A Houston man wins the T-Rex World Championship Races in inflatable costume
- More than 300 people participated in the T-Rex World Championship Races at Emerald Downs.
- The annual event originated from a team-building exercise by TriGuard Pest Control in 2017 and opened to the public in 2018.
- Andrew Stuber was crowned the top Tyrannosaurus in this year's races, which also included an aerial parachuting event.
In the United States, specifically in Auburn, Washington, the T-Rex World Championship Races took place at Emerald Downs on July 3, 2025. More than 300 participants, dressed in inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes, took to the racetrack, showcasing an event that has evolved significantly since its inception. The races originated in 2017 as a team-building activity organized by TriGuard Pest Control, and the unique concept resonated well, leading to its public launch the following year. Though interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the races made a much-anticipated return in 2022, drawing attention from both locals and the media. The race this year featured an added attraction. In an aerial event, three individuals parachuted from a Skydive Snohomish plane while dressed as T-Rex dinosaurs, landing on the field before racing to the finish line. This blend of creativity and competition further delighted the spectators. The excitement generated by the participants and the throngs of cheering spectators highlighted the fun, whimsical nature of the races, which capitalizes on the public's fascination with dinosaurs. Andrew Stuber, a Houston man, stood out among the competitors, earning the title of top Tyrannosaurus. The T-Rex World Championship Races highlight not only the humorous side of sporting events but also the deeper cultural connection people have with dinosaurs, spurred by films like the Jurassic Park franchise. This fascination dates back millions of years, with studies speculating that about 2.5 billion of these creatures roamed the Earth. The event combines competitive spirit with playful entertainment, embodying a uniquely American tradition that invites participation from all age groups. As the event gains traction, plans to broadcast the entirety of the race on ESPN 2 further raise its profile, promising to reach audiences beyond those who attended in person. As the annual event continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the blend of culture and fun inherent in sports, showcasing how something as unconventional as racing in inflatable dinosaur costumes can bring together communities. The successful turnout and innovative ideas presented in the races demonstrate that creativity and humor still find a place in competitive sports, ensuring the future of the T-Rex World Championship Races is bright.