MGM unveils 12th edition of lion dance competition amid record-breaking participation

The 12th “Lion Dance Competition 2025 – MGM Cup” is set to showcase record-breaking participation this year, with 600 applications received for just 500 available spots.

The announcement was made during the graduation ceremony for the 11th “MGM Lion Dance Summer Program 2025,” held yesterday at the MGM Macau Grand Ballroom.

Nearly 100 young lion dancers graduated from the summer program, performing lion dances to mark the occasion.

Catarina Lio, senior vice president of Brand Marketing at MGM China told the press that the turnout exceeded expectations.

“We received around 600 applications this year, but we only had 500 spots available,” she noted. “Participation came from around 52 schools in Macau. Around 70% of the local schools took part in the program.”

Kenneth Feng, president and executive director of MGM China, highlighted the growing international interest.

“This year, we attracted 13 international teams to the A-Ma Temple Square, and the number of young participants continues to climb,” he said.

The competition is scheduled for October 4 and 5 at the A-Ma Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It will feature 247 athletes from 22 teams across 14 countries and regions, with more than 60% of participants coming from abroad. Countries represented include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Australia, and Italy. Notably, the Brunei Lions team will be competing for the first time. Times Reporter