Cape Town welcomed the world for Africa’s first POSA World Pole Art Championship, where South African athletes delivered top-tier performances and multiple medals.
Cape Town, South Africa (05 December 2025) – Cape Town was buzzing with energy as Africa hosted the World Pole Art Championship (WPAC) for the very first time, and South Africa’s athletes rose to the occasion in spectacular style, collecting medals, impressing judges, and turning the city into a playground for some of the world’s best pole performers.
With competitors and judges coming from corners of the globe such as Europe, Australia, the USA and Poland, Cape Town quickly became the centre of the pole art universe. Many visitors explored the city between competition days, taking helicopter tours, snapping selfies with Table Mountain’s views, and visiting Boulders Beach’s famously photogenic penguins.
Australian pole legend Joanna Littlewood-Johnson, an eight-time champion who has been competing for 16 years, was thrilled with both the country and the local talent.
“The South African athletes were fantastic! They have such personality and that comes through on stage. I loved Cape Town and being able to experience the beauty, visiting Table Mountain and the waterfront and seeing the amazing coastline! The food was fabulous and everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming.”
For Team South Africa, the event was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in front of home fans, and they delivered. All 13 athletes finished within the top 15 of their divisions, and four proudly stepped onto the podium:
- Chantal Cornelissen – Gold (Women’s Competitive Masters 40+)
- Stella van Duuren – Gold (Women’s Amateur Varsity)
- Suné Dahms – Silver (Women’s Masters 40+ Amateur)
- Isla Chiworeso – Bronze (Women’s Amateur Varsity)
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Nine-year-old Stella van Duuren shared her thoughts after she stole hearts with her win.
“It was really amazing! When I looked into the crowd and saw my friends and family, I wanted to do my best because they were right there watching. And when I won the gold medal, I felt so proud, like all the hard work was worth it.”
Her mom, Lindsay, shared her pride:
“Every time she steps out there, I’m amazed by her courage, her strength, and how much joy she brings to what she does. it reminds me just how hard she’s worked to be there.”
One of the standout moments of the entire championship was the return of iconic pole artist and Cirque du Soleil star Dimitry Politov. Competing for the first time since 2021, he delivered a jaw-dropping routine that earned him his tenth world title and the award for the highest score of the entire competition.
The person steering the sport locally is Chantal Cornelissen, president of Aerial Sports South Africa and one of South Africa’s gold medallists. As the host federation, she was determined to show the world what the country could do.
“I hope we can change the perception of what pole dancing is. Pole is a sport, it uses flexibility, strength and dynamic movements, and it’s a sport for all ages.”
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