There could, in the end, be only one winner in the tournament’s 25th year: Australia, 14 times in the Grand Final and now nine times the champions. For many years they exerted a stranglehold on the trophy; it seems almost strange that this is their first victory in seven years. Congratulations to Bo Seo (also best speaker of the tournament), Zoe Brown, Nick Salmon, James Stratton and Tyrone Connell for their victory – unanimous from the nine judges – over Swaziland. The motion was “This House believes that Turkey is better off outside the EU”. If you’d like to skim the arguments made in the final, please see the Twitter feed of India coach Sayeqa Islam.
Swaziland still go home with a medal most other participating countries have never won and a fairy-tale story: a Grand Final appearance in only their second year at the competition, after winning Best New Team last year. Congratulations to Fanele Mashwama, Sandile Mndzebele, Lindelani Mabuza, Oliver Havelock Mills and Wabantu Hlophe on their amazing achievement.
Congratulations also to Peru, Best ESL Team, and Indonesia, Best EFL Team.
And well done to all of you who participated in the 25th WSDC in Antalya, Turkey, and those who made it happen!
Follow: Team Australia on Twitter / Team Swaziland on Twitter / WSDC on Twitter