The Tango World Championship is moving into its final stages, with dancers from over 50 countries competing for the title. Both amateur and professional couples are showcasing their skills in the two main categories: Tango de Pista (Salon Tango) and Tango Escenario (Stage Tango).

Semifinals featured winning couples from local championships held across Argentina and the globe, who earned direct entry to this advanced stage of the competition. The grand finale will take place on September 1 and 2, where thousands of fans will watch performances by the world's top dancers.

The competition is the centerpiece of the Tango BA Festival and World Championship, which runs from August 20 to September 2. Organized by the Buenos Aires Ministry of Culture, the festival includes over 500 activities at more than 50 locations, with over 2,000 artists participating in concerts, dance classes, and milongas.

Tango, a traditional dance with a rich heritage in Argentina and Uruguay, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage. Its popularity has spread globally, with communities of dancers thriving in countries as far as Kazakhstan and Japan.

AP Video by Victor R. Caivano