Apolo has completed the most significant signing in its water polo history, confirming the arrival of Hungarian legend Dénes Varga ahead of the upcoming season.
The transfer represents a landmark moment not only for the club, but for Georgian water polo as a whole, signalling a clear and ambitious step forward in Apolo’s long-term sporting vision and international profile.
Now 38, Varga remains one of the most decorated and influential figures in the modern history of the sport. Over a professional career spanning two decades at the highest level, he has accumulated virtually every major honour available. His achievements include three Champions League titles (2015, 2019, 2024), Olympic gold (2008), Olympic bronze (2020), and two World Championship gold medals (2013, 2023). Individually, he was named FINA World Player of the Year in 2019 and received European Aquatics’ Player of the Year award on three occasions (2012, 2019, 2023).
Beyond his competitive accolades, Varga’s standing in the sport extends far wider. He is officially recognised as one of the world’s all-time Top 10 water polo players, serves as an official Water Polo Ambassador of European Aquatics, and has been named the face of the 2026 European Championships — a testament to both his legacy and ongoing influence.
In announcing the signing, Apolo described Varga’s arrival as a defining moment in the club’s history. While his impact in the pool will be closely watched, the club has also highlighted his importance as a mentor and leader, capable of raising standards across the squad and contributing to the development of the next generation of Georgian water polo players.
Often referred to as the “Mozart of water polo” for his vision, creativity, and technical mastery, Varga has represented some of Europe’s most prominent clubs, including Újpest, Vasas, Primorje Rijeka, Szolnok, and Ferencváros. Most recently, he returned from retirement to compete in the USA National League with the Los Angeles Athletic Club, underlining both his enduring motivation and his ability to perform at a high level.
For Apolo, this move is more than a headline signing. It is a strategic statement — one that reflects growing ambition on both the national and international stage, and a desire to position the club as a serious presence beyond domestic competition.
With Varga officially signed and preparations underway, Apolo now looks ahead to what promises to be a historic season.
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