Arena Games: We dig into who might be crowned World Champion

After two intense rounds of action in Munich and London, there is so much on the line as the points allocation doubles in Singapore. Beth Potter, Aurelien Raphael and Justus Nieschlag toe the line with a maximum 250 points already on the board from their previous victories. However, there are others lurking behind that can take advantage if they slip up. And with a very different event with an outdoor swim at Marina Bay Reservoir and the bike and run sections taking place outside in the heat and humidity of Singapore, it remains very unpredictable.

We have put together a quick guide to the leading contenders for the esports triathlon World Championship crowns.

Women

Beth Potter would appear to be the one to beat. She was first in Munich, and second in London to an imperious performance from Cassandre Beaugrand, who is not in Singapore. That makes Potter the only athlete on the start line with 250 points. However, with 500 for the win, she certainly cannot relax.

German pair Lena Meissner and Anabel Knoll both collected enough points thanks to their podium finishes in Munich to know that a surprise win would deliver them a world title.

Perhaps the biggest threat is Olympic gold medallist Jess Learmonth. The previous Arena Games winner was third in London. That leaves her 36 points behind Potter. Should she win and Potter finish second then Learmonth would take the title by a single point. An open water swim could well suit Learmonth too.
Georgia Taylor-Brown is an outside shot still, but should she win she would need Potter to finish outside the top two to take the title.

Men

It appears to be a four-horse race in the men’s – but who gets it is anyone’s guess. Aurelien Raphael will probably be considered the man to beat. He was so impressive in winning in Munich while London didn’t go his way with technical issues hampering his chances.

Justus Nieschlag took the win in London. He is proving an Arena Games specialist with that being his second race victory in this format. The pair will face off with a lot on the line.

Also knowing that a win would bring them the title are Alex Yee and Max Stapley. The latter has been a real find of this year’s Arena Games Triathlon, and though a Series win would be a shock he has a lot of quality.

Yee has not quite hit top form, but he knows he is one win away from the title, and that makes him extremely dangerous. He has shown he can deal well with the heat, and has the temperament to perform under pressure.