The World Athletics Championships, formerly known as the IAAF World Championships in Athletics until 2019, is a biennial athletics competition organized by World Athletics. It is one of the highest levels of senior international outdoor athletics competition, comparable to the Olympics, and includes track and field events, marathon running, and race walking. The first official championships with all events were held in 1983 in Helsinki. Since 1991, the championships have been held every two years. The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships is currently taking place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21, 2025, at the Japan National Stadium. This is the third time Japan is hosting, having previously hosted in 1991 (Tokyo) and 2007 (Osaka). Over 2,200 athletes from 198 nations are competing in 49 events, with 147 medals at stake. The championships have evolved over time, with new events added for women and mixed-gender relays introduced as well. The United States has historically dominated the medal table in recent editions. This event is a major global stage for top-ranked athletes in athletics to compete at the highest level outside of the Olympic Games.
