Zwift Games: A New Era of Cycling Esports
Zwift, the global online fitness platform, has announced the launch of Zwift Games, a new event that promises to be the largest cycling esports competition ever held. The Zwift Games will feature three different disciplines: the Sprint Championship, the Epic Championship, and the Innovation Championship. The event will also crown men’s and women’s champions across each discipline, as well as overall male and female champions. The winners will also take home a share of Zwift’s biggest-ever prize purse, which has not been disclosed yet.
The Zwift Games are designed to give any cyclist the chance to enjoy fun and challenging virtual competition and to compete alongside thousands of other Zwifters from around the world. The event is open to all, providing an open qualification pathway to the Zwift Games Elite Finals and the chance to be crowned overall Zwift Games Champion. Qualification races will take place in late February 2024, with Zwift Games Elite Finals to be held over the first two weeks of March 2024.
The Zwift Games will include the following three championship races:
- The Sprint Championship: This race is built with the best elements of the Zwift Battle Royale pioneered for the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships. A challenge for the best cycling esports sprinters, racers will tackle several events back-to-back on a variety of courses, including some that are new to Zwift. Qualifiers will be open to all Zwift riders with the top finishers progressing to the finals.
- The Epic Championship: This is the race for Zwift’s steeliest athletes, those who like to go long. This grueling race will be at least 60km long, and will test every facet of competitors’ resolve. The race will make use of Watopia’s new Coastal Causeway and a new route. An Epic community event will take place at the same time as the championship, and any Zwifter can participate in either event without a qualifier, creating what may be the world’s largest-ever cycling esports event!
- The Innovation Championship: This is the race for Zwift’s most creative and adventurous riders, those who are willing to try new things and push the boundaries of cycling esports. This race will showcase the latest innovations in Zwift racing, such as power-ups, drafting, steering, and more. The race will also feature a new course that will challenge racers with different terrains and environments. The Innovation Championship will be an invitation-only event, with Zwift selecting the most exciting and diverse riders from the community to participate.
Zwift claims that the Zwift Games will be the most democratic cycling championship ever held, as any Zwifter can enter any of the Championship events and experience the fun of competition. Zwifters interested in participating in the Games without vying for the overall crown of Zwift Games Champion world title can enter community events linked to each Championship. Such an open competition promises to make the Zwift Games a truly inclusive and accessible event for all levels and abilities of cyclists.
Zwift CEO Eric Min said: “We are very excited to announce the Zwift Games, which we believe will be a game-changer for cycling esports. We want to create an event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of our community, and that showcases the best of Zwift racing. We also want to give every Zwifter the opportunity to participate in the Zwift Games, whether they are aiming for the podium or just looking for some fun and challenge. The Zwift Games will be a spectacle of cycling esports, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds.”
The Zwift Games will be broadcasted live on Zwift’s website and social media channels, as well as on partner platforms and media outlets. Zwift will also provide live commentary, analysis, and interviews with the racers and experts. Zwifters can also follow the action on the Zwift Companion app, which will provide live updates, stats, and chat features.
Zwift is the leading online fitness platform for cyclists and runners, with over 3 million registered users. Zwift offers a range of workouts, training plans, group rides, races, and events for all levels and abilities. Zwift also hosts official events and partnerships with major cycling and running organizations, such as the UCI, ASO, British Cycling, USA Cycling, and more. Zwift aims to make indoor training fun and engaging, while also providing a social and interactive experience for its users.
For more information about the Zwift Games, visit Zwift Games or follow Zwift on Facebook, Twitter, and [Instagram].
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