Why do badminton players compete in the World Championships despite zero prize money?
The 2026 Badminton World Championships are set to kick off on August 17, notably without any cash prizes for participants. Instead, the tournament provides ranking points, with champions earning 14,500 points—the maximum available in the sport and matching the Olympic tally. Beyond the medals and the honor of being titled a world champion in their respective categories, players rely on these points to climb the global rankings.