Travis Mayer and Sam Cournoyer have withdrawn from the 2026 WFP Finals. Philroy Peters and Fabian Beneito have accepted their backfill invites.
Mayer was ranked 17th in season points heading into the WFP Finals next month. While no reason for Mayer’s withdrawal was announced, several rumors are floating around out there. One of those is that he hurt himself attempting the Ball Drop Challenge…
The other is that he couldn’t risk leaving his yard until he catches all of the moles digging tunnels under his perfectly manicured grass.
As for Cournoyer, he announced last week that he would be withdrawing due to personal reasons.
He did not elaborate but did later post about the difficulties of trying to manage being an athlete, husband, father and business owner.
Cournoyer did say he would be back in 2027.
Taking their spots are Philroy Peters and Fabian Beneito, ranked 32nd and 34th, respectively.
Bill Leahy, ranked 31st, will also compete at the WFP Finals after Quinn Robinson withdrew following his pec injury at Tour Stop 2 in August.
Pat Vellner, ranked 33rd, did not accept his backfill invite as he is still recovering from his Achilles tear from WFP Tour Stop 2.
Colten Mertens, ranked 35th in season points, would be next in line if another athlete withdraws between now and the WFP Finals in December.
The top 20 in season points after the WFP Finals will receive their 2027 WFP Pro Card and will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Fitness Championship under the new season format next season.
