The Modern Pentathlon World Championships is the highest international modern pentathlon competition. It has been held annually since 1949 under the organization of the International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM). Until 1980 the championship was exclusively for men (Except
1978 World Modern Pentathlon Championships). The first women's contest was held in 1981, although at a different venue and date. Both contests, male and female, have been held since 1993 in parallel at the same venue. ==Editions==