PATTAYA, THAILAND – High-powered jet ski racing brought international competitors and fans to the Gulf of Thailand for the World Jet Ski Games and WGP#1 World Championship.
International field and high-performance races
Between 17 and 21 December, riders from around the world met off Pattaya for the World Jet Ski Games, headlined by the Pro Ski Grand Prix in the Modified Sit-Down Class with engines of up to 2,000 cubic centimetres. According to organisers, the powerful jet skis reached an impressive 300 to 400 horsepower, underscoring the event’s focus on professional water motorsport where technology, fitness and precision played a central role.
Amateur division midweek, professionals on weekend
The WGP#1 World Championship – Amateur Division was scheduled from Wednesday, 17 December, to Friday, 19 December, putting junior and hobby riders in the spotlight. The Pro Division followed directly at the weekend, with professional races on Saturday, 20 December, and Sunday, 21 December, placing the climax of the event on the two days with the highest visitor numbers.
Free tickets distributed at Pattaya retailers
To make the event more accessible, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) distributed free admission tickets exclusively in Pattaya at selected locations. The tickets were available at Makro Pattaya, Lotus North Pattaya and Lotus South Pattaya from 7 to 18 December, with no further free tickets announced after that period.
Tourism push for waterfront spectacle
The Tourism Authority of Thailand positioned the World Jet Ski Games as a crowd-pulling spectacle for the coastal city, combining free entry, international competition and high-powered racing machines to attract additional visitors. Organisers particularly highlighted the dynamic nature of the races, stating in the official announcement:
“Don’t miss the excitement! World Jet Ski Games.”
said the event organisers.
Safety measures and local impact
With jet skis delivering up to 400 horsepower, safety considerations stood alongside the show element at the event. On international racing circuits, medical teams, track marshals and technical inspections are standard features of such competitions, and similar frameworks applied here. For residents and local businesses around the venue, the multi-day event meant increased visitor numbers as well as potential traffic peaks near the participating supermarkets and the beachfront area.