Not a joke: LA to host first-ever sperm race to spotlight male fertility. All the details

The race will involve two sperm samples swimming across a 20cm-long racetrack.

Los Angeles is set to host the world’s first live sperm race on April 25, an event designed to raise awareness about declining male fertility rates. Organised by a startup called Sperm Racing, the event will take place at the Hollywood Palladium and is expected to draw an audience of over 1,000 spectators.

The race will feature sperm samples competing in real-time via high-resolution imaging on a microscopic racetrack modelled on the female reproductive system. According to the organisers, the track will incorporate chemical signals and fluid dynamics to closely simulate the natural environment of the human body. The event will include press conferences, live commentary, and betting.

The startup behind the initiative has raised $1 million in funding from venture capital firms such as Karatage and Figment Capital. It is led by four co-founders: Eric Zhu (Thor Ventures, Aviato), Nick Small (a crypto entrepreneur), Shane Fan (Waterfall Market), and Garret Niconienko (Vertical Media, formerly part of the MrBeast team).

“Sperm racing isn’t just about racing sperm (although, let’s be honest, that’s hilarious). It’s about turning health into a competition. It’s about making male fertility something people actually want to talk about, track, and improve,” the team stated in the event manifesto. “We’re taking a topic no one wants to touch and making it interesting, measurable… because health is a race. And everyone deserves a shot at the starting line.”

The race will involve two sperm samples swimming across a 20cm-long racetrack. Human sperm typically swim at a speed of about 5 millimetres per minute, so the duration of the race could range from a few minutes to over an hour. Advanced imaging will be used to verify which sample reaches the finish line first.

While the format may seem unconventional, the organisers said the purpose is to create engagement around male reproductive health, which is often overlooked in mainstream health discussions. Studies indicate that global sperm counts have declined by over 50% in the past 50 years.

“We’re turning health into a sport. If you can train for sports — spend hours perfecting your form, pushing your body to its limits — then why can’t you train your health too? Why can’t you measure it, improve it, and compete in it?” the organisers added.

By presenting the topic in a new and unexpected format, Sperm Racing said it hopes to spark wider conversation and awareness about lifestyle choices that affect male fertility, including stress, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.