Burning Man: Wollongong 4s 2025

What is Wollongong 4s?

The Wollongong 4's is one of Australia's largest and longest running social Underwater Hockey competitions. Starting in 1992, the competition regularly attracts more than 50 competitors from all over Australia and beyond. To qualify you need to turn up on time, put your name in the hat and be drawn onto a team with three other players and a beginner. Then it's game on for several hours of 4v4 hockey — an equivalent format to Rugby 7s as we normally have 6 players in the water. At the end of the day it's off to a secret location for drinks, BBQ, and raffle.

Overview

Beneath the radiant sun at the Wollongong University Pool, approximately 60 spirited players gathered to partake in a day of competition. Each participant was assigned into teams of four or five, culminating in 12 dynamic squads. Teams 1–6 found their way on the shallow side of the pool, while Teams 7–12 ventured into the deep side. Midway through the contest, a grand switch of sides ensued.

Results

Semi Finals

Team 5 vs. Team 8 | Team 6 vs. Team 10

Grand Final

Team 5 vs. Team 6 — In a thrilling overtime clash, the score stood at a tantalising 2–2. To determine the victor, host Ryan decreed a duel between the mightiest champions of each team: Estiven vs. Eric. As Estiven seized victory, it was heralded that Team 5 emerged triumphant.

🥇 1st Place: Team 5 — Estiven, Jenny, Lee, Jesse and Matilde | 🏆 MVP: Jack Smit

Burning Man Afterparty

With the afterparty set at Ryan's fabulous lair, attendees were summoned to unleash their inner fashionistas according to the theme: Burning Man! A wild mashup of hippie vibes, punk flair, and post-apocalyptic chic strutted around Ryan's farm, all while a colossal wooden masterpiece loomed in the back, just itching to meet its fiery fate!