WannaFlex Ping Pong Tournament: I Wanna Smash IT 2026 Recap
Our annual I Wanna Smash IT ping pong tournament brought the WannaFlex IT community together once again — and what an edition it was. This yearly IT networking event in Amsterdam keeps growing, and this time the competition level was higher than ever.
The atmosphere? Electric. The rallies? Intense. And yes — the prizes were as attractive as always.
After a series of exciting matches, it was ultimately Amber and Prashant who took home the win. A well-deserved victory after a seriously strong final.
More than just a game
At WannaFlex, events like this aren’t just about ping pong. They’re about connecting IT freelancers, clients, and professionals in a relaxed setting. A bit of competition, a lot of laughs, and plenty of new connections — exactly how we like it.
Missed it? Don’t worry.
Sure, you missed a great IT community event – too bad! But we’ll be back next year with another edition.
In the meantime, keep an eye on our socials. We will soon start hosting Friday afternoon drinks & pongclub — smaller, informal gatherings where networking. Unwind from the week, and smash into the weekend with a friendly match.
See you at the table next time.
New ZZP Legislation in 2026
Dutch self-employed legislation continues to evolve. While the VBAR law was originally intended to clarify false self-employment, political attention now seems to be shifting toward the proposed Self-Employed Act (Zelfstandigenwet). This potential new zzp law, expected around 2026, aims to provide clearer upfront guidance on when someone can genuinely operate as an independent professional.
For IT freelancers and hiring companies, this matters. The IT sector relies heavily on flexible talent, interim specialists, and freelance expertise to stay innovative and agile.
Why a new ZZP law?
In recent years, uncertainty around false self-employment in the Netherlands has increased. Since tax authorities resumed stricter enforcement, some organizations have become more cautious about hiring freelancers — including in IT, where independent specialists are often essential.
The Self-Employed Act aims to reduce this uncertainty by assessing factors such as:
demonstrable entrepreneurship (e.g., multiple clients, business independence)
how the working relationship with the client is structured
sector-specific considerations where relevant
The goal is to reduce grey areas without limiting the flexibility the market depends on.
What does this mean for IT freelancers and clients?
For now, daily practice remains largely unchanged. If you work with:
✔ clear project-based agreements ✔ a professionally structured collaboration ✔ a market-conform hourly rate (often €36+ indicative)
the risk of discussions around false self-employment generally stays limited.
For IT hiring companies, this mainly means ensuring contracts, project scopes, and collaboration structures are set up properly. For IT freelancers, it means continuing to visibly operate as an independent professional.
Stay prepared — but don’t panic
The final shape of the 2026 ZZP legislation is not yet confirmed. Political decision-making is still ongoing and details may change. What is clear, however, is that transparency, solid agreements, and professional collaboration will only become more important.
Unsure whether your IT contracts or freelance setup are future-proof? WannaFlex is happy to think along with you — whether you’re an IT freelancer or hiring one.
‘Gooi een balletje op’ about the VBAR-law
A 15 minute video that will tell you all about the VBAR Act: What to Expect from the DBA’s Successor
In our recurring ‘vodcast’ series “Gooi een balletje op” (loosely translated as “Let’s bounce around an idea”), we explore complex topics that affect freelancers, clients, and the wider IT market.
This time, we’re diving into something that’s not yet law—but is already casting a long shadow: the VBAR Act.
What is it? What will it change? And what should you already be thinking about?
In this episode, Jochem talks to Jordi Rosendahl, labor law attorney at Lexence, about the upcoming VBAR Act—intended as the successor to the current DBA law.
Key takeaways from the episode:
What the VBAR Act is trying to solve
How it compares to the DBA
What risks freelancers and clients may face if the law passes
How the VBAR aims to reduce ambiguity in freelance contracts
What smart preparation looks like, even before the law becomes active
Why it matters: VBAR might still be just a proposal, but it reflects a clear shift in how the Dutch government views freelance work. Understanding it now can save you trouble later.
Save the Date: The WannaFlex Summer BBQ is Firing Up! 🔥
At WannaFlex, we believe IT recruitment should be personal. That’s why we’re inviting our community of IT professionals to join us for a summer evening of food, fun, and connection.
On June 19, from 18:00 to 21:00, our Amsterdam HQ will transform into the ultimate BBQ hangout. Expect sizzling grills, ice-cold drinks, good vibes, and great conversations. Whether you’re a developer we placed last month or a hiring manager we’ve been working with for years — we’d love to see you there.
PS. This isn’t just another networking event. It’s the WannaFlex way: casual, real, and just fun.
📍 Where: WannaFlex, Cruquiusweg 96N, Amsterdam 📅 When: Thursday, June 19, 18:00 – 21:00 🍔 What: BBQ, drinks & all your favorite tech & WF folks
At WannaFlex, we love going the extra mile — for our clients, our IT specialists, and yes… even in our running shoes.
After last year’s amazing edition of the Dam tot Damloop, we’re doing it all over again! A 50-person dream team of clients, IT specialists, and WannaFlexers hit the road together — and honestly, we’re still not sure what was more fun: the run itself or the celebratory drinks we shared in Zaandam afterwards. 🍻
This year, we’re going bigger, bolder, and (hopefully) faster. Are you in?
Whether you’re running to beat your PR or just for the gezelligheid — we’d love to have you on our team.
👟 Sign up now to claim one of the 50 exclusive spots in the WannaFlex Running Team. You can contact your Account Manager or Account Executive directly – or send us an email at [email protected].
For some it’s matching a top-tier candidate to a new IT role. For others… it’s winning a fierce game of ping pong.
Because at the WannaFlex office, ping pong isn’t just a game. It’s part of the culture. Matches happen daily. Rallies get intense. The tension runs high. And there’s always someone yelling: “Just one more round!”
That’s why our annual “I WANNA SMASH IT” tournament has become a full-blown tradition. A legendary event that’s not just about winning — but about fun, connection, and healthy competition. All in true WannaFlex spirit.
This year, the highly-coveted title went to our very own Friso Poleij and Richard Dodeman. Runner-up spot? Snagged by Luke, together with Sandeep Thukral, Test Automation Engineer — after an epic doubles final.
We’re already looking forward to next year. One thing’s for sure: at WannaFlex, we don’t just smash ping pong balls — we smash our goals.
The reintroduction of the DBA Act is now three months behind us. And while the rules seem clear on paper, at WannaFlex we notice that in practice, many questions still arise. Especially in complex situations — for example, temporarily replacing a manager who not only leads a team but also reports to higher management and must adhere to organizational guidelines in daily operations. Two elements that, under the DBA Act, could potentially point toward a “permanent employment” structure.
The DBA Act is intended to prevent false self-employment, but in practice, it still regularly sparks discussion. In the case of an interim IT professional temporarily taking on a leadership role — is that even allowed? The short answer: yes, provided it is properly arranged.
When the nature of the assignment is clearly described, contractually secured, and correctly implemented in practice, the legal risks are minimal. It all comes down to awareness and clear agreements — right from the start. This way, you avoid misunderstandings and risks later on.
At WannaFlex, we guide clients through these kinds of questions every day and aim to take some of the uncertainty away. We also advise on alternative employment structures; whether freelance, deta-vast, or consultancy — we help you choose the right setup and ensure everything is legally compliant. A reassuring thought — for both client and IT professional.
Curious to learn more about the impact of the DBA Act? Check out our latest webinar on the topic ( Warning – it’s in Dutch 🙂
Where it all began.
From Truck Driver to Founder: The Story of Sjoerd van der Meulen.
At WannaFlex, we believe that every career is a journey — sometimes with unexpected turns, but always full of potential. Recently, our founder Sjoerd van der Meulen shared his inspiring story during an EO TEDx Talk.
What started behind the wheel of a truck evolved into the founding of WannaFlex: a thriving IT recruitment agency built on ambition, resilience, and vision. Sjoerd’s journey is a perfect reflection of two of our core beliefs: Managing Potential and Challenging Your Career.
In his talk, Sjoerd takes you along for the ride — showing that your background doesn’t define your future, but your mindset does.
Ready to be inspired? Watch the full TED Talk and discover how a career, when challenged the right way, can take you further than you ever imagined.
