Global Precision in Granada: ISSF World Cup Showcases City's Sporting Prowess

Elite Athletes Gather at the Las Gabias Shooting Range

Granada has once again proven its status as a world-class venue for international sport this week, hosting the 2026 ISSF World Cup for Rifle and Pistol. The event, which concluded its major finals on Sunday 12 April, brought together the world’s most elite marksmen and women to the prestigious CEAR (High Performance Centre) in Las Gabias, just outside the city centre.

The competition saw intense battles between global powerhouses including China, India, and the United States. One of the highlights for local spectators was the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team final held on 7 April, where the American duo of Nick Mowrer and Nathalia Tobar fought a narrow battle for the podium, ultimately finishing in a respectable fourth place. The precision and calm required for these events mirror the serene but focused atmosphere that Granada hopes to cultivate as it expands its 'sports tourism' portfolio.

Beyond Tourism: A Hub for High-Performance Sport

For the province of Granada, hosting a World Cup event is about more than just the immediate influx of athletes and coaches; it is a strategic move to diversify the local economy. While the Alhambra remains the city's primary draw, events like the ISSF World Cup highlight the region’s incredible infrastructure. The Las Gabias range is considered one of the finest facilities of its kind in the world, and its use during this April window has filled hotels and restaurants across the metropolitan area.

International visitors and local sports fans have been treated to a display of nerves of steel throughout the week. As the event wrapped up this past weekend, organisers praised the Andalusian hospitality and the flawless execution of the tournament, cementing Granada's place on the regular rotation for Olympic-level qualifying events.

Source: SSUSA / ISSF, 9 April 2026