World Athletics Unveils Record-Breaking Championship with $10M Prize

The international athletics body has announced the 'World Athletics Ultimate Championship,' a season-ending event with a record $10 million prize. The championship will feature Olympic and World Champions, with the inaugural event set in Budapest in 2026. This groundbreaking competition aims to redefine track and field sports.

The global athletics governing body introduced a groundbreaking event on Monday: the 'World Athletics Ultimate Championship,' a season-ending competition that offers an unprecedented prize pool of $10 million.

The tournament, set to debut in Budapest from September 11-13, 2026, will gather world and Olympic champions, and Diamond League victors to determine the season’s ultimate performers. Held biennially, the event will mark a new chapter in track and field history.

World Athletics President Seb Coe described it as 'high on action and excitement,' with athletes competing solely in semi-finals and finals, ensuring immediate pressure and intense competition. 'We aim to elevate the entire sport, reaching broader and younger audiences,' added CEO Jon Ridgeon. Nearly 400 of the world’s top athletes are expected to participate.