what are the power players awards?
Welcome to the Athletech News Power Players 2026, an award recognizing the business leaders who’ve shaped the fitness and wellness industry over the past year. ATN is committed to spotlighting C-suite executives, founders and other leaders who’ve not only driven success within their companies but have also made a lasting impact on the industry at large.
WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?
In 2026, ATN will expand Power Players to award 16 categories plus one lifetime achievement recipient. These new categories will allow us to celebrate a wider range of industry contributions. A new selection process will also involve three equal voting groups.
2026 Power Players Categories
Athletech News will unveil the 17 winning Power Players in early November. Executives may apply to be considered for up to three different award categories. Companies may apply with as many executives as they wish, but must submit a separate application for each executive.
01
CEO of the Year
Recognizing the fitness and wellness industry’s top CEOs (presidents may also apply in organizations without a CEO position).
02
Franchising Executive of the Year
Recognizing top executives at franchise parent brands.
03
Franchisee of the Year
Recognizing top executives among franchisee groups or individual franchise operators.
04
Founder of the Year
Recognizing top founders among startups founded on or after January 1, 2023, with revenue of $10 million or less.
05
Dealmaker of the Year
Recognizing top partners in private equity, venture capital and other investment firms who’ve brokered major fitness and wellness deals over the past year.
06
Equipment & Wearables Executive of the Year
Recognizing top executives among companies in the fitness equipment, wearables and other hardware verticals.
07
Tech Executive of the Year
Recognizing top executives among companies in the software, Saas and related verticals, including chief technology officers and chief product officers.
08
Wellness & Recovery Executive of the Year
Recognizing top executives among companies in the wellness and recovery verticals.
09
Marketer of the Year
Recognizing the industry’s top Chief Marketing Officers (or related marketing positions).
10
Fitness Professional of the Year
Recognizing top “fit pros,” including both personal trainers and executives in the group fitness and/or personal training verticals.
11
Content Creator of the Year
Recognizing top fitness and wellness content creators who educate, inspire and engage audiences across social media and digital platforms.
12
Rising Star
Recognizing standout executives (age 35 and under) who’ve made an outsized impact early in their career by driving innovation, leading teams and contributing directly to business growth. Visionary, impactful and ahead of the curve, this is the Power Player everyone will be watching in the years to come.
13
Gym Operator of the Year
Recognizing the top operators propelling their gym, health club or studio forward each day through growth, innovation and member experience.
14
Fitness & Wellness Philanthropist of the Year
Recognizing individuals making exceptional charitable impacts via philanthropy, community outreach and initiatives that expand access to fitness and wellness.
15
Comeback Player of the Year
Recognizing individuals at the center of our industry’s most inspiring stories from this past year, overcoming adversity, reigniting growth or successfully reestablishing a position in the fitness and wellness industry.
16
CPG & Supplements Player of the Year
Recognizing top executives among consumer packaged goods, nutrition and supplement verticals driving innovation, growth and consumer impact.
17
Lifetime Achievement
This special award will be presented by ATN’s executive and editorial team to a current or retired executive for their exceptional lifetime impact on the fitness and wellness industry (ATN will not be accepting applications for the Lifetime Achievement category)
