Inside Donald Trump's 'Hunger Games'-style athletics contest

A total of 120 high school students, hailing from across the United States and its territories, are set to compete in the Patriot Games 2026 for a $US125,000 ($177,449) college scholarship. The event, announced by US President Donald Trump in December 2025, is touted as a four-day athletic competition, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation.

Each state and territory could send one male and one female contestant, but not all athletes can be confirmed as residing in their represented state or territory. Anderson Reid, representing Puerto Rico, sprinted through a military-style obstacle course, garnering cheers from family and friends. He clarified that contestants don't necessarily have to currently reside in the state or territory they represent; they just need some form of association with it, like family ties.

The contest, much like Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, has drawn comparisons for its selection process, which relies on video applications and personal essays, rather than qualifying rounds. Chris Brennan, a North Carolina contestant, stumbled upon the competition while scrolling through Instagram and submitted a five-minute video application. He then had to write an essay and answer personal questions.

The games, set to conclude on August 11, will involve a series of physical challenges, including dodgeball, kickball, and a military-style bootcamp obstacle course. The top male and female athletes will each receive a $US125,000 university scholarship, but with the cost of attendance at a public university in the US exceeding $US182,000, the financial implications remain significant for the winners.