AthleticsWorld Athletics · Since 1983

World Athletics Championships — All-Time Champions

The World Athletics Championships has been contested since 1983 under the governance of World Athletics. Across 11+ recorded editions through 1983-2025, United States stands as the most successful nation with 14 titles, followed by Kenya and East Germany. The list below documents every champion, runner-up, and host venue we can verify, providing a complete reference for the athletics world championship's history.

Champions by Year

YearChampionRunner-up
2025United States
2023United States
2022United States
2019United States
2017United States
2015Kenya
2013United States
2011United States
2009United States
2007United States
1983East Germany