In an innovative twist for the sports world, the 2025 Indoor Rowing World Championship (WRICH) is set to elevate rowing to a completely new dimension. Presented by Concept2, this global event, taking place over two weekends in February 2025, shifts from traditional physical venues to a cutting-edge virtual environment. With this initiative, World Rowing is redefining competition and also promoting an international celebration of rowing, endurance, and global community.

The WRICH 2025 will unfold over two intense weekends: the first, on February 15 and 16, will focus on 500-meter races and endurance relays, while the second, on February 22 and 23, will feature 2000-meter events and sprint relays. Each weekend will include a day of heats followed by a day of finals, allowing rowers to compete across three continental time zones. This format ensures that athletes from all corners of the globe have the chance to compete at their convenience, with finals broadcast live during European afternoon hours, promising an exciting viewing experience for rowing fans.

The road to the WRICH 2025 finals begins in November 2024, with a qualification period extending through January 2025. During this time, rowers will have the opportunity to submit their best times in their respective events to secure a spot in the heats. The top 150 competitors in each gender and weight category per time zone will be invited to the heats, while the top 10 athletes in each age category who do not qualify directly will have a wildcard chance. Ultimately, the top 50 from each category will advance to the semifinals, and the top 20 will compete in the grand finals.

This championship will not only crown world champions in all age categories, from juniors to masters, in spite of that, it will also introduce new and exciting events, such as relays for universities, schools, and services (police, fire, military), and long-distance 5 km events. For the first time, all participants, from heats to finals, will receive an official global, continental, and age-group ranking, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in each category. This broad inclusion underscores the global appeal of indoor rowing and encourages diverse participation.

Looking ahead, World Rowing is not stopping with the WRICH 2025. The organization is preparing to launch a new virtual series that will expand opportunities for indoor rowing enthusiasts year-round. Additionally, plans are underway for a live event for the Versa Challenge finals in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the location to be announced. This event will provide a unique competitive experience for the world’s top indoor rowers.

World Rowing is also actively working to include indoor rowing in the inaugural Esports Olympic Games, expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025 in Saudi Arabia. This move reflects the commitment to positioning indoor rowing as a premier sport in both digital and esports arenas.

“It is essential that both the WRICH and the Virtual Series play a crucial role in qualifying for these new live events, aligning with our goal of making rowing more accessible and exciting for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, skill, or background,” said Vincent Gaillard, Executive Director of World Rowing.

With WRICH 2025, indoor rowing is set to make waves in the digital age, offering athletes and fans an unprecedented platform to experience the thrill of the sport from the comfort of their own homes.