GLOBAL FINALS 2026
MAY 21-24, 2026 • KANSAS CITY
Global Finals is the culminating tournament for each season of Destination Imagination’s Challenge Experience, with the top teams from around the world competing in their respective Team Challenges.
Kansas City
What is Global Finals?
Each May, Destination Imagination’s top-tiered teams from around the world gather in Kansas City, Missouri, to participate in Global Finals—the world’s largest celebration of creativity. Check out some of the highlights on our YouTube channel.
How can teams attend?
tournament qualification
Teams are guaranteed a spot at Global Finals by competing and ranking at their Affiliate Tournament.
Team Managers of qualified teams will receive an invitation to register for Global Finals via email within 36 hours of their Affiliate Tournament.
Where do you have to rank to qualify? That depends on where you live and the size of your Affiliate. Please check with your Affiliate about the ranking requirements where you are located.
JOIN The waitlist
DI Challenge Experience teams* can sign up for the Global Finals Waitlist. The Waitlist is intended to allow teams to declare their interest in attending Global Finals even if they do not qualify through their Affiliate Tournament. Teams on the Global Finals Waitlist are not guaranteed a spot at Global Finals 2026. In each Challenge and Level, if space allows, waitlisted teams will be invited on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Waitlist for Global Finals 2026 will open on January 15, 2026 for teams to sign up.
Click here to receive reminders about the Global Finals Waitlist.
*IMPORTANT: Joining the Waitlist has the following restrictions for select teams:
- Teams from China are not eligible for the waitlist due to parameters set by the DI China Affiliate. Questions regarding this restriction should be directed to DI China.
- Teams from Texas will only be invited from the Waitlist if they rank 10th place or better at the Lone Star Finals Tournament. The DI Texas Affiliate has put this restriction in place, and questions should be directed to DI Texas.
What does it cost?
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Unlimited Entry Credentials**
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The Tournament
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Opening and Closing Ceremonies
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Prop Storage Exhibit Space
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Special Events
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Pin Trading
The Global Finals event registration fee is team-based and includes unlimited credentials for team supporters (spectators). Destination Imagination will provide additional resources to help you plan your trip, including group rates at selected hotel properties. Meals and lodging are not included in the registration fee. Kansas City offers incredible opportunities to design your perfect trip to Global Finals. More details on the experience are coming! Stay tuned!
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Destination Imagination is pleased to once again offer financial assistance opportunities for teams attending Global Finals 2026.
Financial assistance is funding provided by Destination Imagination to help cover registration fees for the event. It is designed to make Global Finals more accessible for teams that may need financial support.
- Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Who can apply: Any team may apply—even if they have not yet participated in their local tournament
- Covers: Registration fees only (does not include travel, lodging, or meals)
- Commitment: Teams do not need to commit to attending Global Finals until after they receive their award notification
International Teams
- Application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Notification of awards begins: Monday, March 9, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later)
- Earlier notifications are intended to help international teams plan travel.
U.S. Teams
- Application deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Notification of awards begins: Monday, March 30, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later)
In 2025, Destination Imagination awarded a total of $70,000 in financial assistance to 21 teams.
- Awards ranged from partial to full coverage
- The average award amount was $3,309 per team
- We anticipate a similar level of funding for Global Finals 2026
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of Destination Imagination staff, board members, and alumni. Points will be awarded based on:
- Geographic Representation (up to 10 points): Does the team represent an area that will not have many other teams in attendance?
- Financial Need (up to 20 points): What is the estimated cost per team member? What percentage of those expenses must the team cover themselves?
- Fundraising Efforts (up to 20 points): How many fundraising efforts has the team made or planned? How many of those efforts were led by the team members themselves?
- Previous Attendance (up to 10 points): What percentage of the team members have attended Global Finals in the past?
- Essay (up to 30 points): Why does the team want to participate in Global Finals 2026, and how will they benefit from attending?
APPLY NOW FOR
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Frequently Asked Questions
- International Teams: Friday, February 13, 2026
- U.S. Teams: Friday, March 6, 2026
Any team that can demonstrate financial need is encouraged to apply.
The amount awarded to each team depends on their application and demonstrated need.
- In 2024, Destination Imagination distributed a total of $70,000 to 21 teams.
- The average award was $3,309 per team
- Awards may be partial or full coverage of registration fees.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes representatives from DI’s Board of Trustees, staff, and alumni. Awards are based on:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Details provided in the application (including fundraising efforts and essay responses)
Yes. Your team’s answer to this key essay question is especially important:
“Why do you and your team want to be a part of Global Finals 2026? How will your team benefit from attending?”
Tips for a strong application:
- Provide specific details about your financial situation
- Share fundraising efforts, especially those led by the team itself
- Make your essay response clear, creative, and detailed
- International Teams: Notifications begin on Monday, March 9, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later).
- U.S. Teams: Notifications begin on Monday, March 30, 2026, or after the Affiliate Tournament (whichever is later).
Please note: It may take several days to distribute all financial assistance funds.
All teams will be notified of their award status before the April 15, 2026 registration deadline.
Financial assistance awards are applied directly to a team’s Global Finals registration fees. At this time, funds cannot be used for travel, housing, or meals.
Please email [email protected]. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1 business day.
ARCHIVED RESULTS
Click below to access archived results from past years.
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