World Athletics is calling on its most dedicated supporters to prove their passion for the sport with the launch of the Ultimate Fan Challenge. The global competition, announced Monday, aims to identify and reward the sport’s ultimate fan ahead of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, from September 11-13, 2026. Registration for the challenge is now open at BeTheUltimateFan.com.
The initiative isn’t just about celebrating fans; it’s about extending the competitive spirit of the championships to those who fuel the energy in the stands and around the world. The World Athletics Ultimate Championship itself will be a unique event, bringing together Olympic champions, world champions and Diamond League Final winners to determine the ultimate champions in each discipline.
Two-Phase Challenge to Crown ‘The Ultimate Fan’
The Ultimate Fan Challenge is structured around two distinct phases, designed to test both knowledge, and creativity. The ultimate prize? A trip to Budapest for the championship, including travel, accommodation, tickets, and a VIP experience – complete with a meeting with track and field legend Usain Bolt.
The first phase, the “Quiz Challenge,” will test fans’ athletics knowledge through a series of online trivia competitions. The first quiz launched on March 9, and new quizzes will be released every two weeks until June 4. Participants earn points for correct answers and can boost their scores by referring friends and family to join the challenge. The highest-ranked male and female participants will be declared winners after the Quiz Challenge closes on June 4.
Reveal Your Passion: ‘How I Live Athletics’
Shifting gears from knowledge to creativity, the second phase, “How I Live Athletics,” invites fans to submit original content showcasing their passion for the sport. From June 20 to July 23, fans can submit videos, photos, illustrations, or graphic designs that fall into one of five themes: training, cheering, community, culture, and heritage.
World Athletics will select one finalist from each category, and the public will then vote for the overall winner in August. This phase encourages fans to demonstrate their unique connection to athletics and share their personal stories.
Budapest Finale and Championship Details
The two winners from the Quiz Challenge and the winner of the ‘How I Live Athletics’ Challenge will earn a trip to Budapest to participate in a live, in-stadium grand finale. There, they will compete for the title of ‘The Ultimate Fan.’
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the world’s best athletes in a condensed format. The competition will feature athletes who have excelled at the highest levels, including Olympic and World Championship medalists, as well as Diamond League Final winners.
The Ultimate Fan Challenge provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with the sport on a deeper level and potentially experience the excitement of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship firsthand. Those interested in participating can find more information and register at BeTheUltimateFan.com.
As the competition progresses and the finalists are selected, anticipation will build for the grand finale in Budapest. The World Athletics Ultimate Fan Challenge is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of the passion and dedication that create athletics a global phenomenon. Share your thoughts and experiences with the challenge in the comments below!
