Pole vault. Duplantis and Karalis put on a show at the World Championships

The first-ever World Athletics Championships in Budapest have kicked off.

On the first day of competition at the 2026 World Championships, the men’s pole vault events stood out.

As usual, the battle for victory was between Armand Duplantis (Sweden) and Emmanouil Karalis (Greece).

Duplantis cleared 6.05 m on his first attempt, while Karalis cleared that height on his third try. Emmanuel then immediately cleared 6.15 m, and Armand responded with a clean jump of 6.20 m. Karalis had to attempt 6.25 m, but he was unable to set a new Greek record.

Duplantis instructed the bar to be set at 6.32 m, but he was unable to break the world record.

Arman Duplantis of Sweden became the undisputed world champion (6.20 m), ahead of Emmanouil Karalis of Greece (6.15 m). Third place went to Sondre Guttormsen of Norway (5.95 m).

2026 World Championships in Athletics

September 11, 2026, Budapest (Hungary)

Pole Vault (Men)

• 1. Armand Duplantis (Sweden) – 6.20 m

• 2. Emmanouil Karalis (Greece) – 6.15 m

• 3. Sondre Guttormsen (Norway) – 5.95 m

• 4. Curtis Marshall (Australia) – 5.95 m

• 5. Zachary Bradford (United States) – 5.95 m

• 6. Baptiste Thierry (France) – 5.80 m

• 6. Sam Kendricks (United States) – 5.80 m

• 8. Christopher Nielsen (USA) – 5.80 m

Competition Results