Mario Kart World Debuts First European Online Championship

09/17/2025

Nintendo is set to launch its first online competitive event for Mario Kart World in Europe, known as the 'European September Circuit.' This new competition offers players a chance to showcase their skills in a high-stakes virtual racing environment. The event emphasizes strategic driving and consistent performance, as participants aim to maximize their Versus Ranking. The structure mirrors a successful event previously held in Japan, indicating a broader strategy by Nintendo to engage its global player base through organized online play.

This initiative marks a significant step for Nintendo's European gaming community, providing a platform for competitive engagement without focusing on material rewards. The emphasis is purely on achievement and recognition within the player community. The event's design encourages active participation and replayability, as players strive to improve their rankings within a limited timeframe. Following the competition, a public acknowledgement of top performers will reinforce the spirit of sportsmanship and competitive excellence among European Mario Kart enthusiasts.

European September Circuit: A New Era for Online Racing

Nintendo has officially announced the 'European September Circuit,' the inaugural online event for Mario Kart World in Europe. Scheduled for September 27th, participants will compete in 150cc VS Races to maintain high Versus Rankings. A Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription are required. While no physical prizes are offered, the top 100 players will be featured on a public leaderboard, earning significant bragging rights. This follows a similar successful event held in Japan last month.

The 'European September Circuit' represents a pivotal moment for Mario Kart World players in Europe, introducing a structured online competition designed to test their racing prowess. Set to commence on September 27th, the event will run for two hours, from 5 pm to 7 pm BST (6 pm to 8 pm CET). Competitors will engage in 150cc VS Races, where their primary objective is to elevate and sustain their Versus Ranking. Each participant begins with a base ranking of 3,000 points, which fluctuates based on their performance in each race. Essential prerequisites for participation include a Nintendo Switch 2 console, the Mario Kart World game, and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. While the event does not offer tangible prizes, the prestige of being recognized on the official leaderboard provides ample motivation. One week after the circuit concludes, Nintendo will unveil the names of the top 100 highest-ranked players, solidifying their status within the competitive community. This European initiative mirrors the success of the 'Summer Vacation Skill Test' held in Japan, suggesting a burgeoning trend of regional online tournaments to foster a vibrant competitive scene.

Participation and Recognition: The Drive for Supremacy

The core of the European September Circuit lies in its accessibility and the recognition it offers to top players, fostering a sense of community and competitive spirit among participants. This inaugural event for Mario Kart World in Europe, scheduled for September 27th, invites players to engage in 150cc VS Races, with the overarching goal of achieving and maintaining the highest possible Versus Ranking. Entry requirements are straightforward: players must own a Nintendo Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World game, alongside an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Despite the absence of traditional prizes, the ultimate reward is the honor and prestige associated with appearing on the official leaderboard. This approach encourages participation based on skill and the desire for recognition rather than material incentives.

Engaging in the 'European September Circuit' is a straightforward process designed to be inclusive for all eligible players. To join, participants simply need to navigate to the 'Online Play' section from the Mario Kart World main menu. From there, pressing the '-' button allows them to search for an event and input the specific Event ID, which is 1023. Upon successful confirmation, players are officially entered into the competition. The event's format, consisting of 150cc VS Races, challenges players to consistently perform at their best over a two-hour period. Starting with a Versus Ranking of 3,000 points, each race outcome directly impacts this score, either increasing or decreasing it. The ranking achieved at the two-hour mark becomes a player's final score. A week after the event concludes, Nintendo will publicly release a leaderboard showcasing the 100 highest-ranked participants, granting them significant bragging rights within the Mario Kart community. This system, which mirrors a successful 'Summer Vacation Skill Test' held in Japan, promotes a healthy competitive environment where skill and dedication are celebrated.