IRONMAN World Champion Vincent Luis announced as special guest at 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala

Reigning IRONMAN World Champion and French triathlon legend Vincent Luis will join an extraordinary gathering of sporting icons at the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala, just weeks after bringing his illustrious professional career to a close with a historic victory in Kona, Hawaii.

The newly crowned world champion will attend the prestigious event at The Peninsula London on Friday 20 November, joining some of the most celebrated names in international sport for an evening dedicated to creating opportunities for children through sport and physical activity.

Luis arrives at the Gala following one of the most remarkable finales in triathlon history. On 10 October, the 37-year-old became the first Frenchman to win the IRONMAN World Championship on the legendary Kona course, claiming the sport’s most coveted long-distance title on his championship debut.

Representing Bahrain Victorious, Luis delivered an exceptional performance across the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km marathon, crossing the finish line in 7:47:27 to secure victory over a world-class field.

The achievement marked an extraordinary conclusion to a career spanning more than two decades, with Luis confirming his retirement from professional triathlon following the race.

Already one of the most decorated athletes in the sport, Luis had established his legacy long before his Kona triumph. A two-time World Triathlon world champion, Olympic mixed relay bronze medallist and multiple world championship medallist, he represented France at the highest level while becoming one of triathlon’s most respected and recognisable competitors.

His transition to long-distance racing added another remarkable chapter to that legacy, culminating in a world title that few athletes achieve, let alone in the final race of their careers.

Vincent Luis said he was looking forward to celebrating the power of sport and supporting the next generation of athletes.

“Winning in Kona was the perfect way to finish my career. It’s something I’ll always be incredibly proud of, but when I look back, it’s not just the victories that stand out. It’s the people, the experiences and everything sport has given me along the way,” Luis said.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend my life doing something I love, and I know how important it is for young people to have the opportunity to find something they’re passionate about.

“I’m really looking forward to being in London for the Pho3nix Gala, celebrating alongside so many incredible athletes and supporting a cause that helps give more children the chance to experience what sport can bring to their lives.”

The Gala will welcome an extraordinary line-up of sporting legends, including six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, Olympic champions Sir Mo Farah, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Greg Rutherford, Dame Laura Kenny, Adam Peaty OBE, Alistair Brownlee OBE, Jonny Brownlee MBE and Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE, alongside Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio OBE and former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook. Together, they represent an exceptional breadth of sporting achievement, bringing some of the world’s most celebrated athletes to London for an evening dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation through sport.

Returning as host following the inaugural Gala in Switzerland in 2025, internationally acclaimed television presenter and comedian James Corden OBE will lead the evening alongside renowned sports broadcaster Nicki Shields, guiding guests through extraordinary sporting stories, exclusive experiences and fundraising initiatives in support of the Pho3nix Foundation.

This year’s London event will build on the success of the inaugural Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala, continuing to unite influential figures from across sport, business and entertainment around a shared ambition to improve the health and wellbeing of children through sport.

The Pho3nix Foundation is committed to breaking down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity, supporting initiatives that help children develop confidence, build resilience and discover their potential.

For Luis, whose career has been defined by dedication, perseverance and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, the Gala offers an opportunity to celebrate the impact of sport beyond competition and help inspire the next generation.

The 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala will take place at The Peninsula London on Friday 20 November 2026.

Attend the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala

Table packages for the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala are now available. Guests can register their interest via the Gala enquiry form and receive updates from the Pho3nix Concierge team as further details are announced.

For Gala enquiries, table packages, expressions of interest or information about contributing to the auction, please visit the Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala website.