In a move that reshapes the landscape of American club water polo, the Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) has officially announced the signing of Filip Filipović, one of the most decorated athletes the sport has ever seen.
The Serbian superstar will join LAAC for the upcoming USA Water Polo National League Finals, marking yet another sensational twist in his unexpected return to the pool.
After briefly coming out of retirement to join Al Qadsia in Kuwait in late 2024, Filipović now finds himself at the heart of another groundbreaking moment in water polo history—teaming up with Dénes Varga at LAAC in what is arguably the greatest pairing the sport has seen in the last two decades.
This monumental signing was allegedly made possible thanks to the efforts of Duško Pijetlović and Denes Varga , who convinced Filipović to join the LAAC project and help grow the American game.
A Global Tour for a Global Icon
When Filipović signed with Al Qadsia in Kuwait in November 2024, the water polo world was stunned. After seemingly hanging up his cap following the Final Four in Malta, his move to a league with just four teams showed his enduring passion for the sport—and his willingness to help grow the game in lesser-known corners of the world.
Now, just months later, Filipović is headed to the United States. But this isn’t just another chapter—it’s potentially the most exciting yet. With the eyes of the world turning to the 2025 National League Finals, LAAC has positioned itself at the center of a water polo revolution.
The Most Decorated Duo Ever?
With Filipović and Varga on the same team for the first time, LAAC has assembled a dream pairing of two generational icons:
Filip Filipović
- 🥇🥇 Olympic Gold (2016, 2020) | 🥉🥉 Bronze (2008, 2012)
- 🌍 2x World Champion (2009, 2015)
- 🇪🇺 6x European Champion
- 👑 World Player of the Year (2009, 2011, 2014, 2021)
- 🏆 Multiple Champions League titles with Pro Recco
Dénes Varga
- 🥇 Olympic Gold (2008) | 🥉 Bronze (2021)
- 🌍 2x World Champion (2013, 2023)
- 🇪🇺 European Champion (2020)
- 🏆 3x Champions League Winner
- 👑 2019 Total Player of the Year
Together, they bring unmatched experience, flair, and global credibility to LAAC—and to American water polo as a whole.
Elevating the Game in the U.S.
This isn’t just a headline-grabbing move. Filipović’s arrival signals a strategic push to raise the profile of water polo in the United States. LAAC, in collaboration with Ducko and Dumi Varga, is investing not only in winning titles, but in growing the sport’s popularity and quality across the country.
The National League Finals are now shaping up to be more than just a domestic competition—they’re turning into a world-class showcase, with LAAC at its epicenter.
From Belgrade to Kuwait to Los Angeles, Filip Filipović continues to redefine what it means to be a global ambassador for water polo. And as he prepares to suit up alongside Varga in California, one thing is clear:
The legend isn’t finished. He’s just getting started—again.