Budding Russophiles around the globe are preparing to test their linguistic mettle as registration opens for the 2025 Russian Language World Championship for Foreigners, offering a free trip to Moscow for the top contenders.

The international competition, more than just a language contest, aims to foster teamwork, critical thinking, and creative expression among young learners of Russian.

Teams of five, aged 16-22, with at least an A2 level proficiency in Russian, are eligible to participate.

Each team must also have a coach, aged 21 or older, to provide guidance and support throughout the competition's various stages.

The championship emphasizes not only grammatical accuracy but also the ability to engage in thoughtful discussions, solve complex problems, and defend viewpoints persuasively.

Last year's event drew over 2,000 participants from diverse nations, including India, China, Greece, Vietnam, and several Latin American countries. The final, held in the historic "Tsarskoye Selo," saw Kazakhstan claim the coveted first-place title.

For the 2025 competition, teams will be grouped by geographic region, representing former Soviet countries, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. An online stage will determine the top ten teams from each region. These finalists will be invited to Moscow in December 2025 for the final round, with all travel expenses fully covered by the organizers. The competition provides a unique opportunity for young enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Russian culture, connect with peers from around the world, and sharpen their language skills in a dynamic and engaging environment. Registration, open until September 15, 2025, is free of charge, encouraging widespread participation.