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Sports Illustrated reveals new competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 2:12 GMT by Awful Announcing
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Sports Illustrated Announces a Bold New Competition: The “Sports Illustrated Challenge”

In a move that could redefine how fans and athletes interact with one of the world’s most iconic sports publications, Sports Illustrated (SI) has unveiled a brand‑new competition, aptly named the Sports Illustrated Challenge. The initiative, announced on a recent MSN Sports article, signals SI’s strategic pivot into interactive, multi‑sport events that blend the magazine’s storied editorial heritage with a fresh, digital‑first approach.

A Fresh Format for a Legendary Brand

Unlike the magazine’s long‑standing “Athlete of the Year” feature, which traditionally spotlights a single superstar, the Sports Illustrated Challenge invites competitors from a diverse range of sports—basketball, football, track and field, gymnastics, and even emerging disciplines such as e‑sports and mixed‑martial‑arts—to contend for a series of accolades. The competition is divided into three phases:

1. Qualifying Rounds – Regional meets across the United States and select international cities allow athletes to earn points by performing in sport‑specific challenges (e.g., a 40‑yard dash, a high‑jump bar, a 3‑point shooting contest). Results are streamed live on SI’s social channels and an exclusive mobile app.

2. Semifinals – The top 40 athletes advance to a week‑long, in‑person showdown held at SI’s headquarters in New York City. The semifinals combine head‑to‑head duels in each sport with cross‑disciplinary “All‑Stars” events, where athletes are judged on speed, agility, creativity, and sportsmanship.

3. Grand Finale – The final eight athletes compete in a televised event featuring a blend of classic and novel challenges, culminating in a headline‑making “Athletic Decathlon” that rewards versatility over specialization. The winner not only receives a $100,000 prize and a one‑year feature in SI but also a multi‑sport contract with a top‑tier sporting apparel brand.

The competition’s structure—point‑based, progressive, and heavily media‑oriented—underscores SI’s ambition to blend the “old” and the “new.” “We’ve always been about capturing the human story behind the sport,” said SI’s editor‑in‑chief, Michael Smith, during the launch event. “With the Sports Illustrated Challenge, we’re giving fans an interactive narrative, letting them follow an athlete’s journey from regional qualifiers to the magazine’s cover in real time.”

Digital Integration and Fan Engagement

SI’s move to an online platform is part of a broader strategy to capture Gen Z’s attention. The new app, dubbed “SI Live,” provides live commentary, instant replay, and behind‑the‑scenes footage from each event. Fans can vote for “Fan Favorite” athletes, who receive bonus points that carry over into the semifinals. Social media integration is seamless: each athlete has a dedicated Instagram and TikTok handle managed by SI’s digital team, and highlights are shared via short‑form video clips on the platform’s own YouTube channel.

“We want to bring the excitement of live sports to the digital sphere,” explained Digital Director, Laura Chen. “Every challenge will be broadcast in 4K, with interactive overlays that let viewers see metrics like heart‑rate, acceleration, and even compare an athlete’s performance to historical records.”

The competition is expected to run from August to December, with the final broadcast slated for the 4th of July, the same day SI traditionally hosts its annual “Summer Issue” release. In a press release linked in the MSN article, SI noted that the event will be available to viewers worldwide, with multiple language options available through the app’s subtitle feature.

Who Can Compete?

The Sports Illustrated Challenge is open to athletes aged 16 to 24 who have competed at a collegiate or professional level, or who have earned a national ranking in their sport. Applicants must submit a video reel and a brief biography. SI’s selection committee, which includes former Olympians, professional athletes, and SI’s own editorial staff, will review entries to ensure a balanced representation across sports and geographies.

“Inclusivity is a core value for us,” said Smith. “We’re looking for athletes who not only excel on the field but also bring passion, personality, and a story that resonates with fans.”

Partnerships and Sponsorships

SI has secured partnerships with several major brands for the competition. Apparel giant Nike will provide the official gear for all participants, while technology partner Garmin will supply the performance tracking devices used during qualifying rounds. An undisclosed media conglomerate will co‑produce the live broadcasts, ensuring high‑quality production values.

The prize package also includes a year‑long feature series in SI’s flagship magazine, an opportunity to serve as a brand ambassador for Nike, and a scholarship for the winner’s continued education—underscoring SI’s commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.

A New Era for Sports Journalism

The launch of the Sports Illustrated Challenge reflects a broader trend in sports journalism: the blurring of lines between coverage, content creation, and competition. By offering athletes a platform to showcase their talents while simultaneously generating compelling, interactive storytelling, SI is positioning itself at the nexus of sport and entertainment.

Industry analysts predict that the competition could set a new standard for media‑owned sporting events. “If the Sports Illustrated Challenge gains traction, we could see other traditional outlets—ESPN, The New York Times Sports, even The Guardian—launch similar initiatives,” said Mark Patel, a media strategist at the Institute for Sports Media.

Looking Ahead

While the competition is still in its early days, the buzz is already palpable. Thousands of athletes have submitted entries, and the preliminary rounds are expected to begin this month. Fans will be able to tune in via the SI Live app, follow the action on social media, and even influence the outcome through fan voting.

For those who remember the golden era of Sports Illustrated—when the magazine was a cultural touchstone that chronicled the rise of icons like Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm—this new initiative feels like a fitting evolution. It promises to bring that same sense of awe, wonder, and community to the digital age, re‑igniting the passion for sports in a generation that lives on screens.

As the competition rolls out, all eyes will be on how SI balances its storied legacy with the demands of a hyper‑connected, interactive audience. One thing is clear: Sports Illustrated is not content to rest on its past; it is actively shaping the future of sports storytelling, one challenge at a time.