Neptune Festival Announced Sandsculpting Winners
The 2026 International Sandsculpting Competition concluded after four days of intense coastal craftsmanship.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Surfing
The Neptune Festival has officially recognized the winners of the 2026 International Sandsculpting Competition in Virginia Beach. Artists braved a coastal storm to finish their elaborate sand creations.
Why it matters
The annual competition draws elite international talent to the Virginia Beach shoreline, highlighting the complex artistry required to sculpt with sand under challenging weather conditions.
Competitors completed their works over a 4-day period, putting in 30 hours of labor to hand-sculpt hundreds of tons of sand. The results reflect the final decisions from judges and fellow participants.
The players
Ferenc Monostori
He secured the first-place title in the solo category of the 2026 International Sandsculpting Competition.
Nikolai Torkov
He was a first-place winner in the teams category alongside his partner Martijn Rijerse.
Martijn Rijerse
He claimed first place in the teams division during the annual Virginia Beach event.
Neptune Festival
This organization hosts the annual festival in Virginia Beach, which features the international sandsculpting event.
The details
Artists worked by hand to build massive, intricate designs despite enduring a coastal storm throughout the event. The competition awarded honors in solo and team categories, including special recognitions like the Sculptors' Choice and Neptune's Choice.
Timeline
The International Sandsculpting Competition took place throughout 2026.
Season Trajectory
The awards solidify the reputation of the Virginia Beach event as a premier stop on the global sand-sculpting circuit. These outcomes influence the competitive rankings and prestige of participants for future international contests.
Visitors to the beach can view these award-winning sculptures following the completion of the 30-hour labor window. The event schedule highlights the duration and intensity expected of competitors during the festival.
The takeaway
Sculpting under variable coastal weather requires significant technical skill and physical endurance. Fans of public art can look forward to seeing how these international standards continue to evolve in future festival cycles.
Further reading
For more updates on events happening along the coast, visit our Surfing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
