Hyrox was originally conceived as a way to ensure that individuals possessing extraordinarily high levels of fitness—the kind often referred to colloquially as ‘god-tier’—would have an appropriate arena to measure themselves against others of a similar caliber, rather than being placed in direct competition with those of more standard athletic capabilities, according to its cofounder. In a recently released episode of the ‘Opening Bid’ podcast, which debuted on a Wednesday, Hyrox’s CEO and cofounder, Christian Toetzke, provided an in-depth explanation of the reasoning behind structuring the competition to welcome participants with vastly differing degrees of physical proficiency.
During the conversation, Toetzke elaborated on how the globally recognized, now-viral fitness challenge was deliberately designed with two primary divisions: the Open category and the Pro division. He clarified that while anyone can enter the competition, those who select the Pro category are expected to meet significantly higher performance expectations. These competitors must handle substantially heavier weights and demonstrate a more advanced level of conditioning and stamina. Meanwhile, the Open division serves as the more accessible entry point for individuals seeking an inclusive and supportive environment that allows them to compete among participants of comparable ability. The intentional separation of these groups, Toetzke emphasized, ensures fairness and preserves motivation across the spectrum of fitness levels.
“That separation was intentional,” Toetzke explained to host Brian Sozzi, illustrating his point with vivid imagery. He remarked that competitors with strikingly sculpted physiques—those evoking the aesthetic of classical Greek statues, both male and female alike—typically gravitate toward the Pro division. This tier is considerably more demanding, he continued, because athletes must repeatedly lift and transport weights of far greater mass than those used in the Open category. In contrast, Toetzke said, participants who enroll in the Open category often derive comfort and camaraderie from competing alongside others who represent what he called ‘normal people,’ individuals who engage in fitness more as a passion or pursuit of wellness than as a profession. He also noted that men and women compete separately, preserving fairness and balance within each level of the sport’s structure.
Hyrox, which first emerged in Germany in 2017, follows a rigorous but engaging format that blends endurance racing with functional training. Participants are required to complete eight distinct workout stations, each targeting a fundamental aspect of full-body athleticism, while running one kilometer before reaching each new station. These stations include challenging movements such as pushing heavy sleds across a set distance, performing burpee broad jumps, executing wall ball throws, and lunging with sandbags—an array designed to test strength, speed, agility, and cardiovascular endurance in equal measure.
Since its inception, the event has grown exponentially in both scale and prestige. According to information published on Hyrox’s own website, the competition is projected to encompass more than 80 separate events worldwide in 2025, drawing an impressive total of over 550,000 participants. This expansion reflects not only the sport’s operational success but also its cultural resonance among fitness communities seeking measurable, inclusive, and goal-driven challenges.
Demand for entry is remarkably strong; tickets to participate have become highly coveted, with enthusiasts comparing the struggle to secure spots to the near-impossible task of obtaining passes for major cultural phenomena such as the Glastonbury music festival or performances by global pop icons like Taylor Swift. During the podcast, Toetzke mentioned that ticket pricing typically hovers around $110, a figure he described as reflective of the event’s extensive logistical coordination and high production value.
Looking toward the future, Toetzke shared an ambitious vision for the brand’s evolution. He revealed his aspiration to elevate Hyrox to Olympic status by the 2032 Games, scheduled to take place in Brisbane, Australia. The company, he said, is preparing to present a formal proposal to the International Olympic Committee, outlining why the inclusion of Hyrox would meaningfully complement the spirit and diversity of the Games. He summarized his conviction succinctly and passionately: he believes that gym-based fitness—a discipline rooted in training, resilience, and measurable human effort—deserves formal representation on the world’s most prestigious athletic stage.
At the time of publication, Hyrox representatives did not provide additional commentary or respond to Business Insider’s request for further input.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/hyrox-founder-races-separate-normal-people-greek-statues-2025-10
