The finalists were selected by the judging panel following a comprehensive evaluation of all qualifying performances of 10 international fireworks teams from five spectacular qualifying nights.

Entries were assessed on creativity, thematic expression, artistic concept, technical execution, visual effects, synchronization with music, and their overall emotional impact on audiences.

Defending champion reinforces its world-class reputation

Returning as the reigning DIFF champions, Jiangxi Yangfeng Art Display Co., Ltd. once again demonstrated why China is regarded as one of the world's leading fireworks nations with its performance titled Oriental Flower.

The display captivated spectators through its seamless fusion of storytelling, music and pyrotechnics. Multi-layered fireworks, constantly shifting colors and meticulously synchronized firing transformed Da Nang’s Han River skyline into a spectacular open-air stage, with each sequence building toward increasingly dramatic and emotionally charged moments.

According to the judging panel, the performance stood out not only for its technical precision but also for its ambitious artistic vision and masterful use of performance space.

Portugal wins over audiences with artistry and innovation

Facing China in the final will be Macedos Pirotecnia, Portugal's representatives and winners of DIFF 2025's Most Creative Award.

Returning this year, the Portuguese team once again impressed audiences with their signature European artistic style, blending music, lighting and cutting-edge pyrotechnic techniques into a cohesive visual experience.

Performing under the qualifying-round theme Vision, Macedos crafted its display as a symphony of light, featuring dense fireworks sequences, constantly shifting rhythms, and a sophisticated combination of traditional pyrotechnic effects with modern innovations that added remarkable depth to the performance.

A particularly memorable highlight was the inclusion of the Vietnamese song Dòng Máu Lạc Hồng (The Bloodline of Lac Hong), accompanied by imagery inspired by Vietnam's iconic bamboo groves and emotionally choreographed fireworks sequences that earned enthusiastic applause from spectators.

DIFF 2026 hailed as the festival's strongest edition yet

According to organisers, DIFF 2026 has delivered one of the highest overall standards of competition since the festival was first launched.

With many of the world's leading fireworks teams taking part, every competition night featured intense artistic and technical rivalry. Beyond showcasing advanced pyrotechnics, teams focused on storytelling through light, music and theatrical presentation, creating distinctive experiences for audiences.

Major General Nguyen Duc Trinh, president of the Vietnam Musicians' Association and a member of the judging panel, said the exceptionally high standard of this year's competition had surprised even the judges.

He noted that both China and Portugal demonstrated significant artistic evolution compared with previous editions, from creative concepts to technical execution, reflecting not only the continued advancement of international fireworks artistry but also DIFF's growing stature as a premier global fireworks festival.

Grand finale promises spectacular showdown

Following the announcement of the finalists, organisers conducted the draw to determine the order of performances. Portugal will perform first, followed by China.

The DIFF 2026 Grand Final, themed United Horizons, will begin at 8:10 p.m. on July 11 and will be broadcast live on VTV1.

Organisers also announced a prize fund of US$20,000 for the champions, US$10,000 for the runners-up, and US$5,000 for the Audience Favourite Award.

Reflecting the exceptionally high standard of this year's competition, organisers have introduced two new awards—the Creativity Award and the Promising Team Award—each carrying a prize of US$5,000, to recognise outstanding artistic concepts and emerging talent.

After five nights of breathtaking performances, DIFF 2026 has further cemented its reputation as one of Asia's premier fireworks festivals while reinforcing Da Nang's appeal as a major summer tourism destination. The championship duel between China and Portugal is expected to deliver a spectacular finale, bringing this year's festival to a memorable close through both artistic excellence and its growing contribution to the city's international profile.