The World Fitness Project 2025 will change professional fitness competition when it launches its first season in 2025 with over 500 athletes competing in multiple divisions. The series features 34 contracted Pro athletes, and big names like Pat Vellner, Brooke Wells, and Chandler Smith are already on board.
The competition has a well-laid-out structure with three major events that include two Tour Events and the World Fitness Finals. Athletes will start their journey in Indianapolis, move to Mesa, Arizona, and finish in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Denmark finals will test athletes with nine challenging workouts spread across four days. The competition welcomes athletes of all skill levels with Elite, Intermediate, and Scaled Teams divisions, along with special categories for teens and masters athletes.
Let’s explore everything about the World Fitness Project – from its innovative Pro Card system to the competition format and division structure.
What is the World Fitness Project? A Complete Overview
The World Fitness Project started as a youth fitness initiative that emerged from Isabella and Jackson Terry’s collaborative vision. These directors of GoodLyfe developed free fitness programs for underprivileged communities and later partnered with Will Moorad to broaden their reach.
Origin and founding team
The Terrys built multiple free youth fitness facilities worldwide, establishing the project’s foundation. Their collaboration with six-time CrossFit Games veteran Will Moorad sparked plans for a Nashville-based performance facility. This concept grew into an ambitious international fitness tour. Jason Ansley now leads as Event Director for North America while Roger Nilsson directs European operations.
Mission and vision
The World Fitness Project’s core mission revolves around three main goals:
- Supporting professional athletes through guaranteed contracts
- Creating sustainable competitive opportunities
- Building community development through fitness
The organization wants to create an ecosystem that benefits athletes at all levels while staying connected to charitable initiatives. This approach shows the founders’ steadfast dedication to excellence in competition and community effect.
Financial backing and sustainability
The Gillette family provided substantial financial backing, with Beth Gillette serving as World Fitness Project, LLC’s registered agent. The organization’s structure will give funding for multiple seasons. This funding supports athlete signing bonuses and operational costs for three major competitions. The core team confirms additional external investors stand ready to support future expansion plans.
World Fitness Project 2025 Competition Structure
The World Fitness Project launched a two-division competition system that raises the bar for professional fitness events. 20 male and 20 female contracted athletes automatically qualify for all tour events in the Pro Division. These elite athletes compete among 10 “Challenger” qualifiers who earn their spots through online competitions.
Pro vs Challenger divisions explained
A clear hierarchy exists between the divisions. Pro Division athletes score higher points, and their last-place finishers receive more points than Challenger Division winners. Athletes ranked 11th through 30th in qualifications make up the Challenger Division, where they can earn points to achieve future Pro status.
Qualification process and point system
The path to qualification works through three stages:
- A one-week Challenger Qualifier with three workouts for Tour Events
- Tour Event performance evaluations for Finals qualification
- World Fitness Trials – a month-long, three-stage online qualifier for the Finals
Athletes build points throughout the season. Their Tour Event performances determine who advances to the World Fitness Finals. Top performers from both divisions get invitations to compete at the Finals.
Tour Events and World Fitness Finals format
Tour Events run for three days with six workouts. The World Fitness Finals, set for December 18-21 in Copenhagen, presents a tougher challenge with nine workouts over four days. The Finals features only Pro Division competition, without the Challenger category for this elite event.
This competition structure creates clear paths to advance, and successful athletes earn Pro Cards for next season. Athletes can progress through the ranks while the system maintains high competitive standards.
World Fitness Project 2025 Season Schedule
The 2025 season features three major competitions spread throughout the year. Athletes will compete at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Indianapolis for the first Tour Event from May 9-11. The competition then moves to Arizona’s Athletic Grounds in Mesa for the second Tour Event from August 29-31. Denmark’s Bella Center in Copenhagen will host the World Fitness Finals from December 18-21.
Key dates and locations
Major fitness events share the competition calendar with some overlap. Tour Event 1 happens at the same time as the French Throwdown. Tour Event 2 takes place right after the CrossFit Games. December’s World Fitness Finals stands on its own after the Dubai Fitness Championship.
Online qualifier timeline
Athletes must follow this qualification schedule:
- Tour Event 1 Qualifier: Registration starts January 29 and ends March 25. Athletes qualify from March 19-25
- Tour Event 2 Qualifier: Athletes can register from May 19 to July 8 and complete qualifying workouts July 2-8
- World Fitness Trials: Registration runs September 29 to October 9. Qualification period extends from October 6-26
Competition phases and progression
Athletes tackle six workouts over three days at each Tour Event. They must advance through online qualifiers and Tour Events before reaching the Finals. The World Fitness Finals challenges athletes with nine workouts over four days. Points add up at every stage, and consistent performance throughout the season determines who moves forward.
Confirmed Athletes for World Fitness Project 2025
As of January 19, 2025, the World Fitness Project (WFP) has officially confirmed the following athletes for its inaugural 2025 season:
Men (Confirmed) |
|---|
| Chandler Smith |
| Pat Vellner |
| Jelle Hoste |
| Roman Khrennikov |
| Victor Hoffer |
| Justin Medeiros |
| Dallin Pepper |
| Jayson Hopper |
Women (Confirmed) |
|---|
| Alex Gazan |
| Brooke Wells |
| Alexis Raptis |
Potential Athletes (Based on Rogue Invitational Rankings)
Men (Potential) |
|---|
| Jeff Adler |
| Ricky Garard |
| Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson |
| Noah Ohlsen |
| Sam Kwant |
| Jonne Koski |
| Saxon Panchik |
| Gui Malheiros |
| James Sprague |
| Sam Cournoyer |
| Luka Ðukić |
Women (Potential) |
|---|
| Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr |
| Laura Horvath |
| Danielle Brandon |
| Arielle Loewen |
| Emma Lawson |
| Emily Rolfe |
| Emma Tall |
| Amanda Barnhart |
| Paige Semenza |
| Emma McQuaid |
| Haley Adams |
| Manon Angonese |
| Dani Speegle |
| Karin Freyova |
| Maddie Sturt |
| Bethany Flores |
| Sydney Wells |
Injuries may exclude athletes like Henrik Haapalainen and Gabi Migala. Also, uncertain statuses include Annie Thorisdottir and Emma Cary (possible retirement or competition plans).
Divisions and Categories in World Fitness Project
The World Fitness Project has distinct competitive categories for athletes of all skill levels and age groups. The Pro Division features 20 male and 20 female athletes who hold professional cards and 10 qualifying challengers from each gender.
Pro and Challenger division requirements
The Pro Division maintains strict standards, and athletes earn their status through consistent performance. The Challenger Division covers competitors ranked 11th through 30th in qualifiers. Athletes in both divisions compete for 2026 Pro Cards, and only the top 20 men and women secure these positions.
Age group and team divisions
The competition structure has these team-based categories:
- Elite, Intermediate, and Scaled Teams (4-person mixed-gender)
- Masters divisions (35-49 and 50+) compete as same-sex pairs
- Teen “Next Gen” categories (14-16 and 17-19 age groups)
- Each division limited to 30 teams for Elite, Intermediate, and Scaled levels
Prize purses and contracts
The World Fitness Project will rewards its athletes well. As per reports, pro athletes earn six-figure contracts worth up to $100,000. Prize money follows a sliding scale that ensures fair compensation. Second-place finishers get between 50-75% of the winner’s purse, while third-place earnings adjust proportionally. These contracts are non-exclusive, so athletes can compete in other events throughout the season.
Conclusion
World Fitness Project 2025 brings a fresh approach to professional fitness competition. Athletes now have clear paths to advance professionally thanks to its well-laid-out division system and smart scheduling that allows competitive freedom.
The project offers substantial financial backing to professional athletes with six-figure contracts that support lasting careers. The multi-tiered division structure gives competitors of all skill levels a chance to succeed, welcoming everyone from teenagers to master athletes.
Leadership teams in North America and Europe show their steadfast dedication to building stronger communities through fitness programs. This aligns perfectly with the founders’ original dream of making fitness available to everyone.
World Fitness Project marks a turning point in competitive fitness history. The inaugural season promises to deliver athletic excellence while making a real difference in communities, delighting athletes, spectators, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
World Fitness Project 2025: FAQs
Q1. What is the World Fitness Project and when does it start? The World Fitness Project is a new professional fitness competition series launching in 2025. It features over 500 athletes competing across multiple divisions, including 34 contracted Pro athletes, in three major events throughout the year.
Q2. How is the WFP competition structured? The competition has two main divisions: Pro and Challenger. The Pro Division includes 20 male and 20 female contracted athletes, while the Challenger Division consists of athletes ranked 11th through 30th in qualifiers. The season includes two Tour Events and culminates in the World Fitness Finals.
Q3. What are the key dates and locations for the World Fitness Project 2025 season? The first Tour Event takes place in Indianapolis from May 9-11, followed by the second Tour Event in Mesa, Arizona from August 29-31. The World Fitness Finals will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark from December 18-21.
Q4. How can athletes qualify for the World Fitness Project? Athletes can qualify through various online competitions. There’s a one-week Challenger Qualifier for Tour Events, and a month-long, three-stage World Fitness Trials for the Finals. Performance in Tour Events also determines advancement to the World Fitness Finals.
Q5. What kind of financial incentives are offered to athletes? Pro athletes receive substantial contracts worth up to $100,000. Prize money is distributed on a sliding scale, with second-place finishers receiving between 50-75% of the winner’s purse. Importantly, these contracts are non-exclusive, allowing athletes to participate in other competitive events throughout the season.