The Snickers Ball Championship: The Ultimate Splash
A standard Manu is one thing. A Manu with a rugby ball? That’s a whole new level of competition.
Snickers Ball returns this summer, elevating the game with new equipment, more events, and prize packs that are guaranteed to satisfy. This isn’t just about making a splash; it’s a test of true talent. It’s time to move beyond the ordinary and make your… SPLASH and be crowned Snickers Ball Champion 2026.
Regional Competitions: Satisfy Your Competitive Hunger
Bring the Heat. Earn the Pack.
Snickers Ball will be activating in-person at every Z Manu World Champs qualifier event this summer. Head to the Snickers Ball session, grab a rugby ball and show us your best pop during your manu.
Top 3 splashers at each location will win an exclusive Snickers Prize Pack — and ultimate bragging rights.
This is a FREE event to participate in however there may be a small pool entry fee.
Check the timetable below for locations and session times near you.
Think you’ve got the best ball pop in the game?
We’re on the hunt for 8 of the best ball poppers in the country to compete in the Snickers Ball Grand Final at the Z Manu World Champs on Saturday 14 March 2026 in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
Here’s how to enter:
- Grab a Size 4 rugby ball and head to your local waterhole, wharf, or backyard pool.
- Record your best ball pop while doing a manu. Make it count.
- Upload your video to Instagram, tag @manuworldchamps and use #SnickersBall2026.
Our panel of manu experts will judge the entries and select 8 finalists to compete live at the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) on Saturday 14 March 2026.
Finalists will need to make their own way to Auckland for the showdown.
You’ll compete in front of thousands of spectators, with one crowned the 2026 Snickers Ball World Champ.
Get knocked out? You’ll still go home with a Snickers Prize Pack, because you’re not you when you’re eliminated.
*T&Cs apply.
Snickers Ball Sessions
| Dunedin – Steamer Wharf, Central Dunedin | 3:10pm | Sunday 30 November |
| Hastings – Havelock North Village Pool | 1:55pm | Saturday 6 December |
| Tauranga – Tidal Steps, Tauranga Central Waterfront | 3:40pm | Saturday 13 December |
| Māngere – Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre | 1:40pm | Saturday 10 January |
| Whangārei – Whangārei Aquatic Centre | 2:10pm | Saturday 17 January |
| Hamilton – Waterworld | 3:50pm (both days) |
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 January |
| Wellington – Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre | 3:50pm | Saturday 31 January |
| Palmerston North – Lido Aquatic Centre | 2:10pm | Saturday 14 February |
| Nelson – Nayland Pool | 2:10pm | Saturday 21 February |
| Auckland – Karanga Plaza, Viaduct Harbour | 4:50pm
3:50pm |
Saturday 28 Feb & Saturday 7 Mar
Sunday 1 Mar & Sunday 8 Mar |
Short Form T&C’s
Eligibility: Open to NZ residents aged 16+. Proof of age may be required. Excludes employees of Mars NZ & their families.
Regional Events: The top 3 competitors at each regional event win a Snickers prize pack (Towel, Hat, Bars). Regional Events are free to participate in for all NZ residents aged 16+. During the selected Snickers Ball time, people can participate and give it a go with no registration necessary.
Auckland Final Event Entry: To enter for the Auckland Finals Event, submit a video of your Manu ball pop. All videos must be filmed in a safe environment, no cliff jumps, shallow water, or other dangerous acts. Eight (8) Finalists will be selected from video entries to compete in a knockout competition in Auckland.
Prizes: All 8 Auckland Event finalists will receive an exclusive Snickers prize pack. There is no additional prize awarded to the winner of the knockout competition.
Attendance Costs: Auckland Event finalists must fund their own travel, accommodation, and other expenses to attend the event in Auckland.
General:
- By entering, you grant Snickers permission to use your video for promotional purposes.
- Judges’ decisions are final. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
- Full terms and conditions apply. Please view here.