WGP#1 WATERJET WORLD SERIES 2026

The "King of Endurance" Returns: Jean-Bruno Pastorello Eyes Record-Breaking 5th World Title

The "King of Endurance" Returns: Jean-Bruno Pastorello Eyes Record-Breaking 5th World Title

BURGAS, BULGARIA – The Black Sea is set for a spectacular showdown as four-time world champion Jean-Bruno Pastorello makes his long-awaited return to professional racing. The legendary French rider, famously known as the "King of Endurance," returns aboard the #8 machine, not just to compete, but to stake his claim for a historic fifth WGP#1 World Series title.

After stepping back from the limelight to serve as a master coach, Pastorello's tactical brilliance was on full display last season when he guided his son, Hugo Pastorello (#88), to the 2025 "PRO-AM ENDURANCE OPEN" world championship title. With Hugo moveing into the ultra-competitive "PRO-AM SKI GRAND PRIX" class, the elder Pastorello returns to reclaim his throne.

The battleground for this comeback is the opening round of the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2026, the " Bulgaria Grand Prix" . Taking place from July 8-12 on the shores of Sarafovo Beach in Burgas, the event will host elite riders from 32 nations, all vying for global supremacy.

A Clash of Titans in the Black Sea.
The "PRO-AM ENDURANCE OPEN" is widely regarded as the toughest endurance category in world waterjet racing. While Pastorello enters the fray armed with four world titles (2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024) and five World Cup victories, his path back to the top has never been more treacherous.

The grid features a daunting lineup of over 20 world-class contenders from 10 countries, all determined to prevent the former king from reclaiming the crown.

Among the leading challengers are :
      • Anthony Radetic (#22): "Captain America," renowned for his relentless speed and iron-willed determination.
      • Nicolas Chamand (#961): The 2021 World Champion from Reunion Island, hungry to reclaim his place at the top.
      • James Bushell (#150) of the United Kingdom and Gyorgy Kasza (#5) of Hungary: Two battle-hardened veterans.

As the roar of engines prepare to echo across the Black Sea, one question looms over the Sarafovo coastline: Can the seasoned brilliance of the "King of Endurance" withstand the hunger and speed of the new generation?

From July 8-12, fans around the world will be watching as the battle for supremacy unfolds on the waters of the Black Sea. Who will claim the first major victory of the 2026 season and emerge as the undisputed champion of the Black Sea?

The answer begins in Bulgaria!

👉 Water sports and jet ski fans can follow the news and updates of "WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2026" - the Opening Round, from 8-12 July 2026 at Burgas-Bulgaria via :