EHF Championship: The Ultimate Test of European Handball Supremacy

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Fri, 13 Jun 2025

The EHF Championship, also known as the European Handball Championship, is the most prestigious international handball competition in Europe. Held every two years, the tournament brings together the best national teams from the European Handball Federation (EHF) to compete for the coveted title of European Champions.

History of the EHF Championship

The first EHF Championship was held in 1994 in Portugal, where Denmark emerged as the inaugural champions. Since then, the tournament has been held every two years, with the exception of 2002 when it was held annually. The competition has grown in popularity and stature over the years, with top teams from Europe vying for the top prize.

Format and Qualification

The EHF Championship features 16 national teams that qualify through a rigorous qualification process. The teams are divided into four groups of four teams each, with each team playing the other teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group advance to the main round, where they are joined by the top two teams from the previous edition of the tournament.

The main round consists of two groups of six teams each, with each team playing the other teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, while the third and fourth-placed teams play off for fifth place.

Recent Editions

The most recent edition of the EHF Championship was held in 2020 in Sweden, Denmark, and Austria. The tournament saw Denmark emerge as the champions, defeating Croatia 35-33 in the final. The tournament was marked by some thrilling matches, including a dramatic semifinal between Denmark and Spain, which Denmark won 31-30 in overtime.

Top Teams and Players

The EHF Championship has produced some of the greatest handball teams and players in the history of the sport. Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Croatia have been the most successful teams in the tournament, with multiple titles between them. Some of the greatest players to have competed in the tournament include Denmark’s Mikkel Hansen, Germany’s Steffen Weinhold, and Spain’s Raul Entrerrios.

Impact on European Handball

The EHF Championship has had a significant impact on European handball, promoting the sport and increasing its popularity across the continent. The tournament has also provided a platform for national teams to compete against each other, fostering a sense of rivalry and competition that has driven the development of the sport.

Conclusion

The EHF Championship is the pinnacle of European handball, bringing together the best national teams to compete for the coveted title of European Champions. With its rich history, thrilling matches, and top-class players, the tournament is a must-watch for handball fans across Europe and beyond. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the EHF Championship remains the ultimate test of European handball supremacy.