World Athletics Ultimate Championship Opens in Budapest

The inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship opened in Budapest on Friday, September 11, 2026, marking the start of a new, high-stakes, invite-only event with a record $10 million prize pool. The three-day competition at the National Athletics Centre features 26 Olympic champions, 26 world champions, and the season's top performers in a streamlined format designed to pit the best against the best. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe described the event as a significant moment for the sport, with sprint legend Usain Bolt serving as an ambassador. The championship introduces several innovations, including a direct semifinal and finals format, the replacement of medals with customized trophies, and a rule allowing athletes in the 200m to select their preferred semifinal heat and lane based on seed order. The record prize money sees each individual event winner receive $150,000, more than double the amount awarded at last year's World Championships. Second place earns $75,000, and prize money extends down to 16th place. Relay teams will split $80,000 for first place.