Every four years, the world comes together to celebrate speed, strength, and spirit, and in 2025, it all heads to Tokyo. As someone who never misses a moment of track and field magic, I can already feel the excitement building.
With over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries, the World Athletics Championships promises nine days of unforgettable action. If you’re wondering where to watch the Athletics World Championships 2025, you’re in the right place.
What Is the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 All About?
The World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 marks the 20th edition of the prestigious global athletics event. This grand competition is set to unfold in the heart of Japan at the Japan National Stadium from 13 to 21 September 2025. The stadium, previously used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, will once again witness world-class sporting excellence.
This championship isn’t just about winning medals. It’s a celebration of human endurance, speed, precision, and determination.
More than 2,000 athletes from approximately 200 nations are set to compete, aiming for glory across 49 different events, split equally between men and women, with one mixed event.
What makes Tokyo 2025 unique is its setting, a city that has hosted multiple international events and holds a deep cultural appreciation for sports. Over the course of nine action-packed days, spectators will witness the finest athletes battling it out for 147 medals.
Key Highlights
- Event Dates: 13 to 21 September 2025
- Venue: Japan National Stadium, Tokyo
- Number of Events: 49 (24 men’s, 24 women’s, 1 mixed)
- Participating Nations: 200+
- Total Athletes: Over 2,000
- Medals to be Awarded: 147
- Total Prize Money: $8,498,000
Whether you’re a lifelong athletics fan or a casual viewer, the 2025 championships will offer countless moments to remember.
Which Events Are Included in the 2025 World Athletics Championships?
Athletics at this level covers a remarkable variety of events. In 2025, the championships will showcase 49 track and field events, highlighting speed, agility, strength, and endurance.
Overview of Events
| Category | Events |
| Sprints & Middle Distance | 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m |
| Long Distance | 5000m, 10,000m, Marathon |
| Hurdles | 100m hurdles (women), 110m hurdles (men), 400m hurdles |
| Steeplechase | 3000m steeplechase |
| Relays | 4x100m, 4x400m (men, women, and mixed) |
| Race Walk | 20km and 35km race walk |
| Jumps | High jump, Pole vault, Long jump, Triple jump |
| Throws | Shot put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer |
| Combined Events | Heptathlon (women), Decathlon (men) |
Key Things to Note
- Events are split evenly between men and women to promote fairness and equality.
- The mixed 4x400m relay continues to gain popularity due to its unpredictable and thrilling nature.
- The race walking events and marathons will be held on routes showcasing Tokyo’s stunning urban landscapes.
Fans can explore individual event details through the official World Athletics disciplines page, which provides technical rules, formats, and history.
Who Are the Top Athletes Competing in Tokyo This Year?
The 2025 edition will feature some of the biggest names in the sport, many of whom are returning champions or world record holders. While the final list of participants will only be confirmed closer to the event, based on qualification results, many elite athletes are expected to headline the championship.
Expected Stars of Tokyo 2025
| Athlete | Country | Event | Notable Achievements |
| Mondo Duplantis | Sweden | Pole Vault | World record holder |
| Faith Kipyegon | Kenya | 1500m | Double Olympic and World Champion |
| Noah Lyles | USA | 100m, 200m | Double World Sprint Champion |
| Yaroslava Mahuchikh | Ukraine | High Jump | World Indoor Champion |
| Ryan Crouser | USA | Shot Put | World record holder |
| Femke Bol | Netherlands | 400m hurdles | Olympic medallist |
| Neeraj Chopra | India | Javelin | Olympic and World Champion |
| Yulimar Rojas | Venezuela | Triple Jump | World record holder |
| Jakob Ingebrigtsen | Norway | 1500m, 5000m | Multiple World and Olympic medallist |
| Haruka Kitaguchi | Japan | Javelin | Local hero and Olympic Champion |
These athletes have consistently pushed boundaries and will bring thrilling rivalries and exceptional performances to Tokyo 2025.
Where To Watch Athletics World Championships 2025 Live in the UK?
For UK fans, there’s great news. The full event will be accessible across various broadcast and streaming platforms. Whether you’re a traditional viewer preferring television or a digital native who prefers streaming on the go, there are multiple options available.
Primary Broadcaster
- BBC Sport remains the official broadcaster in the UK for the championships. Coverage will include live sessions, highlights, and post-race analysis.
Where to Watch?
- BBC TV Channels: Live broadcasts throughout the day
- BBC iPlayer: On-demand streaming of full sessions
- BBC Sport Website & App: Live blog, scores, and expert commentary
- World Athletics Live Platform: Additional access to international streams
Session Timing
Due to Tokyo being 8 hours ahead of UK time, most sessions will occur early mornings or mid-afternoons UK time. BBC will accommodate this with evening replays and daytime highlights.
What to Expect?
- Every session streamed in full
- Pre-event shows, athlete features, and behind-the-scenes footage
- Access to key moments on-demand
This accessibility ensures fans won’t miss any crucial sprints, jumps, or final laps.
What Are the Best Free Streaming Platforms for Watching Athletics?
Several reliable and user-friendly platforms are offering free or limited access streaming options for athletics fans in 2025.
Top Streaming Platforms
World Athletics Website
- Live global coverage of most events
- Available without geo-restrictions for many territories
- High-quality stream with live leaderboard and data integration
BBC Sport Website & App
- Extensive coverage for UK residents
- Seamless experience with multi-camera features and commentary
WatchAthletics
- Aggregates streaming links and schedules
- Not always official streams, but helpful for international users
Considerations for Free Viewing
- Some streams may require account creation
- Access may depend on geo-location
- High-demand events may experience brief lags
For the best experience, it’s recommended to combine BBC’s reliable streams with World Athletics’ real-time updates.
When Does the Live Coverage of the Championships Start Each Day?
Each of the 14 sessions across nine days will be held in accordance with Japan Standard Time (JST). UK fans will need to adjust their viewing times to catch the action live.
Time Zone Comparison
| Location | Time Zone | Difference |
| Tokyo | JST (UTC+9) | +8 hours ahead of UK |
| London | BST (UTC+1) | Local UK time |
Sample Daily Schedule (UK Time)
| Event Day | Morning Session (UK) | Evening Session (UK) |
| 13 Sept (Sat) | 01:00 – 04:00 | 10:00 – 13:00 |
| 14 Sept (Sun) | 01:30 – 04:30 | 10:30 – 13:30 |
| … | … | … |
| 21 Sept (Sun) | 02:00 – 05:00 | 11:00 – 14:00 |
Check the BBC and World Athletics website closer to the event for finalised timetables and accurate UK conversions.
How Can Fans Track Real-Time Results and Highlights?
For those who can’t watch every session or prefer to follow in real-time, the World Athletics Live Results Platform is an essential tool.
Platform Features:
- Live Results Feed: Updated in real-time with splits, attempts, and positions
- Leaderboards: Dynamic charts showing live ranking
- Performance Data: Details like wind speed, reaction times, and distance covered
- Highlights and Replays: Recaps of top moments throughout the day
How to Access?
- Sign up on the World Athletics website
- Log in to access enhanced features
- View events by athlete, country, or event
This platform brings fans closer to the action than ever before, offering a data-rich and interactive experience.
Where Can You Buy Tickets for the 2025 World Athletics Championships?
Planning to witness the event in Tokyo in person? Then securing your ticket in advance is vital.
How to Buy Tickets?
- Tickets are officially available online via the event’s authorised partners.
- Both single session and full-day passes are available.
- Choose between category-based pricing or premium experience packages.
Ticket Categories
| Category | Approx. Price Range |
| General Admission | £25 – £60 |
| Reserved Seating | £75 – £150 |
| VIP / Hospitality | £200+ |
It is advisable to book tickets early, especially for marquee events like men’s 100m final or women’s long jump finals.
What Is the Prize Money Breakdown for the Athletes?
Athletes competing in Tokyo will not only chase medals but also significant financial rewards.
Individual Events
| Position | Prize Money (USD) |
| 1st | $70,000 |
| 2nd | $35,000 |
| 3rd | $22,000 |
| 4th–8th | $16,000 to $5,000 |
Relay Teams
| Position | Prize Money (USD) |
| 1st | $80,000 |
| 2nd | $40,000 |
| 3rd | $20,000 |
Bonus
- World Record Bonus: $100,000
This financial recognition reinforces the importance of the championship and rewards excellence.
How Do Athletes Qualify for the World Athletics Championships?
Athletes must meet qualification standards set by World Athletics. These are based on entry times, distances, or points through a specific qualifying window.
Key Qualification Windows
| Event Type | Window |
| Marathon | 5 Nov 2023 – 4 May 2025 |
| Race Walks, Relays, 10,000m | 25 Feb 2024 – 24 Aug 2025 |
| All Other Events | 1 Aug 2024 – 24 Aug 2025 |
In addition to meeting standards:
- Relay teams qualify via World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 2025.
- National federations have the final say on who is selected to represent each country.
- The Road to Tokyo tool allows real-time tracking of qualification progress.
Where To Watch Athletics World Championships 2025 On Demand?
If live coverage doesn’t fit your schedule, on-demand options will ensure you don’t miss a moment.
On-Demand Platforms
- BBC iPlayer: Watch full sessions after they air
- World Athletics Video Section: Event clips, replays, and highlights
- Peacock (US-based viewers): Archived sessions with expert commentary
These platforms allow flexible viewing, ideal for fans who want to relive special performances or catch up at their convenience.
Conclusion
The World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 promises to be one of the most electrifying sporting events of the year. With thousands of elite athletes, world-class competition, record-breaking attempts, and stunning visuals from Tokyo, it is truly unmissable.
Whether you’re watching from home in the UK or planning a trip to Japan, the event offers comprehensive options for live and on-demand viewing.
The BBC and World Athletics platforms ensure fans won’t miss a single moment. With prize money on the line and fierce competition ahead, now is the perfect time to mark your calendars and get ready for nine unforgettable days.
FAQs
What are the dates for the World Athletics Championships 2025?
The event takes place from 13 to 21 September 2025.
How many events are included in Tokyo 2025?
There are 49 events covering track, field, and mixed disciplines.
Can UK viewers watch the championships live for free?
Yes, BBC will broadcast the entire event live and free across its platforms.
Who are some big names to watch at the event?
Athletes like Noah Lyles, Mondo Duplantis, Faith Kipyegon, and Femke Bol are expected to compete.
Is there prize money for winning athletes?
Yes, with a total pool of $8.5 million and bonuses for world records.
Where can I buy tickets for the event?
Tickets can be purchased online through the official championship portal.
What time will the events be broadcast in the UK?
Most events will air early in the morning or late at night due to the time difference with Tokyo.
