The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to feature an impressive prize pool of over US$8.5 million (approximately AU$12.8 million), with an array of events showcasing the planet’s top track and field athletes. The nine-day event includes 49 competitions, evenly split between male and female participants, along with a mixed 4x400m relay that kicked off the championships with a victory for the United States.
Athletes competing for individual event titles will be vying for a grand prize of US$70,000 (AU$105,000) for first place. Those participating in relay events have a chance to earn even more, with the winning team in relay competitions set to secure US$80,000 (AU$120,000). Furthermore, all athletes who reach the final eight in their respective events will benefit from the overall prize purse.
Here’s a breakdown of the prize money awarded in individual and relay events:
Individual Events:
- 1st Place: US$70,000 (AU$105,000)
- 2nd Place: US$35,000 (AU$52,700)
- 3rd Place: US$22,000 (AU$33,100)
- 4th Place: US$16,000 (AU$24,000)
- 5th Place: US$11,000 (AU$16,600)
- 6th Place: US$7,000 (AU$10,500)
- 7th Place: US$6,000 (AU$9,000)
- 8th Place: US$5,000 (AU$7,500)
Relay Events:
- 1st Place: US$80,000 (AU$120,000)
- 2nd Place: US$40,000 (AU$60,000)
- 3rd Place: US$20,000 (AU$30,000)
- 4th Place: US$16,000 (AU$24,000)
- 5th Place: US$12,000 (AU$18,000)
- 6th Place: US$8,000 (AU$12,000)
- 7th Place: US$6,000 (AU$9,000)
- 8th Place: US$4,000 (AU$6,000)
The Japan National Stadium, which is hosting the championships, provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious event. Interestingly, the prize money matches that of the previous world championships held in Budapest two years ago.
In addition to the competitive prizes, athletes have the potential to earn a special bonus of US$100,000 (AU$150,000) for setting a new world record during the competition. This could result in an impressive payday totaling US$170,000 (AU$256,000) for those who achieve this lofty goal. Among the competitors, men’s pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis is seen as a strong candidate for this record-breaking bonus, having smoothly advanced to the finals.
In contrast, World Aquatics recently offered a US$40,000 (AU$60,000) bonus for each world record broken during their championships in Singapore, highlighting the lucrative potential awaiting athletes in Tokyo. As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on the track and field stars as they strive to push their limits and seize their share of the substantial prize pool.
