High heels. Handbag tosses. Hula hoops. The Drag Olympics may sound like something out of a gay street celebration, but after 22 years, it has cemented its place as one of Amsterdam’s most enduring traditions.
The Dutch capital hosted the 22nd edition of the Drag Olympics on Friday, July 31, welcoming drag queens and kings, as well as supporters, from all over the world to compete in the Stiletto Sprint, Handbag Throw, Bitch Volleyball and Hula Hoop.
The contest, hosted by Sexy Galexy and Erin Amazia Tasmania, ultimately ended with Pole Dancing.
Ready, set, strut
The competition blended sport, performance and Pride celebration for the contestants from the Netherlands, Ireland, Morocco, Russia, France, Mexico, and Iran.
Both experienced and rookie drag performers competed in this year’s edition, where they showed off their athletic ability, balance, confidence, and stage presence.
More than a spectacle
The Drag Olympics could easily be dismissed as a camp, novelty event. But over the years, it has drawn huge crowds to Amsterdam Pride.
Not only did people come to see flamboyant performers compete in races and games, but they also got to watch musical numbers and theatrical acts complete with elaborate costumes.
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Pride in the spotlight
This year’s edition also carried a more serious tone, with the recent attack at Berlin Pride that left one dead and at least nine others injured.
The House of Hopelezz, organisers of the competition, called for continued visibility within the LGBT+ community during the opening ceremony.
Throughout the contest, performers touched on topics like inclusion and solidarity.
This comes as no surprise because while drag is often fun and entertaining, much of its history is about community-building, self-expression, and visibility.
Amsterdam embraces WorldPride
The Drag Olympics is part of this year’s WorldPride celebrations, a global event that raises visibility and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues worldwide.
It marks the first time that the city has hosted WorldPride, which runs from July 25 to August 8, 2026.
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