METROPOLITANGO WORLD COMPETITION CIRCUIT 2026

OFFICIAL REGULATIONS - ITALY
(Valid for all National and International Categories)

The MetropoliTango World Competition Circuit originates from the ten-year format of the “Metropolitano Tango Italia” and takes place in several countries worldwide. It includes both the National Circuit and the International Circuit.

MetropoliTango World 2026 will be developed across multiple stages (Official Venues) in different countries, from November 2025 to the end of June 2026.

The Italian circuit (MetropoliTango World Italia) will run from November 1, 2025, to April 19, 2026 (in any case, before the National Final 2026, which is scheduled—subject to confirmation—for May 1–2, 2026).

Italy is the only country with more than 15 official stages; therefore, a National Ranking will be necessary, both for the National and the International categories. MetropoliTango Italia will thus be a Ranking-based circuit (National and International Rankings).

Each Stage (or Sub-Venue) will represent a competition of the Circuit, and winners will be determined with the awarding of titles and prizes, both for National and International categories.

Competitors may choose to participate in only the National Circuit, only the International Circuit, or both Circuits.

For the National Categories, to enter the Ranking it will be necessary to participate in at least 3 different Stages/Cities, with the exception of the Tango Escenario and Group Choreography categories, which follow specific rules.

The National Finalists will be the best 24 couples in each category. The National Final will take place in Jesolo on May 1–2, 2026 (subject to confirmation).

For the International Circuit in Italy, the International Finalists will be determined with participation in just 1 Stage/City. The Jesolo Final (May 1–2, 2026), for the International Categories, will serve a dual purpose: it will be both the Italian International Final, and an open qualification stage for entry into the Italian International Ranking, granting access to the Italian International Finals, reserved for all couples who participated in one or more stages in the International Circuit in Italy.

For the International Circuit, there will be 5 categories, all Open (open to both Amateurs and Professionals), for participants from all over the world:

• Tango de Pista Open
• Vals
• Milonga
• Tango Escenario
• Tango Milongueros (Leader, Follower)

Each International Category will be considered valid with at least 1 couple formed by non-Italian participants. An “International couple” is defined as a couple where at least one member is of non-Italian nationality and not residing in Italy.

National Circuit of MetropoliTango (with Ranking system) will include these categories: Tango de Pista, Vals, Milonga, Tango Escenario, Coreografie di Gruppo (Minimum 3 Couples or 6 participants for Group) and Trilogia

For Tango de Pista there will be 6 different categories:

1. TANGO OPEN – Open to all, both Professionals and Amateurs. All Amateurs may also register for the Open category. Professionals may only register for the Open category.
2. TANGO AMATEUR – Exclusively for Amateurs of all ages and levels. All Amateurs may also register for the Open category. Professionals may only register in their own category (Open).
3. TANGO AMATEUR BEGINNER – For new dancers: couples in which both partners have at most 3 years of continuous tango experience. Exclusively for Amateurs.
4. TANGO AMATEUR SENIOR – For adults aged 55+. Exclusively for Amateurs.
5. TANGO MILONGUEROS – Open to all. Registration is individual (not as a couple). The ronda consists of 3 songs with partner changes for each song. Judges evaluate each Leader and each Follower separately, awarding the best Leader and the best Follower.
6. TANGO PRO-AM – Couples formed by 1 Professional and 1 Amateur.

• Vals and Milonga – Open categories, for both Amateurs and Professionals.
• Trilogía – Open category: each couple performs 1 Tango, 1 Vals, and 1 Milonga in the same ronda.
• Tango Escenario – Open category. Each couple competes individually, presenting 1 choreography (Tango, Vals, or Milonga), chosen by them, with a maximum duration of 4 minutes. Music must be provided in digital format (mp3 on USB stick) at accreditation. The name of the choreographer must also be declared.
• Group Choreography – Open category. Groups must include at least 3 couples (6 dancers). Participation of Professionals is limited to a maximum of 1 couple (or 2 individual dancers). The choreography, chosen by the group or choreographer, must last between 2 and 4 minutes. Props are allowed. Stage minimum: 7 meters width × 5 meters depth.

Special Category “Tango Sin Fronteras”

The Tango Sin Fronteras category is open to all people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, regardless of type or degree, including those who use aids, devices, or supports (wheelchairs, prostheses, canes, etc.).

Couples may consist of:

• one disabled and one non-disabled dancer, or
• two disabled dancers.

The spirit of the category is to celebrate freedom of expression, connection, and the joy of Argentine tango, respecting each dancer’s individuality.

This category will be held only during:

• the National Final weekend (Apr 30 – May 3, 2026), and
• the World Final weekend (June 25–28, 2026)

Participants may present 1 individual performance (1 couple), either on improvisation or in the execution of a choreography, or 1 group performance, in the execution of a choreography.

Definition of Amateurs and Professionals

• Amateurs: individuals who have never worked professionally in the tango world, nor acted as official assistants to tango teachers, nor previously run regular courses, workshops, practices, or lessons in Argentine Tango (even if unpaid), even if the income from any courses does not represent the only and/or the main source of income. Also excluded are holders of professional/technical diplomas or licenses issued by federations, sports entities, associations, or individuals.
• Professionals: individuals who practice tango as teachers, instructors, coaches, assistants, or are currently/previously responsible for regular tango courses, workshops, or practices (even if unpaid), even if the income from any courses does not represent the only and/or the main source of income. This also includes holders of technical/professional diplomas or licenses issued by federations, sports entities, associations, or individuals.

Each category will be considered valid and confirmed with a minimum of three registered couples; for the Milongueros category, with at least six registered couples, three leaders and three followers.

For the Tango Amatori Beginner, Tango Escenario and Group Choreography categories, there is no pre-established minimum number and the category will be confirmed even with just 1 participant (Couple/Group).

N.B. The Choreographic Group may present itself in different numerical formations, in the different stages, as long as there are 3 fixed couples (6 elements), which determine the identity of that Group (for example, Group "X", which presents itself at a Location/Stage made up of couple A, plus couple B, plus couple C, may present itself at other Locations/Stages also with couple D, E, F, etc., as long as couples A, B and C are always present. Within the Choreographic Group, a maximum of 1 couple (or 2 elements/participants) of Professionals may perform.

ORGANIZATION

The highest authority for the competition—responsible for enforcing all the provisions of these Regulations in all Official Venues—will be MetropoliTango World Srls.

REGISTRATION

Participants must be at least 18 years old by the start date of the competitions.

National Circuit: open to couples who are either Italian nationals or have been residents of Italy for at least 1 year from the date of the competition they intend to enter.

Participants may register for one or more Stages/Sub-Venues of the Circuit, without regional restrictions.

For each Stage/Sub-Venue, a competitor may enter with only one partner per category, but may compete with different partners in different categories, and with different partners in the same category in different cities/stages.

International Circuit: open to participants from all over the world.

Each International Category will be considered valid with at least 1 couple formed by non-Italian participants. An “International couple” is defined as a couple where at least one member is of non-Italian nationality and not resident in Italy.

Participants may compete with one partner per category, but may change partners across different categories.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE – ANNEX 1

To participate in the activities of MetropoliTango World, including both National and International Circuits, each participant must:

1. Register online on the official website www.metropolitangoworld.com.
2. Pay the annual individual membership fee:
• €97.00 Standard Membership – includes access to all standard services of MetropoliTango World, registration with Metro Tango SSD, registration with the sports promotion body LIBERTAS (with whim Metro Tango is affiliated for 2025–26), and insurance coverage.
• €50.00 Beginner Membership – exclusively for those competing only in the Beginner Category of the Italian National Circuit. If later joining other categories or services, they must upgrade to the €97 Standard membership.

1. Provide a valid medical certificate of fitness for non-competitive amateur sports.

Registration for the National and International Circuits of MetropoliTango Italia is complete and confirmed only once both the medical certificate and the membership payment have been received.

CONDITIONS FOR NATIONAL RANKING

To participate in the National Ranking and qualify for the National Final, competitors must take part in at least 3 Stages/Sub-Venues of the Circuit, except for Tango Escenario and Group Choreography, which follow specific rules.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES – REGISTRATION AND FEES

After registering for the Circuit, participants must select the category(ies) they wish to compete in for each Stage, through the official MetropoliTango World website.

The fees for categories are paid directly to the Local Organizers of the selected Stages/Cities (official partners of Metro Tango).

National Categories

• Beginner: €20 per couple
• Up to 2 Couple Categories*: €70 per couple
• Up to 4 Couple Categories*: €90 per couple
• More than 4 Couple Categories*: €100 per couple
• Milongueros: €30 per person
• Group Choreography: €80 per group

International Categories

• Up to 2 Couple Categories*: €70 per couple
• Up to 4 Couple Categories*: €90 per couple
• Milongueros: €30 per person

Notes:

• *“Couple” means the same partner. If competing with different partners, the fee is counted separately (€70 + €70).
• *Categories must belong to the same circuit (all National or all International) to be cumulative.
• *Beginner, Milongueros, and Group Choreography categories are independent and cannot be combined with other categories for cumulative discounts.

Registration deadlines for each Stage will be published on the official website and corresponding social media accounts.

ACCREDITATION

At accreditation, participants must:

• Present a valid ID document (and proof of Italian residence if not shown on the ID, for National Circuit participants).
• Amateur competitors must sign a sworn declaration confirming their Amateur status and declare any close personal or professional relationships in the last 3 months with jury members.
• Tango Escenario and Group Choreography competitors must provide the name(s) of choreographers/authors of their routine and hand over the music (mp3 format on USB stick) to the DJ.

Each competitor will then receive their participation number.

• Participants who fail to accredit cannot compete. Delays are only tolerated in proven cases of force majeure.
• All data declared during accreditation will be treated as a sworn statement. Any later contradiction will result in penalties (score reduction, disqualification, or other measures decided by the Organization).
• ID and accreditation documents must be shown at the start of each competition phase.

 

COMPETITION

For both the National and International Circuits, competitions will consist of up to 3 elimination phases:

• Qualifying Rounds,
• Semifinals,
• Finals.

If more than 50 couples per category are registered, an additional phase (Quarterfinals) will be added before the Semifinals.

COMPETITION PHASES

• Qualifying Round: activated with at least 21 couples per category, with a maximum of 10 couples per ronda (12 couples may be allowed in special cases, subject to approval by the Central Organization). In such cases, it may be possible to skip the Qualifying Round and move directly to the Semifinal.
• Semifinal: activated with 11 to 20 couples (or up to 24, if approved). The top 10 (or 12) advance to the Final. In case of a tie for 10th place, all couples tied will advance. If fewer than 12 couples are registered, the Central Organization may allow a direct Final.
• Final: activated with 3 to 10 couples (or 1–10 for Beginner, Escenario, and Group Choreography). Up to 12 may be allowed if approved.

Examples:
A) 21 (or 25) couples → Qualifying Round → top 18–20 (or 24) advance to Semifinal → top 10 (or 12) advance to Final.

B) 20 (or 24) couples → start directly from Semifinal → top 10 (or 12) advance to Final.
C) 10 (or 12) couples → start directly from Final.

• In all categories (except Escenario and Group Choreography), competitors perform in group presentations (rondas), dancing 3 recorded songs chosen by the Organization (sometimes 2 for timing reasons).
• The Organization may disqualify participants who:

a) fail to comply with the Regulations,

b) commit ethical misconduct or actions harmful to the Championship’s image or offensive to the public.

RANKING SYSTEM

All participants who qualify for the Final of a Stage/Sub-Venue (up to 12 couples) will receive points:

Points per placement:

• 1st place → 20 points
• 2nd → 15 points
• 3rd → 12 points
• 4th → 9 points
• 5th → 8 points
• 6th → 7 points
• 7th → 6 points
• 8th → 5 points
• 9th → 4 points
• 10th → 3 points
• 11th/12th (if present) → 1 point

⚠️ Note: If more than 10 couples are admitted to the Final due to ties, points will still only be assigned to the top 10 placements.

Multipliers:

• ×1 → for categories with up to 10 couples (or 10 participants per role in Milongueros).
• ×1.5 → for categories with 11–20 couples (or participants per role in Milongueros).
• ×2 → for categories with 21+ couples (or participants per role in Milongueros).

Ranking Calculation:

• Points from each Stage/Sub-Venue are summed into a general National Ranking.
• Only the best 5 results are counted.
• The Ranking will be updated after each Stage (same or next day).
• The top 24 couples per category qualify for the National Final.

 

SPECIAL RULES – Tango Escenario & Group Choreography

• These categories are valid even with 1 single couple/group registered.
• Participation in 3 different Stages is not required.
• Each Stage’s points count individually towards the National Ranking.
• The top 24 couples/groups in each category qualify for the National Final.

NATIONAL FINAL

• Points awarded at the National Final carry a ×4 multiplier.
• These points are added to the general National Ranking to determine the Final Classification.
• To be included in the Final National Ranking, competitors must participate in the National Final. Absentees are excluded from the final standings.
• To be eligible for prizes (cash and non-cash), participation in the National Final is mandatory.
• Participation in the National Final requires a flat fee of €20 per person, regardless of the number of categories entered.

JURY

In all categories, the Jury—having read and accepted these Regulations and committing to respect them—will determine the scores of couples, individual participants (Milongueros category), and groups (Choreography).

• The Jury will be composed of recognized tango professionals, of any nationality, selected and proposed by the Local Organization and approved by the Central Organization of MetropoliTango World, after completing the 2025–26 Judge Training Course organized in collaboration with EPS Libertas Nazionale – Unidanza.
• All Jury decisions are final and unappealable. By registering, participants accept this condition.
• If a Jury member has had close personal or professional relationships with a participant in the past 3 months, they may choose to abstain from voting.

In case of disputes, participants may submit a written request to the Local Organization (and if necessary, to the Central Organization), but never directly to the Jury.

• At each Stage/Sub-Venue, the Jury may remain unchanged and must include at least 5 judges.
• For the National Circuit, at least 3 out of 5 Jury members must be from outside the host city.
• The Jury’s final score at each Stage will declare:
• the winning couple/participant/group of each category in the National Circuit (awarded as Stage Champions),
• the winning couple of each category in the International Circuit (awarded as International Champions of that Stage).

In exceptional circumstances (power failure, accidents on stage, etc.), the Jury may request additional performances to ensure fair evaluation; participants may not refuse.

The Jury may provide feedback or advice only after the conclusion of the entire Stage, and always at their own discretion.

JUDGING SYSTEM

Scoring Method

• Each Jury member assigns a score on a scale of 1 to 10, using decimals (hundredths allowed in increments of 0.05 → e.g., 7.05, 7.10, 7.15 … not 7.03, 7.12, etc.).
• The highest and lowest scores are removed, then averaged; this average is added to the other scores.
• The total is then averaged over the number of Jury members considered.
• Example: with 5 judges → remove the highest and lowest → average these two → add to the other 3 scores → divide by 4.

Partial and final scores will be publicly announced at the end of each Stage/competition day, and published on the official website and the Local Venue’s page (same day or next day, unless unforeseen).

• The winner is the couple/individual/group with the highest score.
• Same method applies for all subsequent placements.
• In case of a tie in decisive rounds (Final or others), the Organization may ask tied competitors to dance a tie-break ronda (1–2 songs).

SUPERVISOR (VEEDOR)

The Supervisor (Veedor), appointed or approved by the Central Organization, will:

• ensure compliance with these Regulations,
• resolve any issues not covered by the Regulations,
• provide authoritative interpretation when necessary.

COMPETITION – EVALUATION CRITERIA

Tango de Pista, Vals, Milonga, Trilogía

• Couples must not break the embrace while the music is playing.
• The torso of one dancer must always remain within the embrace of the partner (though elastic movements are allowed).
• All movements must respect the embrace.
• Judges evaluate: embrace, musicality, connection, walk style, floor circulation, and rhythm (especially in Vals and Milonga).
• Allowed: traditional social tango figures (barridas, sacadas al piso, enrosques, etc.).
• Not allowed: jumps, tricks, aerials, or figures where both feet lose floor contact, nor choreographic elements of Tango Escenario.
• Couples must circulate counterclockwise, without blocking the ronda.
• Clothing is not a judging parameter in these categories.

Tango Escenario

• Couples may interpret tango with personal artistic vision, including movements not strictly from traditional tango, provided they incorporate classic tango figures (ochos, giros, caminatas largas, boleos, ganchos, abrazo milonguero).
• Breaking the embrace is allowed.
• Elements from other dance disciplines may be included if coherent and beneficial to the performance.
• Aerials or tricks must not exceed one-third of the routine.
• The choreography must use the full stage space.
• In case of issues during the routine, the Jury will evaluate how gracefully the couple resolves them (the routine cannot be repeated).
• If a technical issue occurs, the Organization and Jury may allow a repeat performance at the end of the session.
• Costumes are part of the evaluation criteria.

Group Choreography

• Evaluation follows the same criteria as Tango Escenario, plus:
• group coordination and synchronization,
• use of diagonals and stage space,
• thematic consistency with chosen music,
• technical execution, expressiveness, costumes, make-up, hairstyling.
• In case of errors, the Jury evaluates how the group resolves them (routine cannot be repeated).
• If a technical issue arises, a repeat performance may be allowed at the end of the session.

PRIZES

1) NATIONAL CIRCUIT – OFFICIAL STAGES

Each Official Stage of the MetropoliTango Italy 2025–26 National Circuit will award a winning couple (Champion) in each National Category.

Prizes may include trophies, medals, certificates, and additional awards provided by the Local Organizer.

 

2) INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT – OFFICIAL STAGES

Each Official Stage of the MetropoliTango Italy 2025–26 International Circuit will award a winning couple in each International Category, with trophies, medals, certificates, and additional awards provided by the Local Organizer.

 

3) NATIONAL CIRCUIT – NATIONAL FINAL

• The National Final will take place in Jesolo (Venice) on May 1–2, 2026.
• The total prize pool for the National Final, across both National and International categories, is €12,000 gross, offered by MetropoliTango Srls.
• Participation in the National Final requires a flat fee of €20 per person, regardless of the number of categories entered.
• The top 24 couples per category in the National Ranking qualify for the National Final.

Awards:

• All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category will receive trophies, medals, and certificates.
• The School or Choreographers of the Best Group Choreography will receive a special mention with a dedicated trophy/plaque.

Cash Prizes:

National Categories:

• 1st place winners in Tango de Pista Amatori, Tango de Pista Open, Vals, Milonga, Milongueros, Tango Escenario → €1,000 gross per couple (Milongueros: €500 gross per person).
• 1st place winners in Beginner, Senior, Pro-Am, Trilogía → €500 gross per couple.
• 1st place winners in Group Choreography → €500 gross per group.
• National winners of Tango Open, Tango Amatori, and Tango Escenario will also receive a free Full Pass for the 13th Italian Tango Cup 2026 (official Buenos Aires Mundial Preliminary), May 1–3, 2026 in Jesolo.

Additional prizes and mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the Central Organization.

International Categories:

• 1st place winners in Tango de Pista, Tango Escenario and Milongeuros → €1,000 gross per couple (Milongueros: €500 gross per person).
• 1st place winners in Vals and Milonga → €500 gross per couple.

Additional prizes and mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the Central Organization.

4) METROPOLITANGO WORLD FINALS

The World Finals include 3 phases:

• Qualifying Rounds
• Semifinals
• Finals

⚠️ Access to the World Finals is strictly by merit only. No direct registrations are allowed.

Qualified participants:

• Top 10 of each National Category from every National Final of MetropoliTango (all participating countries).
• Top 10 of each International Category from every National Final of MetropoliTango.
• Top 5 from each Pre-World Final:
• World Champions Pre-World Final
• International Champions Pre-World Final
• Re-Dance Pre-World Final

Direct access to the Final:

• Winners of all National Finals (National Categories).
• Winners of all National Finals (International Categories).
• Winners of the 3 Pre-World Finals (World, International, Re-Dance).

Direct access to Qualifying Round:

• 2nd–10th places from National Finals (National Categories).
• 2nd–10th places from National Finals (International Categories).
• 2nd–5th places from each Pre-World Final.

Semifinal:

• All couples qualified from the Qualifying Round.

SPECIAL PRELIMINARIES

1. Re-Dance Pre-Finals Rounds
• Direct preliminaries to the World Finals.
• Open to all couples who did not qualify but participated in at least one National Edition of MetropoliTango during the current season.

1. International Champions Pre-Finals Rounds

• Direct preliminaries to the World Finals.
• Open to:
• Champions of any Official BA Tango Mundial Preliminaries worldwide.
• European/international champions of Dance Sport Federations.

1. World Champions Pre-Finals Rounds

• Direct preliminaries to the World Finals.
• Open to:
• Past World Champions of Tango BA Mundial.
• World Champions of any Dance Sport Federation.
• Internationally renowned tango artists of proven global career.

⚠️ Important: If a competitor qualifies with multiple partners in the same category, they must choose only one partner for the World Finals and Re-Dance Rounds. Other qualified partners may continue with another eligible dancer who has participated in at least one official competition during the season.

MEDIA RIGHTS

MetropoliTango World reserves the right to record and broadcast all competitions by any means (video, photography, television, streaming, digital).

• All materials are the exclusive property of MetropoliTango Srls.
• By registering, participants give their explicit and irrevocable consent to the use of images and recordings for promotion, advertising, sponsorships, and partnerships, without compensation of any kind.