And the winners get a stupid trophy.
Yeah, reminds me of those football players in college just just get a trophy for working so hard just to put ball in the end zone, with 95% of those players getting injured, whacked with no chance at ever making any money.
Much how do those football players get for playing in those championship games? I think the schools get about $3 million each for that game? Shouldnt they give me some money for playing except just a scholarship that thousands of students get.
Point is, you compete because you want to see how good you can get, and perhaps, got some contracts and sponsors.
As for the costs, the venue, insurance, people, hotels, judges, per diums, airfare, and much more gets very expensive. You need to shell out this amount before you can expect anything back in return.