World Hoopers Open Championship (WHOC) 2025
Golasecca, Italy · September 4–7, 2025
The second edition of the World Hoopers Open Championship (WHOC) took place from September 4th to 7th, 2025, at the Campo Sportivo Comunale “Torrani” in Golasecca (VA), located in Italy’s picturesque northern lake region.
The competition was held on natural grass at a venue equipped with its own parking area and facilities for motorhome camping.
A key innovation this year was the introduction of a team competition, allowing each country to register one team (four pairs) per height category, competing for the prestigious titles of WHOC TEAM Small Champion and WHOC TEAM Large Champion.
Following positive feedback from the additional “unofficial” competition in 2024, this year also featured the International Open Hooper Cup, an open event accessible to all competitors—not only members of national WHOC teams.
Slovenian Qualifiers
In preparation for WHOC 2025, Slovenian competitors took part in three unofficial qualifying events, held as follows:
- May 18, 2025 – Slovenska Bistrica (Judge: Alessandro Ferrero)
- June 1, 2025 – Domžale (Judge: Simone Seganti)
- June 15, 2025 – Domžale (Judge: Alessandro Ferrero)
Dogs were divided into Small and Large categories.
All three events took place in a friendly and educational atmosphere, serving as both training and experience-building opportunities.
Compared to last year, every handler-dog pair showed significant improvement, with visible progress from one competition to the next.
Qualification results (combined Small and Large categories):
The WHOC 2025 Event
This year’s WHOC brought together 174 dogs representing 30 breeds — 42 in the Small category and 132 in the Large category — from 12 countries.
The competition was judged by Nancy Demmers (Netherlands) and Nicolò Maniscalco (Italy).
Team Slovenia
Small Category Representatives:
- Sandi Bertoncelj & Lapa
- Svitan Gaborovič & Uži
- Petra Gobec & Ella
- Alenka Mozer & Maya
- Simon Rus & Maksi
- Jasna Poznič with Gigi and Cini
Large Category Representatives:
- Anja Oven & Sky
- Kjara Kocbek & Ori
- Roberta Longo & JJ
- Tea Lužar & Koda
- Mateja Majer & Blitz
The team leader was once again Alessandro Ferrero.
A Team to Be Proud Of
From my perspective, we were truly the best team. So different from one another — in age, region, and even profession — yet united by passion, teamwork, and pride in representing Slovenia.
I have never heard “Slovenia!” shouted so many times in my life — nor have I ever shouted it so often myself — as I did during those four days at WHOC.
When our Italian friends joined us during the final event, waving Italian and Slovenian flags, the joy was indescribable.
We shared unforgettable moments together, and that is what will remain in our hearts the most.
Equally unforgettable was the respectful relationship between handlers and their dogs. Regardless of the result, every dog received praise — and that, ultimately, is what truly matters.
Notable Results
Round 1:
- Small: 13th – Petra Gobec, 15th – Svitan Gaborovič, 18th – Alenka Mozer
- Large: 5th – Mateja Majer, 40th – Anja Oven, 91st – Kjara Kocbek
Round 2:
- Large: 79th – Mateja Majer, 84th – Anja Oven
Overall:
- Large: 45th – Mateja Majer, 53rd – Anja Oven
Team Results:
- Small Team: Round 1 – 4th, Round 2 – 5th, Overall – 5th
- Large Team: Round 1 – 10th, Round 2 – 10th, Overall – 9th
Some of our competitors were just a small stroke of luck away from higher placements — but that’s part of the sport.
Looking Ahead: WHOC 2026 in Slovenia
Next year, the World Hoopers Open Championship 2026 will be held in Slovenia, from September 3rd to 6th, at Rogla — a wonderful source of motivation and pride for our national team and all Slovenian hoopers!
Final Words
I would like to sincerely thank all members of the Slovenian team for their dedication, cooperation, and fantastic company throughout this journey.
We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone to Rogla 2026.
See you there!
