HYROX is preparing to expand its elite racing structure next season with the introduction of a new tier beneath the Elite 15.

Speaking at the Hyrox Coaches Summit in London, Mat Lock confirmed that “one of the exciting updates is we’ll have a Division 1 underneath Elite 15,” describing it as a “stepping stone” toward where the sport is heading.

Division 1 is expected to include athletes ranked roughly 16 through 30, giving them increased access to elite-level competition. According to Lock, those athletes “will have the opportunity to race on the grid as well at the Majors,” marking a significant shift from the current format.

While full details have not yet been released, Lock hinted at additional changes around qualification, particularly late in the season.

“There are some nice twists and turns with how that will work,” he said, referencing the final Major before the World Championships, though he declined to share specifics.

Separate Races

Until now, HYROX elite racing has been built around a single group, the Elite 15. In an effort to grow the professional side of the sport, at some time in the future, they’ll be another level that gets to race on The Grid.

When asked whether Elite 15 and Division 1 would compete together, Lock made it clear they will not: “They won’t all race top 30 together.”

Instead, the plan is for separate races for each division.

“It’ll be separate races,” Lock said. “I can imagine a world where it’s on The Grid and it’ll be four races a day, not two. So Division 1 will race, and then Elite 15 will race.”

All Majors Open To A Top 30?

Another key change is access to races across the season.

When asked whether Division 1 athletes would only compete at select events, Lock clarified that the plan is broader.

“All Majors.”

That would give athletes outside the Elite 15 consistent opportunities to compete at the highest level throughout the season, rather than relying on limited qualification pathways.

Qualification Structure Still Evolving

While both divisions will have access to Majors, their qualification systems will remain separate.

“They’re different divisions,” Lock explained. “Elite 15 will qualify from a certain number of Majors, and then Division 1 will have the chance to qualify from another number of Majors.”

HYROX has not yet detailed how many spots will be available or how those pathways will differ.

“We still have to be a little bit coy,” Host Lauren Smith said during the discussion.

A Transition

The introduction of Division 1 is part of a broader long-term plan to professionalize the sport.

Lock outlined a vision that goes beyond rankings and race structure, pointing toward a future where athletes can compete full-time.

“Big picture, where we’re going will ultimately lead to full-time professional athletes,” he said.

“That’s not next season, but the coming season is a stepping stone to get us there.”

HYROX is framing the upcoming year as a transition period.

“Next season is a transition season,” Lock said. “I can’t talk about the following season yet.”

No More LCQ

One lingering question was whether the expansion would bring back a Last Chance Qualifier.

Lock referenced the previous race and how chaotic it was.

“Still scarred from them, as I’m sure the athletes were… it was an exciting race, but yeah, it was just ridiculous.”

HFM thanks Michelle from WilderFitnessUK and Robinson Bentler for providing video from the Coaches Conference.