New Zealand’s Kate McCarthy and Germany’s Jason Osborne successfully defended their world titles at the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships in Abu Dhabi, delivering commanding performances across all three stages of the event.
McCarthy: Back-to-Back Women’s Champion
Hamilton cyclist Kate McCarthy, 30, was untouchable throughout the women’s three-stage final on the MyWhoosh virtual platform, finishing with 597 points, well clear of Brazil’s Gabriella Guerra (525) and Italy’s Francesca Tommasi (478).
Her victory was built on a crushing performance in the opening 8.4km hill climb, where she opened a decisive 28-point lead after riding at more than 7 W/kg and dropping the field.
She nearly maxed out points in the second stage’s checkpoint format, lifting her total to 433 heading into the finale. In Stage 3, an eight-lap race, McCarthy controlled the front and sealed the title with authority.
McCarthy celebrated with family in Abu Dhabi, including partner and former Olympic cyclist Dylan Kennett.
“It was so cool to have them here… I couldn’t have had a better year,” she said.
Osborne: A Three-Peat in the Men’s Field
In the men’s competition, Jason Osborne continued his dominance of esports cycling, earning his third consecutive title (2020, 2024, 2025) with 564 points, ahead of Poland’s Michal Kaminski (493) and Belgium’s Lennert Teugels (468).
Osborne won all three races- mountain’s verdict, puncher’s playground, and sprinter’s paradise- despite saying he “wasn’t feeling great” in the first stage.
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A Growing Spectacle
The 2025 edition again took place live at Abu Dhabi’s Space42 Arena, after MyWhoosh secured hosting rights in 2024. The in-person format featured walkout songs, a giant data screen, and stadium-style production, reflecting the sport’s rising profile.
Qualification was held online through national-federation and public races, narrowing the field to 22 women and 22 men for the finals.
UCI Cycling Esports World Championships 2025: How Much Did The Champions Earn?
Both elite champions earned US$15,000 in prize money.
The UCI Cycling Esports World Championships will return to Abu Dhabi in 2026.
