2026 Vancouver WSDC

The Vancouver WSDC brought together 50 of the world’s most elite debate teams last weekend for a grueling test of logic and persuasion. Amidst fierce international competition, VDA debaters delivered a truly unforgettable performance, succeeding across both the Open and U-16 Junior divisions.

Leading the charge in Open World Schools Debate, VDA secured three separate octofinalist slots, making up 40 percent of the total elimination round field. The teams of Anthony Fuliu, Luella Zhang, Ryan Zhang, Sylvia Xie, and Sylvia Zhu; Branca Xiao, Charlene Wang, Karina Lam, and Sophia Jia; and Bella Lent, Jerry Yang, Kalan Xie, and Matthew Yip all advanced to the elimination rounds. Coach Bishal Podder was effusive in his praise, particularly for the young squads. “We had two young teams that were eligible for the Junior break but broke in the Open category, which showed their ability to take on far more experienced teams,” he said. A special shoutout went to the Pre-Advanced class team of Charlene, Branca, Sophia, and Karina, whom Coach Bishal called out for “breaking records to break open in their first tournament, which was so insane to watch. They were four-for-four at one point. So inspiring!”

In the U-16 Junior World Schools Debate, VDA’s future stars continued the momentum, with the team of Annie Li, Darren Dou, Jessica Wang, and Susu Ye powering through to the semifinals. Karina Lam also earned an individual honor as the Tenth Speaker in the competition. Reflecting on the entire weekend’s work, Coach Bishal noted, “We are so happy with how our teams did this year! One experienced team dominated the in-rounds with a perfect 5-0 win record, an unbelievable feat for such a competitive international tournament,” adding that the Junior break from Annie, Jessica, Darren, and Susu “goes to further show that the future is so promising!”

Congratulations to all VDA debaters on an historic weekend.

Let’s go VDA!!!