The 13th International Lion Dance Championship 2026 — MGM CUP

The highlight of MGM Lion Dance Championship Annual Spectacle series – “The 13th International Lion Dance Championship 2026 – MGM Cup” will take place on October 10 and 11 at the Macau World Heritage landmark in front of A-Ma Temple.

This prestigious international sporting event is co-organized by MGM and the Dragon & Lion Dances Federation of Asia, advised by the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association, and coordinated by the Wushu General Association of Macau. The competition features four categories: Freestyle Lion Dance (High Pole), Women's Traditional Lion Dance, Youth Traditional Lion Dance, and Junior Traditional Lion Dance Championship. 

This year's championship has attracted over 270 athletes from 25 teams representing 14 countries and regions, including Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and first-time contender Canada.

The world's elite lion dance talents will converge in Macau, competing for top honors across the four major categories. Amid breathtaking leaps on towering high poles and the thunderous beat of drums, athletes will showcase their skill, precision, and teamwork in pursuit of victory. With an exceptional international lineup and electrifying performances, the championship is set to be one of the most spectacular international lion dance events.

October 10 (Saturday)
09:35-09:55	Lion Dance Troupes Parade
10:00-10:35	Opening Ceremony
10:35-12:00	Junior Traditional Lion Dance Championship (5 teams)
13:15-18:40	Freestyle Lion Dance Championship (High Pole) (15 teams)

October 11 (Sunday)
10:00-12:05	Youth Traditional Lion Dance Championship (8 teams)
14:00-16:05	Women’s Traditional Lion Dance Championship (8 teams)
16:30-17:20	Award Presentation Ceremony

Facebook platform: MGM Official, long-shi.com 

YouTube platform: long-shi.com

Beyond the competition, take the opportunity to explore the “Lion Dance Culture in Chinese Life” Exhibition at Navy Yard No. 1 in the Barra District.  Exhibition brings together four lion dance inheritors from different regions and five contemporary cross-media artists. The exhibition showcases nine lion dance artworks that fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity, connecting the world through the spirit of the lion. Tracing the roots and transformation of lion dance culture, the artistry of lion head making, and the journey of the lion dance from folk activity to the international stage, the exhibition reveals how lion dance heritage continues to thrive and shine in the new era.