FAQ’s We can’t wait for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Lots more information will be coming in 2025, so if you want to be the first to hear the news as it gets announced, don’t forget to sign up to get the info straight to your inbox. The event will take place from 11-13 September 2026 at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
No! This will be in addition to the World Championships which is a great event that our athletes and fans cherish. Fans, sponsors and the athletes are demanding more showcase athletics events which is why we have created World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
The demand for world class athletics events is at an all time high. In fact, 2026 is the next year without a major global event like a World Championships or an Olympic Games. That’s why, over the past two years, we have been designing this new event that not only meets but exceeds the need for innovation and excitement in the athletics world.
Our World Championships span nine days with 13-14 sessions, but the Ultimate Championship will be a high intensity, three day event with just three evening sessions – each lasting three hours. Because of this compact format, we can’t include every event from a World Championships. Each session will feature a mix of track events, jumps and throws, ensuring the entire stadium is buzzing with action and delivering a fast-paced electrifying experience for fans.
Tickets will go on sale towards the end of 2025. Want to be the first to know? Sign up now for exclusive updates and all the latest news on this exciting new event.
The Ultimate Championship will feature only the best of the best athletes. All current title holders from major events including the reigning World Champion, Olympic Champion and Diamond League winner will be guaranteed a spot. The remaining spots will be decided based on the World Rankings qualification system.
The athletes will be representing their Country at the Ultimate Championship and will be wearing their national kit.
The Ultimate Championship will feature only the best athletes – major event titles holders and the top-ranked athletes globally. There will be no limit on the number of athletes from any single country, ensuring only the best of the best make the cut, regardless of their nationality.
World Athletics will handle the event’s production and remain at the heart of all broadcast agreements. These agreements will prioritise on free to air TV and digital platforms ensuring that fans everyone can experience the thrill of the Ultimate Championship no matter where they are.
The Ultimate Championship will wrap up the season in 2028 taking place after the LA28 Olympic Games. As we have seen this year, some of the most incredible performances often come in the Diamond League meetings that followed the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – showcasing athletes’ peak form when the stakes are still high. The Ultimate Championship will capture that energy and excitement, closing out the year with a bang.
