The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh have confirmed the format for the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
The fifth edition of the event will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Following the 2024 championships – also held in Abu Dhabi – this year’s event will feature a revised three-stage race format, with both the semi-finals and finals held in hybrid virtual-physical settings.
The competition will again be broadcast live on the UCI and MyWhoosh YouTube channels.
Inclusive qualification process
The finals will feature 20 men and 20 women, selected via semi-finals on October 3, 2025. Up to 150 male and 150 female riders will compete in the semi-finals, with 70% of those spots allocated through national federation qualifiers and the remaining 30% via public events hosted by MyWhoosh. Finalists will also include selected wild card entries.
Three-stage race format
Both the semi-finals and finals will follow the same three-stage structure, testing sprinting power, repeated efforts and climbing performance. The final order of the stages will be announced closer to the event.
- Sprinter’s Paradise – Riders will complete eight laps of a 1.5km course, earning points from intermediate sprints and a higher-value final sprint.
- Punchers’ Playground – This 12km course features short, steep virtual climbs and two sprint segments, with additional points awarded for climbs and a decisive final sprint.
- Last Rider Standing – A 7.2km uphill elimination race with 554m virtual elevation gain. Riders are eliminated at checkpoints, with the final rider standing awarded the maximum points.
Overall stage points will determine qualification from the semi-finals and decide the men’s and women’s world champions in the final.
UCI President David Lappartient stated that the event showcases virtual cycling at its highest level. “Following a global and inclusive qualification system and the selective three-stage semi-finals, only the very best will be present in Abu Dhabi to vie for the rainbow jersey,” he said.
“MyWhoosh continues to innovate, with a new format that will not pardon any errors from the athletes.”
Matthew Smithson, Director of Esports and Game Operations at MyWhoosh, said “This year’s format is built to test the best, engage fans, and prove why virtual cycling belongs on the world stage.”
