Overview
- The preliminary round runs January 2–3 with group fixtures and match times set across 12 pools.
- DJK/Sportfreunde Katernberg arrive as defending champions after last year's final win over Sportfreunde Niederwenigern.
- NRZ is filing a live ticker from the venue that delivers scores, notable moments, and official decisions as they happen.
- Coverage includes a video package featuring highlights from the 2025 final round.
- Event guidance notes higher beer prices this year and observes that a women's tournament is still overdue.