Stepping into the Magical World of Slavic Myths
Dive into ER Champ 2026! Discover Slavic myths, meet Milena and Sambor, conquer the stress test, and face the Bies in the Holy Mountain qualifications.
Welcome to the landmark 10th Jubilee Edition of the World Escape Room Championship! This year, ER Champ invites players on an extraordinary journey into the deep and mysterious realm of Slavic Myths. As the Grand Final prepares to return to its roots in Wrocław, Poland, participants from across the globe will have to outsmart ancient gods and magical creatures. But before we reach the finals, let's explore the mystical theme, meet our main characters, and prepare for the upcoming qualification games.
Introduction to the Slavic World
To fully appreciate this year's ER Champ narrative, you need to understand the rich tapestry of ancient Slavic beliefs. The Slavic religion was deeply connected to nature and polytheistic, meaning our ancestors worshiped multiple gods and goddesses.
Gods, Demons, and Ancient Beliefs
At the top of the Slavic pantheon often stood Perun, the mighty god of thunder and lightning, and Weles, the horned god of the underworld, magic, and wealth. The world was perceived as a magical place where the sacred and the profane constantly intertwined, and nature itself was revered. Ancient Slavs didn't always build classic temples - their sacred rituals often took place in natural settings, like holy mountains or ancient groves centered around mighty oak trees.
The world was also filled with a vast array of demons and spirits that inhabited forests, fields, and waters. While some were helpful household spirits, others were incredibly dangerous - such as the Leszy (the guardian demon of the forest), the Południca (a malicious midday demon hunting in the fields), or the fearsome Bies. It is this very world of untamed nature and ancient magic that you will navigate in ER Champ 2026.
Meet the Heroes: Milena and Sambor
This year's main characters, who will guide you through this mysterious world with a little help from the Slavic gods, are a dynamic pair of siblings. Milena is a curious and brave young woman, around 18 years old, recognized by her light hair braided into a single plait and her simple rural clothing. She is joined by her twin brother, Sambor, a clever and strong young man who wears similar rural attire and short light hair with a light stubble.
Raised by their mother, who works as a seamstress, these twins find themselves thrust into a dark world of legends where their bravery, teamwork, and wit will be put to the ultimate test.
The Prologue: Stress Test in the Turnip Field
Every great adventure needs a beginning. The ER Champ 2026 journey kicks off with the online Stress Test game titled A tale of the turnip field, scheduled for May 30, 2026.
This level serves as a perfect prologue to the qualifications, dropping you straight into the folklore of Lower Silesia. Players will have to help Milena and Sambor find their way home to a settlement where the gates are suddenly barred and the streets are mysteriously deserted. To regain entry, you must face the legendary creature known as Liczyrzepa. This stage is designed not only to introduce the core puzzle mechanics but also to give you a firsthand encounter with some of the most iconic creatures from Slavic mythology.
The Ultimate Trial: Qualifications on the Holy Mountain
Once you've mastered the mechanics in the prologue, the real challenge begins. The official Qualifications, titled The Mystery of Holy Mountain, will take place on June 20, 2026.
The stakes are incredibly high: a monstrous Bies is terrorizing the twins' settlement. The only way to banish this powerful demon is to seek the favor of the gods. Players will join Milena and Sambor on a perilous journey to the heights of the Holy Mountain, where they must prove their devotion through ancient rituals to save their village.
This is the crucial online qualification round - only the 10 best-performing teams will advance to the ultimate showdown at the Grand Finals in Wrocław.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
Prepare your team, brush up on your Slavic folklore, and get ready to outsmart demons and gods alike. The magical world of Slavic myths awaits your arrival!
Are you new? Check out the article Gather Your Team for the World Escape Room Championship 2026.