What's Changing for 2026 Summer Nationals Qualification
Summer Nationals is the largest fencing competition held anywhere in the world, bringing together thousands of fencers for 10 days of competition. To help more athletes find their path to this premier event, we've updated several qualification pathways for the 2026 season.
Here's what you need to know.
Key Date to Remember
Qualification Deadline: May 6, 2026
Fencers who are not qualified by May 6, 2026, will not be able to qualify for Summer Nationals. Points and results cannot be combined with previous seasons, so be sure to check your standing on the regional and national point lists throughout the year.
July Challenge Changes
The July Challenge includes Cadet, Junior, and Division I events. Because Cadet and Junior championships are held at Junior Olympics in January, and Division I Championships take place at the April North American Cup, July Challenge events are open to both national and international competitors.
What's new for July Challenge:
- Junior Events: Fencers now need 75 Junior regional points to qualify (previously 65)
- Cadet Events: Fencers now need 75 Junior or 75 Cadet regional points to qualify (previously 65)
All other July Challenge pathways remain unchanged from last season.
National Championship Changes
The National Championships portion of Summer Nationals — which includes Y10, Y12, Y14, Division IA, Division II, Division III, and Veteran events — is open only to fencers with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Several events have updated point thresholds and new qualification pathways:
Youth Events
Y14 Events
- Regional point requirement increased to 160 Y14 points (previously 150)
- New pathway: Top 40% finish in a Y14 event at an International School Circuit
Y12 Events
- Regional point requirement increased to 160 Y14 points (previously 150)
- New pathway: Top 40% finish in a Y12 event at an International School Circuit
Y10 Events
- New pathway: Participation in a Y10 event at an International School Circuit
Adult Events
Division IA Events
- New pathway: Top 20% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
Division II Events
- New pathway: Top 40% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
Division III Events
- New pathway: Top 40% finish at a Division III regional event
- New pathway: Top 40% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
All other National Championship pathways remain unchanged from last season.
Check Your Standing
Visit our point standings pages to see where you are in the qualification process:
Important Note: Cadet and Junior Age-Out
The Cadet and Junior age schedule changes after the February NAC. Once a fencer ages out of Cadets or Juniors, they are removed from those national and regional point lists. This means points earned before the February NAC cannot be used to qualify for Summer Nationals events in the age category they aged out of.
Example: A cadet fencer born in 2009 earns cadet national points at the 2026 Junior Olympics. After the February NAC, they age out of cadet events and are removed from the cadet national point standings. They cannot qualify for cadet events at Summer Nationals via those national cadet points.
Junior and Cadet Ages Before February NAC:
- Junior: Born 2006-2012
- Cadet: Born 2009-2012
Junior and Cadet Ages After February NAC:
- Junior: Born 2007-2013
- Cadet: Born 2010-2013
Not Qualified Yet?
There's still time to earn your spot. Find an upcoming tournament:
For complete details on all qualification pathways, visit the Athlete Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the qualification deadline for 2026 Summer Nationals?
May 6, 2026. Any fencer who is not qualified by this date will not be able to qualify for Summer Nationals. Results earned after this deadline will not count toward qualification.
Can I combine points from different seasons to qualify?
No. Points and results cannot be combined with previous seasons. Only results from the current season that appear on the regional and national point standings as of May 6, 2026, will count toward qualification.
How many regional points do I need for July Challenge Cadet and Junior events?
You now need 75 regional points — up from 65 last season. For Junior events, you need 75 Junior regional points. For Cadet events, you need 75 Junior or 75 Cadet regional points.
What changed for Y14 and Y12 qualification?
The regional point requirement increased from 150 to 160 Y14 points only. The Y12 regional point pathway remains the same at 70 Y12 regional points; the same as last year . Additionally, there's a new pathway: a top 40% finish at an International School Circuit event in the corresponding age division (Y14 or Y12).
Is there a new way to qualify for Y10 events?
Yes. Fencers can now qualify by participating in a Y10 event at an International School Circuit.
What new pathways were added for Division IA, II and III events?
- Division IA: Top 20% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
- Division II: Top 40% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
- Division III: Top 40% finish at a Division III regional event OR a top 40% finish at an Adult or Adult Combined regional event
What happens if I age out of Cadet or Junior after the February NAC?
Once you age out, you're removed from those point standings. Points you earned before aging out cannot be used to qualify for Summer Nationals in the age category you aged out of. Plan your qualification strategy accordingly.
Who can compete at the National Championship events?
Only fencers with USA citizenship or permanent residency. The July Challenge events, however, are open to both national and international competitors.
Where can I check my current qualification status?
Visit the point standings pages:
Where can I find a complete list of all qualification pathways?
The Athlete Handbook contains the full details on every qualification pathway for Summer Nationals.
