Paraguay will host the inaugural Hot Air Balloon World Championship 2025. The event will be held from August 28 to 31 in Yguazú, in the department of Alto Paraná. The upcoming tournament will bring together 30 pilots from over 20 countries including Japan, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, France, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Argentina.
The championship coincides with the 26th edition of Expo Yguazú. Organisers selected Yguazú after evaluating multiple locations that met international safety standards. The National Civil Aviation Directorate (DINAC) has overseen preparations to ensure proper regulations are in place.
International competition field
Notable participants include Endo Mamoru from Japan, who has 35 years of flying experience and 2,500 flight hours. Peter Dutneall from Australia, known as the “Gentleman of Hot Air Ballooning,” will compete with 3,000 hours of experience. Three-time Brazilian champion Warley Macedo, and Malaysian Balloon Fiesta president Mohammad Sobri Saad are also confirmed.
Other competitors include Rick Astral from New Zealand, a commercial pilot with 3,000 flight hours, and John K from South Korea, who serves as president of the Asia Balloon Fiesta. The competition will follow the format of Brazil’s Torres Balloon Festival, which has operated for 35 years.
Safety and organisation surrounding hot air balloon
Event director Steve Kim, a Korean pilot with 30 years of experience, arrived in Paraguay this week for final preparations. Safety protocols will be maintained at the highest level, according to organisers. The balloons used in competition can cost up to three times the value of standard recreational balloons, which exceed US$400,000 in market value.
Paraguay currently lacks specific regulations for hot air balloon competitions. DINAC has worked with organisers to establish appropriate safety standards for the event.
Economic impact
Tourism Minister Angie Duarte highlighted the event’s positive impact on Paraguay’s international promotion. The National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) is expected to declare the event of national interest. Alto Paraná Governor César Landy Torres announced the department will grant the championship departmental interest status. The event is projected to boost cultural tourism, and activate the local economy.
Each participating pilot will arrive with their press team, guaranteeing media coverage across multiple countries. Local authorities expect the event to create new business opportunities and strengthen community pride.
Visitor experience
The festival will offer tethered balloon rides at the Japanese College facilities during Expo Yguazú. Visitors can ascend up to 30 metres in professional hot air balloons.
The main venue at Club Minga Guazú will feature competitive flights and balloon exhibitions throughout the event. The cultural programme will include international gastronomy featuring Korean and Paraguayan cuisine, along with K-Pop performances.
Future plans
Yguazú Mayor Mauro Kawano Agüero committed municipal support, to establish the city as the permanent venue. Municipal Tourism Secretary Enmanuel Fernández said local authorities will provide necessary support to ensure competitors feel welcome.
The championship is projected to become an annual event, officially launching in 2025 as the “International Hot Air Balloon Festival of Yguazú.” Organisers expect future editions to feature increased participation from pilots and international artists.
The event positions Paraguay alongside established ballooning destinations like Québec, Canada, and Cappadocia, Türkiye, in the international hot air balloon tourism circuit. While Paraguay’s inaugural championship features 30 pilots, established festivals operate on larger scales. Canada’s Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival reached over 225,000 people with 150+ balloons, while Cappadocia serves around 500,000 tourists annually with 280 balloons.
Paraguay’s inaugural event establishes the country as a new player in international balloon tourism.
Read more about events in Yguazú: Natsubon: A Summer Celebration of Japanese Culture in Yguazú, Paraguay.
