VMO’s Ultimate Media Champion returns in 2026.
Sydney, Australia – The search is on for Australia's next Ultimate Media Champion, with VMO today launching registrations for the 2026 competition. Returning after two successful years, the initiative will once again bring the media industry together to compete in the ultimate challenge centred on fitness and well-being.
Paul Butler, Managing Director of VMO, said, “The response over the past two years has been incredible, and we’re excited about bringing UMC back for a third year. We’ve seen a huge level of engagement from across the industry, with so many people keen to get involved, participate, and really lean into the experience.”
From the pool of applicants, 250 participants will be selected to join a six-week training program commencing in August. Designed by Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs, the program will be hosted across select club locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with team training sessions led by Fitness First and Goodlife Health Club’s top personal trainers. Participants will also gain access to a series of online expert-led modules covering mental fitness, facilitated by Gotcha4Life, sleep health, delivered in partnership with MOOD and facilitated by sleep expert Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection, as well as breathwork and nutrition.
The competition will culminate in state-based final events in mid-October, where one male and one female competitor from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be crowned the 2026 Ultimate Media Champions, with all six winners taking home*:
320,000 WORLD360 Rewards points.
A 12-month Platinum gym membership (to either Fitness First or Goodlife Health Clubs) valued at $1,938.
The coveted 2026 Ultimate Media Champion winner title and belt, valued at $1,100.
Second place will win a $2,000 G Adventures voucher, and third place will win a $300 Muscle Nation voucher and a Theragun Relief Massage Gun.
Butler added, "The health and well-being of the people within our industry is something that needs to be continually championed. As the leader in the health and wellness media space through VMO Active, we're uniquely positioned to help drive meaningful change. It's a space we're deeply connected to and genuinely passionate about, which is why we're committed to driving initiatives that encourage people to prioritise both their physical and mental well-being."
For the third year, VMO has partnered with Fitness Lifestyle Group, owners of Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs, to activate the competition across select flagship clubs, which are also locations of VMO Active, VMO’s dedicated health and wellness media network.
Andy Chamoun, Executive General Manager of Fitness Lifestyle Group Australia, added, "Three years in, the Ultimate Media Challenge has become more than an event — it's a genuine celebration of the energy and camaraderie that defines the media industry. We're proud to once again partner with VMO to bring this to life, and to see our personal trainers and the VMO Active network continue to inspire, connect, and challenge some of the industry's best."
The Ultimate Media Champion has been made possible with supporting partners: Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs, WORLD360 Rewards (part of Flight Centre Travel Group), G Adventures, Muscle Nation, UnLtd, Gotcha4Life, MOOD, The Sleep Connection, Quest Nutrition, Hydralyte, 2XU, NIVEA, and Elastoplast.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be crowned the 2026 Ultimate Media Champion and you work in a media agency or trade media in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, sign up here: www.ultimatemediachampion.com
Applicants must be fully available to participate from 24 August to 14 October.
Key dates:
Registration opens: 20 July 2026
Registration closes: 16 August 2026
Selected participants notified by: 18 August 2026
Training period commences: 24 August 2026 – 4 October 2026.
The Ultimate Media Champion final events: 14 October 2026.
*Terms and conditions apply. See www.ultimatemediachampion.com for further information.