The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) today announced the finalists for its World Expolympics competition, a global program celebrating the best examples of creativity, innovation, and experiential design at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Dubbed “The Olympics of Experiential Design,” the competition recognizes experiential designers, builders, and creative collaborators whose work pushes the boundaries of what live events and world expositions can achieve. Finalists were selected through a rigorous jurying process including 32 judges who evaluated submissions on concept/design, creativity/innovation, engagement/immersion, execution/fabrication, and overall impact.
“This competition was created to spotlight the incredible talent and imagination that fuels our industry on the world stage,” said Travis Stanton, Executive Director of TEDA. “The finalists represent the very best in experiential design today—projects that not only capture attention but also inspire, connect, and transform the way people engage with spaces and stories.”
Meanwhile, the People’s Choice finalists were selected by popular vote on the TEDA website, where more than 5,000 experiential design pros, world expo aficionados, and Expo 2025 fans cast their votes over the course of the 10-day voting window. The top-five vote getters have been named finalists, and the three with the most votes will receive gold, silver, and bronze awards.
The following projects have been named 2025 World Expolympics finalists. Gold, silver, and bronze award winners in each category will be announced during a special event on September 23, hosted at the USA Pavilion in Osaka, Japan.
Best Small Pavilion (Under 1,000 SQM)
Austria Pavilion
Azerbaijan Pavilion
Czech Pavilion
European Union Pavilion
Ireland Pavilion
Malta Pavilion
Serbia Pavilion
Ukraine Pavilion
Best Medium Pavilion (1,000 – 2,500 SQM)
Germany Pavilion
Italy Pavilion
Netherlands Pavilion
Poland Pavilion
Portugal Pavilion
Singapore Pavilion
Switzerland Pavilion
Uzbekistan Pavilion
Best Large Pavilion (Over 2,500 SQM)
Canada Pavilion
France Pavilion
Korea Pavilion
Kuwait Pavilion
Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Spain Pavilion
United Arab Emirates Pavilion
USA Pavilion
Best Corporate/Theme Pavilion
Earth Mart
Electric Power Pavilion
Future of Life
Null2
Pasona Natureverse
Best Exterior Architecture
Poland Pavilion
Portugal Pavilion
Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Singapore Pavilion
Spain Pavilion
Best Sustainable Pavilion
Germany Pavilion
Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Spain Pavilion
Switzerland Pavilion
Uzbekistan Pavilion
Best Activation/Engagement
Austria Pavilion – Composing the Future
Serbia Pavilion – Nation’s Testimony
Singapore Pavilion – Dream Repository
Switzerland Pavilion – Sphere 2
Ukraine Pavilion – Not for Sale
Best Thematic Concept
Austria Pavilion – Composing the Future
Portugal Pavilion – Ocean, The Blue Dialogue
Saudi Arabia Pavilion – Together for a Better Future
Singapore Pavilion – Where Dreams Take Shape
Spain Pavilion – The Kuroshio Current
Best Presentation
Czech Pavilion – Ballet of Tomorrow
Portugal Pavilion – Our Ambition
Saudi Arabia Pavilion – Tales of Water
Spain Pavilion – Currents That Unite
USA Pavilion – Launch
Best Tech Integration
Canada Pavilion – AR Experience
Italy Pavilion – Laboratory of Visions
Saudi Arabia Pavilion – The Saudi Courtyard
Serbia Pavilion – Nation’s Testimony
USA Pavilion – Multisensory Design
Best Exhibit/Display
Belgium Pavilion – Repair Zone
Nordic Pavilion – Whirl
Poland Pavilion – Plantation of Ideas
Spain Pavilion – Greetings from Spain
Tech World Pavilion – Nature Theater
Best Mascot
Baltics Pavilion – Barabi-chan
Bulgaria Pavilion – Lacto-chan
Czech Pavilion – Rene
Portugal Pavilion – Umi
Thailand Pavilion – Bhumi-Jai
Best Design Detail
Egypt Pavilion – 360° Projection
France Pavilion – Lighting Design
Italy Pavilion – Rooftop Garden
Malta Pavilion – Multimedia Façade
Tech World Pavilion – Heartbeat Curve
Best Pavilion Team
Czech Pavilion
Italy Pavilion
Saudi Arabia Pavilion
USA Pavilion
Vietnam Pavilion
Director’s Choice
Belgium Pavilion
Korea Pavilion
Kuwait Pavilion
Tech World Pavilion
Ukraine Pavilion
People’s Choice
Baltics Pavilion
Czech Pavilion
Malta Pavilion
Singapore Pavilion
Tech World Pavilion
Winners will be announced at a live awards ceremony hosted at the USA Pavilion in Osaka, Japan, on September 23 at 6pm. For more information — or to inquire about attending the event — email info@experientialdesignauthority.com.
