General
MyWhoosh Snags Esports World Championships Hosting From Zwift
In a riveting turn of events, the prestigious hosting rights for the Esports World Championships have transitioned from Zwift to MyWhoosh. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) recently bestowed the Abu Dhabi-based platform, MyWhoosh, with a three-year contract stretching from 2024 to 2026, marking an end to Zwift’s exclusive reign since the Championships’ inception in 2020.
Zwift’s Reaction
Zwift conveyed its disappointment but remained proud of the three exemplary World Championships it orchestrated with UCI. The company reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to propel the burgeoning sport of cycling esports from community racing echelons to elite racing pedestals, emphasizing its continual efforts in innovation.
UCI’s Acknowledgment
The UCI extended its gratitude towards Zwift for its invaluable expertise that significantly contributed to the event’s establishment and popularity within the cycling and esports arenas. The new alliance with MyWhoosh was warmly welcomed by UCI President David Lappartient, who envisioned this partnership to embellish the event’s allure further.
MyWhoosh’s Confidence
Despite being a nascent and less recognized entity compared to Zwift, MyWhoosh, established in 2019 and headquartered in the UAE, exudes confidence in its capabilities to uphold fairness in virtual racing. The platform delineated its robust three-tier verification process alongside the recent introduction of ‘Power Passports’ to meticulously monitor riders’ performances and identify inconsistencies.
Fair Play Measures
The Championships’ competitors are mandated to furnish weekly videos to MyWhoosh, encapsulating their equipment and serial numbers on both primary and secondary power meters, ensuring a level playing field. This meticulous approach underpins MyWhoosh’s commitment to fostering a fair, competitive environment, which is pivotal in virtual racing.
Anticipation for Next Year’s Event
With the final of the next year’s event slated to occur in Abu Dhabi, the UCI, and the global esports community are poised with bated breath to witness how MyWhoosh will steer the Esports World Championships onto a new trajectory of success.
Reflection on Past Championships
The previous edition of the Championships, hosted by Zwift in February, witnessed stellar performances, with Denmark’s Bjørn Andreassen and Loes Adegeest of the Netherlands clinching the coveted rainbow jerseys.
