WorldSkills Competition Has Begun in Shanghai
The 48th edition of the global event features 1,400 participants competing across 64 unique skill categories.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in eSports
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The 48th WorldSkills Competition has officially commenced in Shanghai, China, bringing together 1,400 competitors from 70 nations. The event showcases expertise across 64 different skill sectors.
Why it matters
WorldSkills serves as a premier international platform for vocational excellence, allowing representatives from across the globe to demonstrate professional proficiency on a world stage.
The competition includes 1,400 participants from 70 countries, with Azerbaijan fielding eight competitors across seven distinct skill categories.
The players
WorldSkills International
This global non-profit organization promotes vocational education and hosts the biennial WorldSkills competition.
WorldSkills Azerbaijan Public Union
This entity manages the national participation of Azerbaijan in international vocational competitions and skill development programs.
The details
Participants represent the best in their respective fields, having been selected from winners of national competitions held between 2025 and 2026. Prior to the event, all competitors completed intensive preparatory training to qualify for their specific skill categories.
Timeline
Azerbaijan joined WorldSkills International as the 85th member in 2020.
The WorldSkills Azerbaijan Public Union was established in 2023.
National competitions for team selection were held in 2025-2026.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition began in Shanghai in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This competition represents a critical milestone for participating nations, as it influences national vocational training rankings and prestige within the WorldSkills framework. Success at this level significantly elevates a country's standing for future organizational cycles and funding.
Competitors are vying for gold, silver, and bronze rankings across 64 specific skill categories, with each result impacting the final overall medal table for their respective nations. Azerbaijan's team performance will determine their success rate across the seven categories in which they are represented.
The takeaway
The event highlights the growing global emphasis on vocational expertise and standardized skill measurement. For competitors, participation serves as the culmination of rigorous national selection and training processes.
Further reading
For more information on the latest events in professional competitive gaming and skills, visit our eSports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Azertag.
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