The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2025/26 World Cup season. The biggest change comes in individual races, with winners set to pocket an extra 5,000 euros compared to last year.
With no World Championships on the calendar this winter, the World Cup will be the main arena for athletes to earn bonuses. The federation has released the full breakdown of the updated payouts.
Big jump for the top 10
This season, winners will collect 20,000 € instead of 15,000. Second place rises to 16,000 € (from 12,000) and third to 13,000 € (from 10,000). The entire top 30 receives prize money, with 30th place now worth 250 € instead of 200.
In relays, prize money extends to the top 8 teams, ranging from 7,500 € per athlete for the winners to 600 € for those finishing eighth.
Overall, the prize pool has been increased by 1,598,500 € this season, with 130,000 € allocated for each stage. The IBU has already confirmed another rise in payouts for the 2026/27 winter.
World Cup prize money 2025/26
- 1st place — 20,000 €
- 2nd place — 16,000 €
- 3rd place — 13,000 €
- 30th place — 250 €
- Relays: 7,500 € (winners) to 600 € (8th place) per athlete
