The purpose of the study is to identify the characteristics of the transformation of the competitive activity of central forwards in modern water polo under the conditions of the updated World Aquatics rules. Research methods and organization. The study was conducted based on the analysis of official protocols and video recordings of matches of the Russian Water Polo Championship (Eurasian Water Polo League) among men's teams. Methods of pedagogical observation, analysis of competitive activity protocols, and descriptive statistics were used to provide an objective assessment of the structure and nature of the playing actions of central attackers. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that the updated World Aquatics rules have led to changes in the competitive activity of center forwards. A decrease in the proportion of prolonged positional interactions and an increase in the number of short-term, high-intensity, speed-strength actions aimed at creating a numerical advantage have been noted. The obtained data indicate that under the updated World Aquatics rules, the center forward more frequently performs the function of creating conditions for an attack rather than completing it directly. The identified features of competitive activity should be taken into account when planning and adjusting special physical training programs for water polo players in this position.