The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation (LIHF), together with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, has launched the application process to host the 2030 IIHF Men’s World Championship in the elite division, the LIHF announced on Tuesday.
“Both countries are joining forces to offer a tournament of the highest organisational standards, drawing on professional experience and outstanding results from previous championships,” the LIHF said in a statement.
According to the federation, Latvia has demonstrated its ability to host world-class ice hockey events over the past decades, having organised the men’s World Championship in 2006, 2021, and 2023. The LIHF particularly highlights the 2023 championship, during which 160,000 spectators attended games in Riga, including 42,000 foreign visitors. The fan zone in Riga attracted 220,000 hockey fans, while 270 media representatives from around the world covered the tournament on site.
The LIHF estimates that the 2023 championship contributed 46.2 million euros to Latvia’s economy, with 43.26 million euros generated by spending from foreign fans. During that tournament, Latvia’s national team won bronze medals, achieving the best result in the history of Latvian ice hockey.
“Latvia has proven that it can host world-class hockey tournaments professionally, safely, and with a unique atmosphere,”
said LIHF President Aigars Kalvītis. “Together with Finland, we are ready to deliver another outstanding championship and once again demonstrate that our countries are reliable partners for the international hockey community.”
Finnish Ice Hockey Association President Heikki Hietanens also praised the cooperation with Latvia in 2023, saying the Finnish side is looking forward to joining forces again. “We are two experienced organisers, and together we will ensure a world-class tournament for teams, fans, and all participants,” Hietanens said.
The evaluation of bids will take place in several stages. The Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will review the submitted materials, hosting plans, and infrastructure, while the final vote on the host of the 2030 championship is scheduled for the IIHF Congress in 2026, to be held during the World Championship in Switzerland.
The IIHF Men’s World Championships will take place in Germany in 2027, France in 2028, and Slovakia in 2029. The Winter Olympic Games will also be held in 2030.
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