By Misha Fray
Two students represented Maties at the World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC) in Sofia, Bulgaria. The competition took place from 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The event brought together more than 1 000 participants from universities globally to debate some of the world’s most pressing political, economic and social issues.
Evert Reynolds, a third-year LLB student, and Ross Froise, a third-year BCom (Economic Sciences) student, represented SU in Bulgaria as part of the University of Stellenbosch Debating Union (USDU).
The WUDC selection process was based on historical tournament performance with SU having a long-standing debating legacy; this being that the institution originally introduced formal debating to the Southern African circuit. Participation in the championships was made possible through a culture bursary provided by the university to the students after they showed commitment to the debating space, along with personal funding.
The tournament consisted of nine rounds over a three-day period. The SU team finished three rounds first place and six rounds fourth place. Overall, the SU team narrowly missed qualification for the quarterfinals by just four points.
Both debaters described the championships as exceptionally demanding. “The World Championships expected the highest level of commitment every second of the tournament,” Reynolds said. “It could often feel difficult to keep a level head when you are expected to remember things like the entire political climate of Saudi Arabia after six hours of debating with little to no sleep,” he said.
For Froise, WUDC marked his first in-person international competition, having previously debated only in online tournaments hosted by universities such as Princeton and Columbia.
“Internationally, people tend to value different things,” he said.
“We had to adjust our performances and tailor our speeches to the international judges.”
Froise also emphasised the importance of extensive preparation. This included consistent practice, studying current affairs and history. He also stated that both debaters would attend multiple tournaments with the sole purpose of improving their debating skills before participating in the World Championships.
Beyond competition, the experience fostered a strong sense of global community.
“WUDC was also [an] incredible opportunity to meet new and interesting people, network and make a name for Maties on an international platform,” Froise stated. Reynolds described debating as “more essential than ever”, noting its role in promoting critical thinking and constructive engagement with divisive issues.
Froise has already confirmed that he plans to attend the 2027 WUDC in Canada. Both students expressed pride at the chance to represent the university on an international stage.
