Röntgen Cup: Student teams compete in a debating contest

09/08/2026

The student-run Würzburg Debating Society is organising a debating tournament, the Röntgen Cup, at the Catholic University Community. The final on Sunday 20 September is open to the public.

A student delivering her speech during a previous Röntgen Cup organised by the Würzburg Debating Society. (Image: Sven Bake / Debattierclub Würzburg)

The Würzburg Debating Club has been active for 20 years – a registered association with currently 40 members, consisting mainly of students from the University of Würzburg.

Its aim is to introduce young people to debating as an important tool of political and democratic culture. Debating means that people with different opinions, interests or goals engage in an exchange, discuss controversial topics and try to develop solutions together.

“In a climate of political polarisation and a refusal to engage in discourse, we consider civil debate to be a core component of the democratic process that is well worth protecting,” says association member Sven Bake.

Whether the topic is surrogacy, banning the AfD or pension reform: every week, the association organises meetings at which members debate current contentious issues. This brings together a wide range of opinions – sometimes brought about by a shift in perspective. This means that, during a debate, a person may sometimes have to advocate for a cause they do not actually support.

Röntgen Cup 2026: the debating tournament

Every year, the society organises a German-language debating tournament, the Röntgen Cup. In its 20th anniversary year, it expects around 100 students from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All participants are experienced debaters, which should ensure some top-class debates.

The Röntgen Cup 2026 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 19 and 20 September, at the Catholic University Community, Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (KHG), at Hofstallstraße 4 in Würzburg. Twenty-four teams will tackle challenging topics and debates across four preliminary rounds. They will be assessed by a panel of judges and receive constructive feedback after each round.

The highlight is the public final, in which the four best teams will compete for the tournament title. The final will take place on Sunday, 20 September 2026, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the KHG. Admission is free; no registration is required.