Living the Moment & Learning from Pressure – Vince Vigvári on Penalties, World Titles & the Champions League (Part 2)

Episode von Waterpolo Expert Talk von Andreas Schulze-Kopp · 10. Mai 2025 · 23 min

In Part 2 of the conversation with Vince Vigvári, Hungarian national team player and CN Barceloneta professional, we go deep into the mental side of elite performance, dealing with penalty pressure at the Olympic Games, World Championship success and the challenges of staying present while planning the future.

Vince openly reflects on missing a decisive penalty at the Olympic bronze medal match and explains why he still sees it as a moment of courage, execution and trust rather than fear. He shares why a clear plan and full commitment matter more than the final outcome — and how goalkeepers can sometimes simply be better in that moment.

We compare the Olympic Games and the World Championships, especially his experiences at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, which marked his first senior world tournament. Vince talks about scoring in the semifinal against Spain, limited playing minutes, and how that goal gave him the confidence that he truly belongs at the world level.

Another key topic is the hosting of major tournaments outside Europe. Vince explains the two-sided challenge: developing the sport globally while still keeping its strong European fan base connected. We discuss Asia, Paris, Chengdu, Podgorica and Singapore as event locations.

A special highlight is his historic 2023 summer, where Hungary won both the Junior World Championship and the Senior World Championship within one month — a rare double success that marked his biggest personal breakthrough so far.

We also talk about his current Champions League campaign with CN Barceloneta, including:

– The crucial match against Oradea

– The ambition to reach the Final Four

– Why the Final Four comes down to three perfect days

– Physical vs. mental freshness at the highest level

Finally, Vince shares his advice for young players:

– Enjoy the game first

– Respect yourself and your sport

– Work harder than anyone else

– Trust yourself when the pressure comes

Topics of this episode (Part 2):

– Olympic penalty pressure

– Execution vs. outcome

– World Championships vs. Olympic Games

– Fukuoka 2023 semifinal goal

– Hosting tournaments outside Europe

– Junior & Senior World Championship double title

– Champions League mindset with Barceloneta

– Final Four pressure

– Living in the present vs. planning the future

– Advice for young athletes

This episode is a must-listen for young players, coaches and elite sport fans worldwide who want to understand how mental strength, pressure and confidence shape careers at the very top of international water polo.

🔗 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de

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