Competitor Travel Courtesy of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
KUMA Fireworks, established in 2013, has spent the past 12 years crafting world-class pyrotechnic displays across the globe. Led by senior firework handler Maxime Lessard-Giroux, one of Canada’s most experienced professionals, the team has orchestrated shows ranging from intimate weddings to record-breaking spectacles. Notably, Maxime played a key role in Kuwait’s Guinness World Record-setting fireworks display with Parente Fireworks.
In January 2017, Francois Philibert joined the company as Artistic Director and Shareholder. After working for many years for several different organizations all over the world, François brought to the company a creative and innovative facet in the way that he conceived and designed the shows. Like a painter letting his brush and paint do the talking on a canvas, he creates original and magical artwork to amaze the public. Kuma had the honor of winning the public’s choice award at the San Fermin competition in Spain, as well as first prize in Kaliningrad, Russia, two years in a row, even winning the grand prize against the six previous winners.
Most recently, Kuma helped light up the sky for two consecutive evenings at the Les Feux Sur Glace event in Gatineau, Canada. A considerable challenge, given the freezing temperatures and terrible weather conditions.
KUMA Fireworks embraces innovation while honoring tradition, pushing the boundaries of pyrotechnic artistry to create the shows of tomorrow. With a passion for revolutionizing the industry, KUMA is redefining what’s possible in the world of fireworks.
Hunan Fireworks Troupe Co., Ltd. is China’s first cultural and creative enterprise specializing in fireworks performances. Led by renowned fireworks director Huang Cheng, the troupe blends cultural creativity with technological innovation.
Since its founding in 2010, the troupe has built a top-tier team of directors, stage designers, musicians, and engineers, pioneering new approaches to fireworks artistry. Committed to "creating unique fireworks" through innovation and multimedia integration, they have set the benchmark for fireworks performances in China.
Their excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:
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Gold Medal at the 2015 Changsha International Music and Fireworks Competition (China)
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Gold Award for Two People's Fireworks at the 2014 Changsha International Music Fireworks Competition (China)
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Best Creative Award at the 2016 Liuyang Fireworks and Fireworks Fair
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Winner of the 2017 Manitoba International Fireworks Competition (Canada) for Impression of the East
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Winner & Audience Favorite Award at the 2018 Smolensk International Fireworks Championships (Russia) for Dreaming Back to the East
Nakaja Art, established in 1995, is Poland's leading fireworks display company with an impressive 30-year history of excellence. Known for producing the highest number of displays in the country, Nakaja Art's name reflects its philosophy: "The Art from Inside," symbolizing creativity from the soul and heart. Under the expert guidance of Paweł Krzyżanowski, who collaborates with pyro companies across Europe, the company has gained international recognition. Recent accolades include 1st place from Jury and Audience at Vilniaus Fejerija - Vilnius, Lithuania, and Pyronale in Berlin, Germany, as well as a history of dominating Poland's national fireworks competitions from 1999 to 2018. Nakaja Art is renowned for large-scale productions, such as the midsummer night celebration in Krakow that drew over 100,000 spectators and its ongoing 45-minute multimedia spectacle at Nysa Lake, combining fireworks, lasers, lights, and water fountains. With a legacy of artistry and innovation, Nakaja Art continues to set the standard in pyrotechnic entertainment.
IGNITIONCONCEPT has spent the past 30 years building its expertise from the ground up, establishing itself as a leader in large-scale ceremonies, artistic direction, and project management in Portugal and beyond. Under the leadership of Vítor Machado, the team has become synonymous with innovation, continually pushing creative boundaries to deliver never-before-seen performances that captivate both audiences and judges alike.
Their groundbreaking work has earned top honors at prestigious international competitions, including 1st Prize at the Cannes Fireworks Festival (France, 2003), 1st Prize and Public Prize at Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec (Canada, 2011), and 1st Prize at the Puy du Fou Fireworks Festival (France, 2022). With an unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable spectacles, IGNITIONCONCEPT continues to redefine the art of pyrotechnic entertainment.
Pyro Team Serbia is a distinguished pyrotechnics company renowned for its innovative and artistic fireworks displays. Under the leadership of Uroš Petrović, the team has transformed night skies into mesmerizing canvases of light and color. Their philosophy centers on crafting immersive pyro-musical experiences that evoke deep emotions and leave lasting impressions on audiences.
In 2024, Pyro Team Serbia achieved significant acclaim by winning the PyroJam competition. Petrović's masterful display captivated spectators and judges alike, earning the team top honors. This victory underscores their commitment to excellence and solidifies their reputation as leaders in the pyrotechnics industry.
For 46 years, Pyro Spectaculars has defined the pinnacle of global pyrotechnic entertainment, a legacy initiated by Bob Souza in 1979, and rooted in the early 20th-century artistry of Manuel de Sousa. From captivating community festivals and annual world class productions in locations from Honolulu, HI to New York, NY, to the world's most iconic displays, including Macy's 4th of July, New Year's Eve at the Space Needle, and the historic 2020 Mount Rushmore celebration, the company's impact is undeniable.
Pyro Spectaculars has consistently demonstrated its mastery through international competitions, including: L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Symphony of Fireworks, Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, Singapore Bicentennial Fireworks Festival, Seoul International Fireworks Festival and Alstervergnügen Festival – Hamburg.
Today, under the guidance of the fifth generation, the company is not merely replicating past successes but actively shaping the future of pyrotechnics, driving growth and innovation across its expansive network, including a dynamic new presence in the Midwest USA
