The FISE World Series, the world's largest comprehensive extreme sports contest, is set to return to Shanghai.

The event will run at the West Bund in Xuhui district from Oct 16 to 19, transforming a 70,000-square-meter venue into a vibrant hub for cross-border sports consumption. Tickets for both the event, which has been running for 28 years, and the accompanying carnival went on sale globally on Sept 10.

Last year's FISE debut in Shanghai attracted almost 500 athletes from 39 countries and regions, offering global sports enthusiasts a spectacular blend of sports and culture while infusing the city with new vitality and charm.

"Our goal extends beyond short-term events. We aim to nurture a new generation of athletes and promote extreme sports culture through year-round community activities," said Herve Andre-Benoit, CEO and founder of Hurricane Group.

Andre-Benoit said this year's event will feature a comprehensive upgrade with six major categories and 13 competitions. The popular "Spine Ramp Carnival Race", originally from FISE's home base in Montpellier, France, will make its debut outside Europe at the Shanghai stop.

Four disciplines — BMX freestyle, extreme roller freestyle, extreme scootering and skateboarding — will showcase high-difficulty performances on the spine ramps. In addition, the newly introduced Climbing Open will go beyond the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) standards with unique route and hold designs.

Athletes expected to shine at the Shanghai stop include Jose Torres Gil, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games BMX freestyle men's park champion from Argentina; Kevin Peraza Garcia, a BMX freestyle icon with multiple medals from FISE, X Games and Simple Session; Natalya Diehm, Australia's first female Olympic BMX freestyle medalist; and Sasha Pardoe, a 19-year-old prodigy who won the European BMX freestyle championships.

This year's event will also feature special night sessions. Within the expansive carnival area, the Shanghai stop will integrate diverse themes such as trendy play, leisure, food, outdoor activities and music. It will offer all-day interactive experiences tailored for families, young people and sports enthusiasts alike.