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This is the final of the world season of jet ski racing, which was moved from December 2026 to January 13–17, 2027. The location remains the same: Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, where participants from around the world will gather to decide the season champion. On the same days at the same venue, the WGP#1 Asian Championship will also take place, so spectators can look forward to two tournaments on one course. Heats run throughout the day, without a fixed hourly schedule, so you can come to the beach at any convenient time and catch the races. If you are planning a vacation in Thailand for mid-January 2027 and enjoy speed and watersports, these dates are definitely worth putting on your calendar.
What kind of festival is this?
WGP#1 Waterjet World Series is an international series of jet ski racing, or waterjet racing: athletes compete on high-speed watercraft and fight for points on courses along the coast. The final round traditionally closes out the season and decides the title holder.
For the 2026 season, the organizers chose Pattaya as the finish point: the city has already hosted major watersports tournaments, and shortly before, a similar world championship in aquabike took place in Phuket · RU. By the way, the WGP#1 Asian Championship, the Asian leg of the series, will take place on the same dates at the same venue, so the program will be packed: the world and Asian titles are being decided at once.
The final was originally planned earlier, for December 16–20, 2026, but the organizers moved it to January 2027. It is the same city and the same beach, only the dates are different.
When and where it is held
The WGP#1 Waterjet World Series in Pattaya will take place January 13–17, 2027 — the event runs all day, and the organizers will publish the exact heat schedule closer to the start. The venue is Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, one of the city’s longest and busiest beaches; you can read more about the coastline in the overview of Pattaya beaches.
The final date is not the original one: the races were initially set for December 16–20, 2026, but on June 20, 2026 the organizers officially moved them to January 2027. The reason given in the official announcement was “unavoidable circumstances” related to the venue’s occupancy in December. The region and venue did not change when the dates were moved; only the calendar dates changed.
Traditions and how it is celebrated
At WGP#1 Waterjet World Series races, spectators typically watch jet ski heats at high speed right along the beach’s edge: the roar of engines, sprays of water and tight battles between athletes over fractions of a second. Since the WGP#1 Asian Championship will also take place in Pattaya at the same time, the tournament days will stretch across several heats in a row: qualifiers first, then the final heats for world and Asian points.
An event of this scale noticeably brings the beach area of Jomtien to life for all five days. By the way, according to jet-net.org, local hoteliers have also gotten involved following the date change: for example, D Varee Jomtien Beach has offered guests special rates for the tournament period, a clear sign that the city is preparing for an influx of spectators.
The organizers publish the official day-by-day program, heat schedule and participant list on the website wgp1.com closer to the start. If you want to catch a specific heat, check for updates before your trip, and while you’re at it, look at the Pattaya events listing, which also lists other events on these days.
Practical tips for travelers
Getting to Jomtien Beach from central Pattaya is easy: songthaews (local shared pickup trucks) run along Thappraya Road and the coastal road, while a taxi or Grab from Central Pattaya takes 15–20 minutes. If you are booking a hotel in advance, look for options near Jomtien; during tournament days, demand for rooms by the sea traditionally rises.
A cap or sun hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes will come in handy: January in Pattaya is dry and sunny, and the races are watched under open skies all day. Bring water, and don’t stay away from the beach for long if you don’t want to miss the final heats.
The organizers had not published ticket prices at the time this material was prepared, so check current prices and admission terms on the official website wgp1.com closer to the event dates.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When does the WGP#1 Waterjet World Series take place in Pattaya?
The 2026 season final will take place January 13–17, 2027 at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. The races were originally planned for December 16–20, 2026, but the organizers moved the dates to January 2027; the venue remained the same.
How much does admission to the races cost?
The organizers had not published ticket prices at the time this material was prepared. Check current prices and terms on the official website wgp1.com; details usually appear closer to the start of the tournament.
Where exactly will the races be held?
The venue is Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, the same one listed in the original December announcement. You can get there by songthaew, taxi or Grab from any point in the city.
Why were the dates moved from December to January?
The organizers announced the change on June 20, 2026, citing “unavoidable circumstances” related to the venue’s occupancy in December 2026. The region and venue remained the same; only the dates shifted.
What other tournaments are taking place on the same days?
Alongside the world series final in Pattaya, the WGP#1 Asian Championship, the Asian leg of the same organization, will take place. Both tournaments are held at the same venue on the same dates, January 13–17, 2027.
Conclusion
The WGP#1 Waterjet World Series in Pattaya is a good reason to add another vivid day by the sea to your mid-January 2027 trip: speed, spray and the thrill of jet ski racing right on Jomtien Beach. The dates were moved by just a month and the venue stayed the same, so follow updates on the official website wgp1.com. If watersports interest you, Pattaya is clearly the place to be over these five days.