OSU-OKC to host 2025 Firefighter Challenge Nationals

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Some of the nation’s top athletes will be in Oklahoma City in late September on Oklahoma State University’s OKC campus.

OSU-OKC will host the 2025 United States National Championship in the TFT Firefighter Challenge Championship Series, bringing elite firefighter athletes from across the country to campus Sept. 24–27.

This nationally recognized event, often called “the toughest two minutes in sports,” will transform OSU-OKC into a hub of strength, speed and service. The competition simulates real-world firefighting tasks — from stair climbs with heavy hose bundles to forcible entry and victim rescues — highlighting the physical and mental endurance required in the profession.

For OSU-OKC, the Firefighter Challenge is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of the university’s commitment to public safety education and workforce development. 

“We’ve built this program from the ground up,” said James Herman, Oklahoma City Fire Department lieutenant and longtime OSU-OKC instructor. “From a classroom with nothing to a full-scale training center, this event helps us showcase that growth.”

This is the second year for OSU-OKC to host a Firefighter Challenge Championship series, following last year’s successful hosting of the Southwestern Regional.

The university’s Firefighter Academy has expanded thanks to sponsorships and community support tied to the challenge. These contributions have assisted OSU-OKC in acquiring high-quality training equipment and launching innovative programs, including concurrent enrollment for high school students interested in firefighting careers.

Herman said sponsors are among the factors that have helped elevate OSU-OKC to one of the best firefighter training programs in the state. 

“We’re proud to pipeline students into volunteer and career roles at a high success rate,” he said.

The four-day event begins Tuesday with the Oklahoma Fire Service Relay Showdown and continues through Saturday’s championship finale. Spectators are encouraged to attend, with food trucks, vendors and family friendly activities available throughout the week. The event is free and open to the public.

OSU-OKC also invites volunteers to support the event and help honor the dedication of emergency responders. For students, families and community members, the challenge offers an opportunity to witness the intensity of firefighting and explore pathways into the profession.

For more details, visit the official event page. 

To learn more about OSU-OKC’s Fire Science program, visit the Fire Science page.