Traverse City, Mich. — Six world-class teams will compete for bragging rights in an effort to capture top honors at this year’s International Fireworks Championship in Traverse City, Michigan. The teams were announced today by the competition organizers.

 

The two-night event will be staged on September 11^th and 12^th and will feature three teams each night along with a closing finale. The teams will have up to 15-minutes to impress both the audience and a panel of pyrotechnic judges.

 

This year, teams will come from Poland, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Romania, and the USA. Each team earned its place in the lineup by winning major fireworks competitions around the world.

 

“Each year, the Championship brings some of the most talented fireworks designers in the world. The 2026 lineup may be our strongest yet,” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH). “These teams represent the very best of their countries. They bring creativity, precision, and artistry. Their displays are combined with musical choreography and results in an unforgettable experience.”

 

Each team custom-builds its presentation for the Traverse City event to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Judges will score the teams on how they synchronize their fireworks visual displays with selected high-energy music.

 

The teams include:

• Team Poland: Nakaja (Nah-kah-ja) Art— the returning champion from last year’s International Fireworks Championship. They have also taken awards at competitions in Germany, France, and the UK.
• Team Canada: Firemaster Productions — Renowned for a massive two-barge Canada Day celebration in Toronto, and taking away honors at fireworks competitions in Germany and the UK.
• Team Romania: Pyro-Technic International — Specializes in large public celebrations and pyro musicals. The team has taken awards in China, Slovakia, Germany, Lithuania, and France.
• Team New Zealand: Pyro International — Gained a reputation for precision choreography and strong musical storytelling. The team is known for large-scale productions across New Zealand.
• Team United Kingdom: Firework Crazy — Is a multiple-time winner of the prestigious UK Firework Champions. The team’s biggest undertaking occurs during the iconic Bonfire Night celebration in the UK, where they present more than 60 displays in a few days.
• Team USA: Astro Magic FX — Is recognized for creating large-scale stadium spectaculars that have been viewed by millions around the world. They are considered specialists in high-energy performances that blend powerful musical synchronization.

 

While some seating sections have sold out, tickets for both nights are still available at www.TraverseCity.com. Prices start at $45. Group sales are available. The Championship will again be held at Turtle Creek Stadium.

 

The International Fireworks Championship is organized by Traverse City Tourism and sponsored by The Carrithers Family, Priority Health, Saffire, GFL Environmental, truenorth Convenience Stores, Fox Grand Traverse, TVC Airport, and the Michigan Air National Guard.