The Bandy World Championship is a competition for the men's teams of bandy-playing nations. The tournament is administrated by the Federation of International Bandy. It is distinct from the Bandy World Cup, a club competition, and from the Women's Bandy World Championship. A Youth Bandy World Championship also exists separately from the senior competition and has competitions in both the male and female categories.

The 2020 Bandy World Championship for Division A was scheduled to be played in Irkutsk, Russia in 2020 but was postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Bandy World Championship for Division A and B was initially scheduled to be played in Syktyvkar, Russia, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was rescheduled for Division B to 8–13 March 2022 and for Division A to 27 March–3 April 2022. However, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden withdrew from the tournament, which was then postponed indefinitely.

History

Although bandy has been played since the 19th century, the first men's world championships were only played as recently as 1957, and the first women's championships not until 2004.

Before this, friendlies had been played regularly between the Nordic countries. A film from British Pathé created in 1935 called "Ice Hockey At Helsingfors On Sleeve As Ice Hockey At Halsingfors News In A Nutshell (1935)" shows an international bandy match between women bandy players from Finland and women bandy players from Sweden being played outdoors at Helsingfors Ice Stadium (Helsinki) in Finland where the narrator corrects the misconception that it is an international women's ice hockey game. Helsingfors is the Swedish name for Helsinki and comes from the name of the surrounding parish, Helsinge (etymological origin of the Finnish name Helsinki) and the rapids (in Swedish: fors), which flowed through the original town.

A bandy tournament for men was held as a demonstration sport at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, but this had no world championship status. A four-nation tournament in 1954 for men was played in Moscow, this was the first time the Soviet Union met teams from other countries and the first time the new, jointly agreed rules were used, however this was not called a world championship. The international federation was founded in 1955 by the four countries which had men's national bandy teams who had played in Moscow.

The first ever men's Bandy World Championship was organised in 1957 in association with the 50th anniversary of the Ball Association of Finland, which at the time was the governing body of bandy in Finland. It was played at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

From 1961 to 2003, the men's championships were played every two years, but since then has been played annually. (During the period 1972–1990, the Rossiya Tournament was held for national teams in the years when there was no world championship. This was always played in the Soviet Union and arranged by newspaper Sovetskaya Rossiya. It was affectionately called "the small world championship".)

**Bandy World Champs: A Celebration of Skill and Spirit**

Welcome to the Bandy World Champs, the premier international tournament that showcases the best of bandy, a thrilling ice sport that combines elements of hockey and soccer. This prestigious event brings together elite teams from around the globe, uniting players and fans in a celebration of athleticism, strategy, and sportsmanship.

**Event Highlights:**

- **Top-Tier Competition:** Watch as national teams compete for glory on the ice, featuring some of the world's most talented bandy players. Each match promises intense action, skillful plays, and unforgettable moments.

- **Global Participation:** The Bandy World Champs attracts teams from various countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with diverse cultures and passionate supporters. Experience the camaraderie and rivalry that make this tournament truly special.

- **Spectacular Venues:** Held in state-of-the-art arenas, the tournament offers fans an immersive experience with top-notch facilities, ensuring an electrifying environment for every game.

- **Family-Friendly Festivities:** Beyond the matches, the Bandy World Champs features a range of activities for fans of all ages, including interactive exhibits, merchandise stalls, and food vendors, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.

- **Crowning the Champions:** The tournament culminates in a thrilling final match, where the best teams battle for the coveted championship title. Witness history in the making as champions are crowned and legends are born.

Join us for the Bandy World Champs, where passion meets precision on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this tournament promises excitement, entertainment, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!