taking home the World Cup title for the fourth time in a row.
All match results here.
Community love, solidarity and friendships
But the sporting competition was only part of the experience. The mood among the crowd was exuberant, international, and warm. The community demonstrated solidarity, loudness, and political commitment throughout: In addition to clear statements for trans rights, calls for “Free Gaza” were also heard, and the motto “Skates over States” was carried on T-shirts and posters throughout the event. Merchandise was not only purchased to support the teams, but also worn as a symbol of community affiliation.
The Roller Derby World Cup 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was an expression of queer, feminist and anti-fascist solidarity, organized with a lot of heart and supported by an incredibly committed fan base.
Of course, this event—like the entire sport—was supported by volunteers. Here, too, you can see the solidarity of the derby community. People from various derby leagues and fans from all over the world volunteered to participate in this event.
Halftimeshows and After-Party
The Parade of Teams gave a clear indication of the scale of the event, with all teams displaying their flags and messages one after the other.
In addition to numerous halftime shows during the games, the audience was thrilled at halftime of the finals by the Big Circus, a brilliant show featuring all the groups, consisting of the Scrimmage People, Dust City Rollers, Fearleaders Vienna, and Powerjam. A show that is second to none.
The afterparty organized by the Fearless Bruisers was also a highlight in itself. There was dancing, karaoke, and “sock derby” on several levels of the Olympic Stadium. This weekend showed us how roller derby brings people together. How much love goes into this sport and how wonderful it is to be part of this incredibly great community.
After the World Cup comes the next bout
But that’s not all! Teams Mexico City and Metropolitan Roller Derby (Santiago de Chile) are staying in Austria for another bout and can be seen in Vienna this Saturday. Vienna Roller Derby is hosting the “World Cup Hangover Games”!
Date: July 12, 2025
Schedule: Doors open at 1:00 PM, end approximately 8:00 PM
Location: AHS Theodor-Kramer-Straße 3, 1220 Vienna
Watch a message from Team Mexico >>