HYROX World Championship Preview: Elite 15 Men’s Breakdown

It’s almost World Championship week, and if you’re not foaming at the mouth about this men’s Elite 15 race, check your pulse. The depth, the chaos potential, and the way this field stacks up—it’s the kind of drama hybrid fans live for.

Let’s get into the full breakdown, in true Race Brain fashion: unfiltered, first-person, and way too passionate to be objective.

1. Alexander Roncevic

The defending champ doesn’t need to prove anything—but he still might. After an unbelievable 2024 season, Roncevic took the crown in Nice. This year’s been more up and down, but a strong run (54:43) in Köln showed he’s still dangerous. He’ll push the pace early on the Ski and runs—and he’s tougher than anyone in the field.

2. James Kelly

JK has been on fire since barely qualifying in Köln last year—and then storming to a podium finish at Worlds. The Hybrid Engine/PRVN athlete has gone all in on HYROX, and it’s paying off. His compromised running is the best in the sport, and his race strategy is as polished as it gets. If Vegas had odds, James would be the betting favorite. Expect a second-half surge—he closes hard.

3. Rich Ryan

Rich is fit. Like, world-class fit. His running is elite, and his race IQ is even sharper. He took 3rd in Glasgow and just set a world record in Doubles with Pelayo. But can he race from the front? Rich thrives when he builds late—but this field is full of front-runners. If he’s within reach after the sleds, he’s a podium threat.

4. Jake Dearden

The youngest guy in the field, but not new to the spotlight. The Red Bull/BPN athlete has the media machine, the work ethic, and the composure. He races well through the back half, which could set him up for a top 5 finish in his World Championship debut.

5. Rylan Schadegg

Rylan might have the biggest engine in the field—and the least experience. He’s aggressive up front, but the big question is: can he hold it? If Rylan’s there at burpees, things could get spicy. If not… it’ll be a valuable learning curve.

6. Tomas Tvrdik

A seasoned vet and as gritty as they come. Tomas can hang with anyone on the stations, but does he have the footspeed to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving men’s field? Expect him to scrap hard around that 8th–12th range.

7. Tom Rodgers

Winner of the Last Chance Qualifier in Barcelona. No Elite 15 experience, but big fitness and bigger hopes. The Aussie is a true wild card. We could see him surprise some of the big names if he hangs tough through the sleds.

8. Dylan Scott

When he’s on, Dylan is untouchable—two Major titles prove that. But recent form has been shaky. Dylan trains like a man possessed, but race-day results have been a dice roll. He’s either on the podium or deep in the bottom 5. No in-between.

9. Tim Wenisch

Two second-place finishes at Majors this year. Tim’s running is better than ever, and his grit is never in question. He’ll go out hard through the opening stations and hang tough late. If he finally delivers on North American soil, he’s a podium lock.

10. Hidde Weersma

Last year’s Age Group World Champ is now in the big show. After a quiet start to the season, Hidde got hot at the right time and punched his ticket at the LCQ. His wall balls are a liability, so he’ll need a clean, aggressive middle section to stay in the hunt.

11. Hunter McIntyre

The GOAT. No question. But he hasn’t looked like it lately. After an 8th in Glasgow and 5th at Worlds last year, Hunter enters with something to prove. Expect him to force the pace early and make it a fight. The question is—does his old-school strategy still work in 2025?

12. Graham Halliday

A dog through and through. Graham will fight every step—but his early-season injury raises questions about his fitness. Expect fireworks at lunges and wall balls, but by then, he may be too far back for a top 5. Still, never count him out when the race gets grimy.

13. Beau Wills

Maybe the strongest closer in the field. From Farmers to Wall Balls, Beau can eat up time like no one else. But can he stay close enough early to matter? If his first half has improved, he’s a sleeper podium pick.

14. Jonathon Wynn

The most under-the-radar name in the field—and back at the World Champs for the third year in a row. Jon is a monster on the sled pull. If he’s in it after that station, he could surprise some people. If not, he’ll still put on a clinic in toughness.

15. Pelayo Menendez Fernandez

Fourth place in Nice. Doubles world record holder. Pelayo has leveled up across the board. His lunges and BBJs are elite, and his pacing is surgical. Don’t be surprised to see him lurking all race long and then pounce late. He’s a real podium threat.

It’s all going down in Chicago. Get your popcorn. One of the deepest men’s fields ever assembled is about to give us a race we’ll be talking about for years.

Get caught up on the women's race with this article

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