Hard Enduro World Ranking launches in 2026 – a new global points system for the sport!

A major step forward for hard enduro has been announced with the launch of the Hard Enduro World Ranking (HEWR), a new global, standardized ranking system set to go live on February 1, 2026.

Designed to bring clarity and fairness to the sport, HEWR introduces a transparent points structure that evaluates rider performance across all major international hard enduro races, including iconic events such as Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs.

One ranking, one global standard

From February 1, event registration opens at enduroworldranking.com, allowing hard enduro race organisers worldwide to apply for inclusion. Registration is open to all events declared as Hard Enduro, independent of any federation, championship, or series affiliation.

Events are classified into four clearly defined categories:

• Supreme
• Premium
• Master
• Challenger

The classification is based on sporting level, number of participants, international representation, prize money, event duration, and media coverage, and is reviewed annually.

A scoring system inspired by tennis

The HEWR points structure is inspired by the ATP/WTA tennis rankings and was developed jointly by Karl Katoch (Red Bull Erzbergrodeo) and Martin Freinademetz (Red Bull Romaniacs).

Riders can compete in any number of events per season, with points awarded based on event category:

• Supreme – 2,000 points for the winner
• Premium – 1,200 points
• Master – 500 points
• Challenger – 250 points

Up to 500 riders per event will receive ranking points, with rankings updated automatically after each race.

$100,000 prize fund for top riders

A total prize fund of USD 100,000 will be distributed to the Top 10 HEWR riders at the end of the 2026 season, with payouts scheduled for February 1, 2027.

Participation in HEWR is free for Premium, Master, and Challenger events, while Supreme events contribute a USD 25,000 fee, used exclusively to fund system administration, development, and prize money distribution.

Built with riders, organisers, and industry

The HEWR will be overseen by a dedicated working group, elected annually, with voting rights granted to:

• WERA representatives
• Top 100 ranked riders
• Registered event organisers
• Motorsport federations
• Industry partners with significant investment in the sport

The goal is a neutral, open, and rider-focused system that allows athletes worldwide to compare themselves directly with the best, regardless of championship affiliation.

What Zona Enduro thinks

For the first time, hard enduro gets a true world ranking that includes the sport’s biggest races — not just a single championship. If executed properly, HEWR could finally bring structure, visibility, and long-term credibility to a sport that has grown faster than its rulebook.