EXR Invitational 2026

Banner image of the EXR Inviational 2026

The EXR Invitational is EXR's flagship indoor rowing 5K competition, bringing the online rowing community together for a global qualification series and a live final. Athletes race from home in EXR to earn their spot, then the best performers are invited to represent EXR on-site in Birmingham at the World Indoor Rowing Championships.

This autumn, rowers from around the world will battle through a series of 14 online qualification events for the chance to compete in the live EXR Invitational Final, held during the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships in Birmingham. With cash prizes awarded to the top 10 finalists, every race counts.

Your journey starts at home. Your destination is Birmingham.

How to race at the EXR Invitational

Log into your EXR account to sign up for the EXR Invitational Qualifier events on the EXR website or in the app.
Compete in one or more of the qualification events. Only your best time counts towards the official qualification leaderboard.
On the 27th of October the top 40 female and male rowers will receive an email informing them about their qualification.
Confirm your participation before the 5th of November.
On the 6th of December, race at the EXR Invitational in Birmingham!

If you don't RSVP in time, or you can't attend, your place is offered to the next athlete on the leaderboard

You can check your ranking throughout the qualification period on the official EXR Invitational Leaderboard.

View Qualification Leaderboard

To appear on the correct gender-specific leaderboard, add your gender to your EXR profile.

When are the qualifying races held?

The qualification races are held live in EXR on the following dates:

Timetable of all the qualifier events of the EXR Invitational 2026

September

October

Complete any qualification event to unlock the EXR Invitational badge, regardless of your ranking.

View Qualification Events

All qualification events appear alongside our regular community events on the EXR Events page. Look for the EXR Invitational event, register, and join the race.

Important Information

Please read before participating:

Qualified athletes receive complimentary athlete entry to the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships on Sunday, including participation in the EXR Invitational Final.
Family members, friends and other spectators are welcome, but must purchase their own admission tickets through the official event organizer.
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering all travel-related costs, including visas, flights, transportation, accommodation, meals and any other personal expenses. These costs are not covered by EXR or the event organizers.
Your place at the final is only confirmed once you have completed the RSVP in your invitation email.
Qualification remains subject to final verification by EXR and compliance with the event rules and eligibility requirements.
Anyone aged 18 or over with an EXR account can enter the qualification events. You can also qualify while using the EXR free trial.
Any rowing machine that works with EXR can be used during qualification.
The live EXR Invitational Final in Birmingham will be raced on Concept2 RowErgs provided at the venue.

What can you win?

The top 10 finishers in the live EXR Invitational Final receive the following cash prizes:

1st Place – £1,500
2nd Place – £1,000
3rd Place – £500
4th Place – £200
5th Place – £100
6th–10th Place – £50

Every finalist also receives:

Complimentary athlete entry to the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships on Sunday.
An exclusive EXR goodie bag.
An official EXR Invitational finisher medal.

What is the timetable of the EXR Invitational?

The live EXR Invitational Final takes place on Sunday, 6 December 2026, during the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

A detailed timetable will be shared with all finalists closer to the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entering, Qualification & Racing:

Who can participate in the EXR Invitational?

Anyone aged 18 or over with an EXR account can enter the qualification events. It doesn't matter which rowing machine you use, as long as it works with EXR. You can also qualify while using the EXR free trial.

How do I enter the EXR Invitational?

Register for one of the official EXR Invitational Qualification Events through the EXR Events page or directly in the app. Once registered, join the event at the scheduled time and race.

Do I only get one chance to qualify?

No. You can enter multiple qualification events throughout the qualification period. Every race gives you another opportunity to improve your best result.

Can I use any rowing machine for the EXR Invitational?

Yes. Any rowing machine that works with EXR can be used during qualification. The live final will be raced on Concept2 RowErgs.

Is there a registration fee?

No. Participation in the qualification events is free for all EXR users.

What if I don't have an EXR account?

Create an account and take part using the EXR free trial. If you have any questions, contact us at support@exrgame.com.

Where can I view the qualification leaderboard?

The official EXR Invitational Leaderboard is available throughout the qualification period and updates after every qualification event.

→ View the Qualification Leaderboard

How is qualification determined?

Your best 5K performance across all qualification events counts towards the official leaderboard. After the qualification period closes, the 40 fastest male and female athletes on the leaderboard are invited to the live EXR Invitational Final.

When does the qualification period end?

The qualification period closes after the final qualification event on Thursday, 22 October. The 40 fastest athletes on the leaderboard are then invited to the final.

How will I know if I qualified?

All qualified athletes receive an email invitation once the qualification period has ended. Use the RSVP link in that email to confirm your place at the live final in Birmingham.

Do I have to confirm my place?

Yes. Your invitation email includes an RSVP deadline. If you don't respond before that deadline, your place is offered to the next athlete on the leaderboard.

Is qualifying guaranteed?

No. Qualification is subject to final verification by EXR and compliance with all event rules.

The Final:

When and where is the final?

Sunday, 6 December 2026, during the 2026 World Rowing Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

What do I receive if I qualify?

Every finalist present in Birmingham receives complimentary athlete entry, an EXR goodie bag, an official finisher medal and the opportunity to compete for the cash prizes.

Which distance is raced in the final?

The final is a 5K, the same distance and course as the qualification events.

Which rowing machines are used?

All finalists race on Concept2 RowErgs provided at the venue.

When is the prize money paid out?

Prize money is paid out within four weeks after the final. EXR does not withhold any taxes on prize money.

What happens if I can't attend?

Simply decline the RSVP in your invitation email, or let us know as soon as possible, so your place can be offered to the next athlete on the leaderboard.

Travel & Venue:

Are travel and accommodation included?

No. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering all travel-related expenses.

Can my family and friends attend?

Yes. Spectator tickets are not included and must be purchased separately through the World Rowing Indoor Championships.

Do finalists receive free entry?

Yes. Complimentary entry is provided for the qualified athlete only.

Where can I find more information?

Additional information about the venue, event schedule and spectator tickets is available on the official World Rowing Indoor Championships website.

The EXR Invitational is your chance to put your best 5K on the board, climb the leaderboard, and earn a place at our live final in Birmingham.

→ View Qualification Events

→ View the Qualification Leaderboard