01 Apr 2025
World Rowing announces 'Fish Game' Championships
In an innovative move to push the boundaries of Indoor Rowing competition, World Rowing is proud to announce the introduction of the “Fish Game” as an official medal event at the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships, presented by Concept 2.
Originally developed as a training tool, the Fish Game—a fan-favorite among Indoor rowers—will now take center stage in the global Indoor Rowing calendar. Competitors will navigate an animated fish through an on-screen course, adjusting their stroke rate and power output to avoid obstacles and catch virtual rewards.
World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland expressed his enthusiasm for this ground-breaking development:
“Rowing has always been about strategy, endurance, and precision. The Fish Game takes these elements and adds a new layer of tactical decision-making. We believe this will not only challenge our top athletes in a new way but also engage younger audiences like never before.”
The new event will feature individual and team categories, with rowers competing over a set time period. Performance will be measured based on distance covered, reaction time, and overall “fish survival rate.”
With Olympic champions and seasoned Indoor rowers already expressing interest, World Rowing is confident the Fish Game will become a fan favorite and a gateway for future generations to experience the sport in an interactive way.
More details, including qualification criteria and event format, will be announced later this year.