The International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) has announced a significant enhancement in financial recognition for its athletes, with an increase in prize money starting from the 2025 season. This measure, supported by sponsor RAM Swiss Watches, will benefit the top six finishers —in both the men’s and women’s categories— of the Modern Pentathlon World Championships, marking an important step toward greater appreciation of athletic performance in this Olympic discipline.

The prize increase aims to recognize the effort of pentathletes, considered by the federation itself as the “most versatile athletes in the world.” As highlighted by UIPM President Rob Stull, this initiative not only rewards sporting merit but also reflects the organization’s commitment to the evolution of modern pentathlon and a more equitable distribution of income generated by its commercial growth.

An added incentive on the road to the Kaunas 2025 World Championships

With this decision, the UIPM World Championships —to be held from August 26 to 30, 2025 at the Žalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania— will, for the first time, offer cash prizes to the top 12 athletes (six per category), thereby matching the reward standards already in place at the UIPM World Cup Final. This new scheme aims to motivate high-performance athletes to continue their competitive development in an increasingly challenging international arena.

The announcement also highlights the strength of the partnership between UIPM and RAM Swiss Watches, a relationship that has lasted for more than 13 years and will remain in force at least through 2028. The brand’s CEO, Pierre Portman, emphasized the importance of continuing to support key events on the sports calendar as part of its commitment to modern pentathlon. Thus, the 2025 season is shaping up to be an ideal showcase to highlight both athletic talent and the structural growth of the discipline.