nOxyCup 2025 Sees a New CMAS World Record and 10 AIDA National Records

Heike Schwerdtner shattered her own CMAS World Record with a 9:30 STA while 137 athletes from 33 countries battled for podium positions and national glory at Europe's largest indoor freediving competition.

By Kristina Zvaritch
Editor Deena Lynch and Asya Kleshchevnikova

Photo credit © Federico Buzzoni

On November 15–16, 2025, 137 athletes from 33 countries gathered in Budapest to compete in STA, DYN, DYNB, and DNF at the nOxyCup 2025—Europe's largest indoor freediving competition. Not only does the nOxyCup have world-record status—it also allows freedivers to compete under their choice of CMAS or AIDA rules, with judges from both record-governing bodies present. This 5th edition of the competition produced a new women’s absolute STA world record and an incredible 10 AIDA National Records.

Venue and Format

Behind the scenes of the nOxyCup2025 at Dune Arena.

The nOxyCup 2025 was held at Duna Aréna—the designated venue for the 2026 AIDA Pool World Championships—which has hosted multiple international underwater championships in recent years. It features two Olympic-size swimming pools, a diving pool, a short-course training pool, and 5,000 seats for fans. STA took place in a 110cm deep pool in balmy 29°C (84°F) water, while dynamic performances were held in a 50m pool measuring 300cm deep in 26–27°C (79–80°F) water.

The overall male and female newcomers at nOxyCup 2025 won 500USD vouchers for Molchanovs freediving gear. Photo © Virág Buza.

Freedivers were drawn by affordable registration fees and substantial prizes from 14 sponsors, totaling over €50,000. Overall male and female competition winners also enjoyed cash prizes: 1st place received €2,500 (€800 cash), 2nd place received €1,000 (€400 cash), and 3rd place received €500 (€100 cash). Of the 137 competitors, 28 amateur athletes also competed for the overall male and female newcomer grand prize: $500 vouchers from Molchanovs.

Both athletes and venue spectators enjoyed perks such as a free spirometry lung test (with a €300 award for the healthiest lungs), personalized event apparel, and the opportunity to try mermaiding in the pool. They could also receive an on-site professional health assessment from Mozdulnék Sports Lab, which includes body composition analysis, arterial age assessment, hip mobility and Y-balance, and grip strength analysis.

The entire event was available to watch via YouTube livestream, featuring professional commentary, 10 above- and underwater cameras operated by a crew of 15, 3 flying drones, highlights and replays, and detailed displays of real-time results, statistics, and athlete information.

Results

Heike Schwerdtner Shatters Her Own World Record

Moments after Germany's Heike Schwerdtner set the new absolute STA world record with 9:30. Photo © Laura Mommicchi.

Heike Schwerdtner (DEU) delivered the competition's standout performance with a 9:30 STA—shattering her previous CMAS World Record by 21 seconds and extending her dominance in the discipline. Since breaking Natalia Molchanova's 11-year-old record in 2024, Heike has continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in static apnea, now holding the women’s absolute world record. Watch her full performance on YouTube.

Medals at the nOxyCup 2025. Photo © Virág Buza.

Women’s Overall Podium

1st place: Maria Cordova (ECU) – 252 points
2nd place: Heike Schwerdtner (DEU) – 238 points
3rd place: Hinatea Penilla Y Perella (FRA) – 222 points

Men’s Overall Podium

1st place: Goran Čolak (HRV) – 252 points
2nd place: Karol Karcz (POL) – 238 points
3rd place: Klaus Kasten (DEU) – 210 points

National Records

Athlete celebrates a white card at the nOxyCup 2025. Photo © Federico Buzzoni.

Ten AIDA National Records fell during the competition, with Austria's Jan Koller setting two records in DYNB (208m / 682ft) and DNF (185m / 607ft).

Men

Andras Sopronyi (HUN) – 211m / 692ft in DYN
Jan Koller (AUT) – 208m / 682ft in DYNB and 185m / 607ft in DNF
Matej Majling (SVK) – 207m / 679ft in DYNB
Rodrigo Macedo (BRA) – 190m / 623ft in DYN

Women

Elisabeth Mattes (AUT) – 159m / 522ft in DYNB
Emília Kovácsová (SVK) – 150m / 492ft in DYN
Safia Falek (ALG) – 105m / 344ft in DYNB
Maria Sitti (CYP) – 96m / 315ft in DNF
Isabelle Marinov (LUX) – 76m / 249ft in DYN
See the full results list for the nOxy Cup 2025.

About the Organizer

The 85-person team behind the nOxyCup 2025. Photo © Virág Buza.

The organizer, nOxygen Apnea Club, began in 2019 with only eight members. Since then, it has become one of the largest freediving communities in Europe. Over 120 members enjoy freediving courses and training, mingle among workshops, events, and competitions, and travel domestically and internationally on freediving trips. nOxygen's goal is to take freediving beyond the level of a hobby sport, with their next adventure being organizing the 2026 AIDA Pool World Championships.

Molchanovs has been a proud sponsor of the nOxyCup for the past three years. Be sure to tune in for next year's edition as athletes compete once again at Duna Aréna.

You can look out for Molchanovs' daily competition reports of the AIDA Pool World Championship or sign up to the Magazine to have it delivered fresh to your inbox.