Really, no different than other individual vanity sports. The Ironman triathlon in Lake Placid, for example, charges $799 per entry and less than 0.01% of the competitors are in the running for the top 10 overall. 1742 people entered in 2021, so 1.3 million in entry fees. They all got cheap medals.
The money from entry fees really sums up the issue, doesn't it.

I just checked and the avg cost ti climb Mt Everest in $45,000 USD .
The range is $20,000 ( no guides, high risk) to $115,000 for a custom , guided trip.
During peak season , there is a long line near the top, waiting for a few minutes to stand on the actual summit.
Thanks mostly to social media "bragging rights" people will pay , decent $$,for various levels of achievement/status.
In 2002 I went on my 1st cruise and the experience changed my views on spending $$ for "other hobbies" ( like bodybuilding).
In summary, I spent a few bucks, but I literally got wined an dined on board .
After that first cruise, I couldn't imagine suffering thru months of prep only to pay money to be the show and get judged for it.
LOL, I already know I'm nothing great, so , I'd much rather enjoy being a comfortable old douchebag
