HERNING, DENMARK - The Netherlands women's bridge team has captured the prestigious Venice Cup with a commanding performance at the 47th World Bridge Team Championships, held from August 20-31, 2025, at the MCH Herning Kongrescenter in Denmark. This victory represents the culmination of years of development in Dutch women's bridge and establishes the Netherlands as the premier women's bridge nation in the world. The triumph is particularly sweet as it came on European soil, defeating China in a closely contested final that showcased the highest level of women's bridge competition.
The Dutch women's team featured an exceptional lineup combining youth and experience: Merel Bruijnsteen, Judith Duursma, Magdalena Tichá, Doris van Delft, Wietske van Zwol, and Martine Verbeek. Under the expert guidance of non-playing captain Jacco van Egdom and coach Aarnout Helmich, the team demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the championship. Their path to gold included victories in the round-robin stage against multiple European and Asian powerhouses, followed by dominant performances in the knockout rounds that left little doubt about their deserving status as world champions.
The Venice Cup final against China provided bridge enthusiasts with a masterclass in high-level competition. China, represented by Guo Ke, Liao Zhengjiang, Wang Jian, Wang Nan, Yuan Xuefang, and Zuo Xiaoxue, with captain Guo Yujun and coach Li Xin, brought their characteristic precision and discipline to the match. The Chinese team had been formidable throughout the tournament, but the Dutch combination of aggressive bidding and solid defensive play proved decisive in the critical moments. Several key hands in the final session saw the Netherlands execute difficult contracts that their opponents could not match, opening a lead that proved insurmountable.
Poland secured the bronze medal with a team that included several rising stars of European women's bridge. The Polish squad of Cathy Bałdysz, Sophia Bałdysz, Aleksandra Jarosz, Ewa Morawska, Anna Sarniak, and Joanna Zalewska, guided by captain Mirosław Cichocki and coach Piotr Koluda, demonstrated that Poland's strong bridge tradition extends across all categories. Their bronze medal performance builds on Poland's success at the 2024 World Bridge Games and suggests that Polish women's bridge will be a force to reckon with in future championships.
The 2025 World Team Championships represented one of the largest and most competitive bridge events in history. Teams from all eight World Bridge Federation zones participated, with the Bermuda Bowl (Open), Venice Cup (Women), d'Orsi Senior Bowl, and Wuhan Cup (Mixed) all contested simultaneously. The tournament featured over 500 of the world's best players competing over nearly two weeks of intense bridge. The Herning venue provided state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple playing areas, VuGraph theaters for spectators, and advanced broadcasting technology that allowed fans worldwide to follow the action in real-time.
The Netherlands' Venice Cup victory adds to their nation's rich bridge heritage. The Dutch have a long tradition of excellence in bridge, having produced numerous world champions and consistently competitive teams across all categories. This women's team victory is particularly significant as it demonstrates the depth of talent in Dutch bridge - the country fielded competitive teams in all four championship categories in Herning. The success of the women's team is attributed to the comprehensive development programs run by the Dutch Bridge Federation, which has prioritized youth development and provided extensive coaching and competitive opportunities.
The World Team Championships are held in odd-numbered years and represent the most prestigious team competitions in bridge. Unlike the World Bridge Games, which occur every four years and feature only national teams in a broader range of events, the World Team Championships focus exclusively on the four main team events and attract the absolute best players from each participating nation. The qualification process is rigorous, with continental championships serving as the primary path to the world championships. Teams that reach this level represent years of preparation and countless hours of partnership practice.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands women's team will defend their title at the next World Team Championships in 2027. Their victory in Herning has set a new standard for women's bridge and inspired players around the world. The team's combination of technical excellence, strategic sophistication, and competitive tenacity provides a model for aspiring champions everywhere. As the Dutch celebrate this historic achievement, they have already begun planning for future competitions, determined to maintain their position at the pinnacle of women's bridge.