The WSX, or World Series of X Games, is an annual extreme sports event held in the United States. It features competitions in various extreme sports such as skateboarding, BMX, motocross, and rally car racing. The event attracts top athletes from around the world who compete for prize money and the prestige of being called a WSX champion. In this article, we will take a look at the total payout and prize money that is up for grabs at the WSX.
WSX Tournament Format and Divisions
The WSX tournament format consists of a series of qualifying and final rounds across the various extreme sport divisions. The key divisions at the WSX are:
- Skateboarding
- BMX
- Motocross
- Rally Car Racing
Within each division, there are further sub-categories for different events and competitions. For example, under skateboarding there are separate events for street, vert, park, etc. The tournament begins with qualifying rounds where athletes compete to make it into the final championship round in their respective event. The finals feature head-to-head competitions between the top qualifiers.
WSX Prize Money and Payouts
The total WSX prize money and payouts for winners vary from year to year based on sponsorships and the number of events. However, the typical prize purse at recent WSX tournaments has ranged from $3 million to $5 million in total. This prize pool is distributed across the various divisions and events.
The exact payout breakdown for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes depends on the specific event. But on average, the prize money is allocated in the following way:
- 1st place: $20,000 – $100,000
- 2nd place: $10,000 – $75,000
- 3rd place: $5,000 – $50,000
The higher end of the prize money spectrum is for the finals events where the best of the best compete for the top spot. For example, the winner of the men’s vert skateboarding final typically receives around $100,000. But even making it to the finals guarantees athletes at least $5,000 in prize money.
Sample Payouts at the 2021 WSX
To provide a more concrete example, the following table shows the payouts at the 2021 WSX finals for a selection of events:
Event | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
---|---|---|---|
Skateboard Street Men’s | $85,000 | $65,000 | $45,000 |
Skateboard Vert Men’s | $100,000 | $85,000 | $65,000 |
BMX Park Men’s | $75,000 | $50,000 | $35,000 |
Rally Car Racing | $80,000 | $55,000 | $30,000 |
As you can see, the payouts for just making it to the podium can be quite lucrative, especially for the top spots. This provides big incentives for athletes to compete at their peak performance levels during the WSX.
Other WSX Awards and Bonuses
In addition to the prize money, athletes at the WSX can take home other prestigious awards and bonuses. These include:
- WSX Gold Medals: Gold medals are awarded to 1st place winners in each event.
- Series Points Leader Bonus: The athlete who accumulates the most points across events in their division receives a $50,000 bonus.
- Best Trick Bonuses: $10,000 – $25,000 bonuses are awarded for the best trick landed in events.
- Style Competition Winners: Special judged style competitions award $5,000 to $15,000 to top athletes.
Earning the praise and recognition from judges, commentators, and peers at the WSX can be just as valuable for extreme athletes as the prize money itself. Landing a signature trick or winning for style can bolster an athlete’s sponsorship earnings and cement their reputation in the industry.
WSX Impact on Athletes’ Career Earnings
The WSX represents the pinnacle of competition for extreme sports athletes. Performing well at the WSX can significantly impact an athlete’s career earnings from sponsorships, endorsements, and contest prize money.
For example, Nyjah Huston earned over $500,000 combined from his appearances at the first two WSX events. He was able to parlay these wins into lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike SB, Monster Energy, and other brands.
Likewise, overseas athletes see a huge boost in their home country sponsorship opportunities if they are able to make their mark at the WSX. Winning even a bronze medal against top US competitors gains major notoriety back home.
The exposure and prestige from competing at the WSX gives athletes the platform they need to access six and seven-figure endorsement deals. In this way, a single great showing at the WSX can positively impact an athlete’s earnings for years to come.
Conclusion
The WSX features substantial cash purses and prime exposure that makes it one of the most lucrative events in action sports. Payouts to winners can exceed $100,000 for first place and runners-up also take home five-figure checks. medals, special skill bonuses, and recognition for style provide other financial and reputational benefits. Performing well at the WSX can be a career-defining moment that unlocks more lucrative sponsorship opportunities. The chance for a life-changing payday keeps competitors motivated to bring their A-game to this intense competition.