EJ Obiena and World-Athletes Compete in World Pole Vault Challenge in The Philippines

EJ Obiena looks to perform on home soil as the World Pole Vault Challenge comes to the Philippines

On September 20-21, 2025, Makati City will host the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge at the Ayala Triangle. This two-day event brings elite pole vaulters from around the globe to compete in a street vaulting format in the heart of the Philippines’ business district. The event gives fans a rare chance to see Olympic-level performances up close and for free.

The Challenge is a collaboration among Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena, the Ayala Foundation’s Atletang Ayala program, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It marks the first time the Philippines hosts a World Athletics-sanctioned street vaulting event. The event is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour-Bronze category.

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena ranks among the top pole vaulters globally. He is currently ranked number 7 in the World Athletics pole vault rankings.

Obiena also won gold in the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, marking his third straight Asian title in pole vaulting. He cleared 5.77 m in that competition.

The field features nine top vaulters, several of whom rank inside the global top 20. Among them is Turkey’s Ersu Sasma, currently world No. 5 and the holder of a 2025 national record at 5.92 meters. Joining him is Menno Vloon of the Netherlands, ranked world No. 6 and a European Indoor Champion.

The lineup also includes France’s Thibaut Collet, Belgium’s Ben Broeders, and American vaulter Austin Miller. Rounding out the competition are Poland’s veteran Piotr Lisek, Germany’s Oleg Zernikel, and the United States’ Matt Ludwig, each bringing strong credentials and international experience to Makati.

Organizers aim to transform the Ayala Triangle into a world-class athletic arena. The competition is free to the public (seating via raffle) and designed to be accessible through live broadcasts and streaming.

The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge brings top vaulters to Makati and spotlights EJ Obiena at his peak. If all goes well, the event will deliver memorable performances and signal that the Philippines belongs on the map for world-class track and field. For fans of athletics, this event is one to watch.