The Desert Decides Everything
When the sun rose over Al Wathba’s rolling dunes, the stage was set for the most punishing test in Spartan racing. The 2025 Beast 21K World Championship pushed athletes into the heart of Abu Dhabi’s desert, where soft sand, climbs, and relentless heat quickly stripped away any weakness. This year, the field was the most stacked in Spartan history. Returning champions Gregory Basilico and Alisa Petrova arrived to defend their crowns. The start line featured global OCR giants, Annie Dube, Nicole Mericle, Sara Bäckström, Eszter Hortobágyi, Richard Hynek, Sergei Perelygin, Stijn Lagrand, and rising stars like Ja Shua Reid and Thibault Jean. This was the best of the best, all in one place, all ready to suffer.
Women's Elite - The Queen of The Desert Retains Her Crown
With Annie Dube, Eszter Hortobágyiová, and Zuzana Kocumová pushing hard in the extreme heat, the women’s race was explosive from the first dune climb. But there was no denying the reigning champion. Alisa Petrova once again proved why she is called the Queen of the Desert, delivering a dominant, controlled, and commanding performance to retain her Beast World Championship title. No mistakes. No hesitation. No challengers able to crack her. A champion’s performance—again.
Men's Elite – Basilico Rises, Sergei Holds Strong, History In The Making
The men’s race unfolded at a blistering pace. Gregory Basilico set the tone early, surging ahead with one clear intention: win again. Behind him, Richard Hynek and Sergei Perelygin pushed hard through the early dunes. Sergei reinforced his reputation as one of the desert’s most consistent forces, locking into second. For Hynek, it simply wasn’t his day. After an outstanding season, the desert proved one step too far, and the stacked season of racing had taken its toll. The battle for third became one of the highlights of the race. Jérémy Gachet showed he’s still world-class, trading attacks with American Ja Shua Reid, who executed perfectly in the late stages. In the end, Reid edged out Gachet, securing a historic moment: the first American podium on the Abu Dhabi Beast course since the earliest years of the championship.
Team 3K Relay - Strategy, Tactics and Drama
The Elite 3K Team Relay brought high-octane excitement to the dunes. Alisa & Two Sergeis—Alisa Petrova, Sergei Perelygin, and Sergei Gritsak—powered to victory in 22:11, but the Czech Republic squad of Zuzana Kocumová, Richard Hynek, and Pavel Hrdina pushed them to the limit, finishing just four seconds behind. The Netherlands team completed the podium in 23:35.
Unforgiving Terrain and Unmatched Spirit
Athletes battled deep dunes and searing heat, turning every step into a true test of endurance. A longer, more complex Multi-Rig late in the course drained every ounce of grip strength, while a heavy Tractor Pull through soft sand disrupted rhythm and demanded raw power. Earlier in the weekend, the Women’s Only Sprint brought a different kind of strength to Al Wathba. Hundreds of women raced with a fully female crew, exclusive course access and an atmosphere built on empowerment and solidarity. It was a celebration of community, courage and the shared joy of racing side by side.
A Desert Finale Fueled By Heart, Heat and Celebration
As the final racers finished and the sun set, Al Wathba lit up with music, fireworks and a powerful sense of community. Athletes, families and supporters celebrated the season finale together in an atmosphere only Abu Dhabi can deliver. The dunes proved themselves once again. Elites defended titles, veterans showed they still have it and newcomers reached milestone moments. Age Group athletes delivered fierce, nation-proud performances that added energy and emotion to the entire weekend. Gregory Basilico and Alisa Petrova ended the season on top, while the global Spartan community showed the spirit that defines the sport: grit, heart and the drive to push beyond limits.
