Remember the 2024 Paris Olympics, where even top athletes like Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon were left sleeping in sweltering, noisy conditions due to faulty air conditioning? Now, contrast that with Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos, five-star hotels, sponsored restaurants, and a non-stop party atmosphere. This is what a true sports festival feels like, and it’s not us saying it. The athletes themselves are raving about it, revealing that instant payments were just the beginning of the dazzling experience.

So, apart from the staggering prize money of $663,000 and instant payments, what was there? Well, fans believe the broadcast barely scratched the surface of what really went down at ATHLOS. From a red-carpet walkout that felt straight out of Hollywood to a jaw-dropping setup featuring a luxe locker room, an INSTACART lounge with makeup touch-ups, fresh-pressed juices, and a live DJ, this wasn’t your average track meet.

There was even a media lounge and a full-blown stage for the long jump, while VIP guests lounged on couches right by the track, sipping from an open bar with rotating gourmet bites. And that’s not even counting the chaos and excitement erupting from the stands and concession area. ATHLOS wasn’t just an event; it was a spectacle. I really hate that y’all couldn’t feel the vibes. Comparing it to a regular track meet just won’t do!!!! It’s not even close y’all,” Alaysha ‘Lay’ Johnson.

“I think we have to call it Field & Track now. Thank you, fans, for packing Times Square!!” wrote Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder and the visionary behind Athlos. This year, Ohanian went all out. What was once an exclusive track-only women’s meet turned into a full-blown showcase of power and grace after Olympic gold medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall urged him to include field events.

Without hesitation, Ohanian said yes, and the result was electric. To make things even smoother, athletes received instant payments through a sleek Cash App partnership. The night closed with a show-stopping performance by Ciara, sealing the deal on an unforgettable event. Still, one question remains: why did Ohanian do all this? Let’s find out.

Alexis Ohanian explains why he started Athlos

“Why the strong focus on women in sports?” This was the question that was asked of the Reddit co-founder, and he didn’t hesitate to respond. While many assume it’s simply because he’s a proud father of two daughters, Ohanian revealed that his motivation runs far deeper than that. “But I don’t ever want anyone to get twisted. Nothing about this is charity. The reason why this means so much to me is I want to celebrate excellence,” said Alexis Ohanian.

Using Serena and Venus Williams as prime examples, the millionaire explained that, just as the sisters revolutionized tennis. He aims to do the same for track and field, creating a global stage where female athletes can shine, inspire, and showcase their brilliance to the world. “And what that took was pay equity, thanks to Billie Jean King, and generational excellence in the Williams sisters. And to this day, women’s tennis is even more popular in America than men’s,” said Ohanian.

At the end, he stated, “This for me is an opportunity that in 10 years, folks are gonna look at me like, ‘This was the most obvious thing you ever could have built.’ And my answer to them is, ‘Why not faster? Why not sooner?” The Reddit Co-founder believes that he could do what every other track and field meet failed to do: make the sport a celebration for everyone to enjoy; however, the question is, will he be able to do it?