World Rowing concludes thrilling 2025 Virtual Rowing Indoor Championships and sets sights on groundbreaking Connected Rowing initiatives

The second weekend of the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2, saw electrifying performances over the 2000m distance, with athletes delivering breathtaking races and pushing the limits of endurance and power. New champions emerged, records fell, and the global Indoor Rowing community came together in another showcase of the sport’s intensity and inclusivity.

Among the standout performances, Ward Lemmelijn demonstrated incredible resilience, setting new benchmarks in the Men’s 2000m race, in front of a packed crowd in his hometown. In another thrilling race, Elizabeth Gilmore of the USA also had a stellar performance to take home the title of World Rowing Indoor Champion. The event reaffirmed the sport’s growing appeal, with participation numbers soaring and fans engaging with the competition across World Rowing’s digital platforms.

However, World Rowing is not stopping here. Building on the momentum of these Championships, the organisation is embarking on a dynamic series of initiatives to further elevate Indoor and Connected Rowing globally.

Upcoming Developments in Indoor and Connected Rowing
As part of its commitment to innovation and transformative partnerships, World Rowing will be co-hosting the Virtual Sports Forum 2025 in Tokyo, on 26 March, with his strategic research partner, the Japan Sport Council (JSC). This project, commissioned by the Government of Japan and hosted at the Konami Creative Centre, eSports Ginza Studio, will see key industry leaders explore the future of esports and virtual sporting experiences.

In June, World Rowing will launch a brand-new Virtual Series, featuring engaging and interactive challenges designed to attract both elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This initiative will introduce fresh competitive formats and enhance community participation in Connected Rowing – and could, in the future, be a qualifying event for the Olympic Esports Games, following World Rowing’s submission to the IOC to be part of the inaugural edition scheduled to take place in 2027 in Saudi Arabia.

Further solidifying its presence in the world of Esports, World Rowing has been invited by the Esports World Cup Foundation to be part of the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this summer, in collaboration with Saudi Rowing. Indoor / Connected Rowing will be showcased in the “Festival” zone, an area featuring open activities and thrilling entertainment. A qualifying program is being developed in collaboration with Saudi schools to introduce local youth to the excitement and accessibility of Connected Rowing.

Looking ahead to the end of the year, World Rowing is formalising plans to stage an in-person Versa Challenge Finals, bringing top competitors together for a high-intensity, multi-discipline showdown, to crown the World’s best overall Indoor Rower. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between virtual and physical competition, providing an exciting new format for athletes and fans alike.

A Bright Future for Indoor and Connected Rowing
The success of the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships, presented by Concept 2, has underscored the growing impact of Indoor and Connected Rowing on the global sports scene. With new events, technological advancements and increasing engagement, the discipline is set to expand its reach and redefine competitive Rowing for the digital age.

For more information about Indoor and Connected Rowing, click here.