Dubrovnik to host E1 World Championship as Croatia aims to lead in sustainable sport

(Photo: E1)

Dubrovnik, Croatia – 28 May 2025 – With just two weeks to go until the arrival of the E1 Series in Dubrovnik — the world’s first and only all-electric powerboat racing championship — Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, has reaffirmed the country’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable sport.

Speaking from Dubrovnik ahead of the UIM E1 World Championship, which is being presented by PIF and takes place on 13–14 June, Glavina highlighted how the historic city is preparing to welcome this innovative event.

“Croatia is rapidly emerging as a global destination for international sporting events,” said Minister Glavina.

“By welcoming the E1 Series to Dubrovnik this summer, we’re reinforcing our vision of becoming a leader in sustainable sport — and the E1 Series is the perfect example of that. Dubrovnik possesses all the qualities needed to host high-profile global events.”

Glavina noted that this momentum is no coincidence but the result of a long-term government strategy to position Croatia as a top-tier sporting destination.

“Since 2016, funding for sport has increased from €28 million to almost €170 million in 2025 — the highest allocation in Croatian sports history. As part of this strategy, we’ve invested €60.6 million in support of 188 major international sporting events held across the country.

“Alongside numerous European and World Championships, we are now especially proud to welcome the E1 Series — marking a new era of innovation and sustainability in sport. Through continued investment and strategic planning, our goal is clear: to ensure Croatia not only hosts world-class events but reaps the cultural and economic benefits they bring to our cities, communities, and the nation as a whole.”

The announcement took place at Dubrovnik’s iconic Hotel Excelsior, which will serve as the official home of the E1 Ocean Club during the event.

(Photo: E1)

The Minister was joined by E1 Series Chairman and Co-Founder Alejandro Agag, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, and Alen Bošković from co-organisers, the Croatian Powerboating Club.

Set against the backdrop of the Adriatic coast and the revolutionary E1 RaceBird powerboat, government officials, city leaders, and sport executives gathered to mark the final countdown to the championship’s arrival.

Speakers underscored Croatia’s growing reputation in the global sports arena and reiterated the nation’s deep commitment to sustainability and preserving its coastal ecosystems.

The E1 Series, backed by global icons such as Didier Drogba, LeBron James, Rafael Nadal, and Will Smith, is expected to bring a dash of glamour to Dubrovnik. The city joins a prestigious roster of past hosts including Miami, Monaco, and Doha.

Now in its second season, the E1 Series was founded by Chairman Alejandro Agag and CEO Rodi Basso. The championship features nine mixed-gender teams competing on water in the pioneering electric-powered E1 RaceBird — the world’s first hydro-foiling powerboat of its kind.

In addition to the races, the Dubrovnik race weekend will host a dedicated sustainability conference bringing together leading thinkers, innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of clean marine technologies and sustainable coastal development.

“It’s an honour to bring the E1 Series to Croatia for the first time,” said E1 Chairman Alejandro Agag. “Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most iconic and historic coastal cities — the perfect stage for our vision of sustainable marine motorsport. Today is more than just the countdown to race day — it highlights Croatia’s growing stature as a centre for innovation and global sport. We can’t wait to see the RaceBirds flying across the Adriatic in just a few weeks.”

Mayor Mato Franković echoed the sentiment:

“We are proud to host the UIM E1 World Championship — the world’s first electric powerboat racing series. This event combines sport, innovation, and sustainability — values that Dubrovnik strongly supports. In recent years, we’ve invested in sports infrastructure and international events to ensure Dubrovnik is recognised not only as a historic city but also as a modern sports destination. Hosting the E1 race is a step forward in promoting green technology and responsible tourism, and we are proud to be part of that story.”

Davor Lukšić, Chairman of Adriatic Luxury Hotels — a presenting partner for the E1 Dubrovnik GP — added:

“We are thrilled that Adriatic Luxury Hotels is the presenting partner of the E1 Series in Dubrovnik from 13–14 June. This is the world’s first electric powerboat racing championship — an exciting fusion of sport, innovation, and sustainability.

“For us, this partnership is about more than just the race. It reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and positioning Dubrovnik as a destination for world-class events and experiences.”

Alen Bošković, Head of the Race Organising Committee at the Croatian Power Boating Club, concluded:

“By joining the prestigious E1 calendar, which includes destinations across the globe, the Dubrovnik GP 2025 — presented by Adriatic Luxury Hotels — promises a unique blend of heritage and innovation.

“Once the proud capital of the Dubrovnik Republic, a maritime power and symbol of diplomacy and freedom, Dubrovnik has recently gained international recognition as the real-world setting of King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones. It’s a city where history and fantasy meet the future of innovation. Now, with the arrival of the E1 Series, Dubrovnik opens a new chapter — becoming the home of electric marine motorsport.”