diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/cohost-sidebar.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/cohost-sidebar.tsx
index 896cb7b47..b484343dd 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/cohost-sidebar.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/cohost-sidebar.tsx
@@ -81,7 +81,13 @@ const getNavigation = (
       label: "Competition Setup",
       items: [
         ...(permissions?.divisions
-          ? [{ label: "Divisions", href: `${basePath}/divisions`, icon: Layers }]
+          ? [
+              {
+                label: "Divisions",
+                href: `${basePath}/divisions`,
+                icon: Layers,
+              },
+            ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.editEvents
           ? [
@@ -98,13 +104,31 @@ const getNavigation = (
             ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.locations
-          ? [{ label: "Locations", href: `${basePath}/locations`, icon: MapPin }]
+          ? [
+              {
+                label: "Locations",
+                href: `${basePath}/locations`,
+                icon: MapPin,
+              },
+            ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.scoringConfig
-          ? [{ label: "Scoring", href: `${basePath}/scoring`, icon: Calculator }]
+          ? [
+              {
+                label: "Scoring",
+                href: `${basePath}/scoring`,
+                icon: Calculator,
+              },
+            ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.viewRegistrations
-          ? [{ label: "Registrations", href: `${basePath}/athletes`, icon: Users }]
+          ? [
+              {
+                label: "Registrations",
+                href: `${basePath}/athletes`,
+                icon: Users,
+              },
+            ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.waivers
           ? [
@@ -189,7 +213,13 @@ const getNavigation = (
             ]
           : []),
         ...(permissions?.sponsors
-          ? [{ label: "Sponsors", href: `${basePath}/sponsors`, icon: Sparkles }]
+          ? [
+              {
+                label: "Sponsors",
+                href: `${basePath}/sponsors`,
+                icon: Sparkles,
+              },
+            ]
           : []),
       ],
     },
@@ -215,8 +245,9 @@ function NavMenuItem({ item, isActive }: { item: NavItem; isActive: boolean }) {
 function CohostSidebarHeader({ competitionName }: { competitionName: string }) {
   return (
     <SidebarHeader className="border-b px-3 py-3 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:px-2 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:py-3 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:justify-center">
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
       <Link
-        to="/compete"
+        to="/"
         className="flex items-center gap-2 min-w-0 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:hidden"
       >
         <img
@@ -238,10 +269,8 @@ function CohostSidebarHeader({ competitionName }: { competitionName: string }) {
           </span>
         </div>
       </Link>
-      <Link
-        to="/compete"
-        className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block"
-      >
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+      <Link to="/" className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block">
         <img
           src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
           alt="wodsmith compete"
@@ -334,7 +363,8 @@ export function CohostSidebar({
             <Menu className="h-5 w-5" />
           </SidebarTrigger>
           <div className="flex items-center gap-2 min-w-0">
-            <Link to="/compete" className="flex items-center gap-2 shrink-0">
+            {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+            <Link to="/" className="flex items-center gap-2 shrink-0">
               <img
                 src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
                 alt="wodsmith compete"
@@ -342,7 +372,9 @@ export function CohostSidebar({
                 height={24}
               />
             </Link>
-            <span className="truncate text-sm font-medium">{competitionName}</span>
+            <span className="truncate text-sm font-medium">
+              {competitionName}
+            </span>
           </div>
         </header>
         <div className="h-14 md:hidden" />
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-breadcrumb.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-breadcrumb.tsx
index 24d4aaddd..01c19a3fe 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-breadcrumb.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-breadcrumb.tsx
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@ interface BreadcrumbSegment {
   href?: string
 }
 
+// @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]]
+const COMPETITION_DISCOVERY_PATH = "/"
+
 /**
  * Route segment to human-readable label mapping
  */
@@ -128,9 +131,13 @@ export function CompeteBreadcrumb({
 
     // Don't add href for the last segment (current page)
     const isLast = i === pathSegments.length - 1
+    const href =
+      segment === "compete" && currentPath === "/compete"
+        ? COMPETITION_DISCOVERY_PATH
+        : currentPath
     segments.push({
       label,
-      href: isLast ? undefined : currentPath,
+      href: isLast ? undefined : href,
     })
   }
 
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-mobile-nav.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-mobile-nav.tsx
index 51c658a50..3d17594c1 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-mobile-nav.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-mobile-nav.tsx
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ interface AthleteProfileMissingFields {
 interface CompeteMobileNavProps {
   session: SessionValidationResult | null
   invitations?: PendingInvitation[]
-  canOrganize?: boolean
+  hasOrganizerApplication?: boolean
   missingProfileFields?: AthleteProfileMissingFields | null
 }
 
@@ -63,12 +63,23 @@ function shouldHideBrand(pathname: string) {
 export default function CompeteMobileNav({
   session,
   invitations = [],
-  canOrganize = false,
+  hasOrganizerApplication = false,
   missingProfileFields = null,
 }: CompeteMobileNavProps) {
   const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
   const router = useRouterState()
   const pathname = router.location.pathname
+  const isCompetitionIndex = pathname === "/"
+  const isManageCompetitionsActive =
+    pathname === "/compete/organizer" ||
+    pathname.startsWith("/compete/organizer/")
+  const competitionsLinkClass = isCompetitionIndex
+    ? "font-semibold text-foreground underline decoration-primary decoration-2 underline-offset-4 dark:text-dark-foreground"
+    : "hover:text-primary"
+  const manageCompetitionsLinkClass = isManageCompetitionsActive
+    ? "flex items-center gap-2 font-semibold text-foreground underline decoration-primary decoration-2 underline-offset-4 dark:text-dark-foreground"
+    : "flex items-center gap-2 hover:text-primary"
+  const showManageCompetitionsLink = hasOrganizerApplication
 
   const isProfileIncomplete =
     missingProfileFields &&
@@ -95,9 +106,10 @@ export default function CompeteMobileNav({
       <SheetContent side="left" background="sidebar">
         <SheetTitle className="sr-only">Navigation Menu</SheetTitle>
         <nav className="grid gap-6 font-medium text-lg">
+          {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
           {!shouldHideBrand(pathname) && (
             <Link
-              to="/compete"
+              to="/"
               className="mb-4 flex items-center gap-2 font-semibold text-lg"
               onClick={handleLinkClick}
             >
@@ -126,20 +138,31 @@ export default function CompeteMobileNav({
           {session?.user ? (
             <>
               <Link
-                to="/compete"
-                className="hover:text-primary"
+                to="/"
+                aria-current={isCompetitionIndex ? "page" : undefined}
+                className={competitionsLinkClass}
                 onClick={handleLinkClick}
               >
-                Events
+                Competitions
               </Link>
-              {canOrganize && (
+              {showManageCompetitionsLink && (
                 <a
                   href="/compete/organizer"
-                  className="flex items-center gap-2 hover:text-primary"
+                  aria-current={isManageCompetitionsActive ? "page" : undefined}
+                  className={manageCompetitionsLinkClass}
                   onClick={handleLinkClick}
                 >
                   <Settings className="h-5 w-5" />
-                  <span>Organizer</span>
+                  <span>MANAGE COMPETITIONS</span>
+                </a>
+              )}
+              {!hasOrganizerApplication && (
+                <a
+                  href="/compete/organizer/onboard"
+                  className="hover:text-primary"
+                  onClick={handleLinkClick}
+                >
+                  HOST A COMP
                 </a>
               )}
               <hr className="my-2" />
@@ -200,11 +223,12 @@ export default function CompeteMobileNav({
           ) : (
             <>
               <Link
-                to="/compete"
-                className="hover:text-primary"
+                to="/"
+                aria-current={isCompetitionIndex ? "page" : undefined}
+                className={competitionsLinkClass}
                 onClick={handleLinkClick}
               >
-                Events
+                Competitions
               </Link>
               <a
                 href="/sign-in"
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav-brand.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav-brand.tsx
index 82122c483..54ec12257 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav-brand.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav-brand.tsx
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ import { Link } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 
 export function CompeteNavBrand() {
   return (
-    <Link to="/compete" className="flex items-center gap-2">
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]]
+    <Link to="/" className="flex items-center gap-2">
       <img
         src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
         alt="wodsmith compete"
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav.tsx
index a3c8de4cd..44596038f 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/compete-nav.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 "use client"
 
-import { Link } from "@tanstack/react-router"
+import { Link, useRouterState } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 import { User } from "lucide-react"
 import CompeteMobileNav from "@/components/compete-mobile-nav"
 import { CompeteNavBrand } from "@/components/compete-nav-brand"
@@ -10,35 +10,68 @@ import type { SessionValidationResult } from "@/types"
 
 interface CompeteNavProps {
   session: SessionValidationResult
-  canOrganize: boolean
+  hasOrganizerApplication: boolean
 }
 
-export default function CompeteNav({ session, canOrganize }: CompeteNavProps) {
+export default function CompeteNav({
+  session,
+  hasOrganizerApplication,
+}: CompeteNavProps) {
   // For now, we don't have these other features implemented in wodsmith-start
   const pendingInvitations: never[] = []
   const missingProfileFields = null
+  const pathname = useRouterState({
+    select: (state) => state.location.pathname,
+  })
+  const isCompetitionIndex = pathname === "/"
+  const isManageCompetitionsActive =
+    pathname === "/compete/organizer" ||
+    pathname.startsWith("/compete/organizer/")
+  const competitionsLinkClass = isCompetitionIndex
+    ? "font-bold text-foreground uppercase underline decoration-primary decoration-2 underline-offset-4 dark:text-dark-foreground"
+    : "font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+  const manageCompetitionsLinkClass = isManageCompetitionsActive
+    ? "flex items-center gap-1 font-bold text-foreground underline decoration-primary decoration-2 underline-offset-4 dark:text-dark-foreground"
+    : "flex items-center gap-1 font-bold text-foreground hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+  const showManageCompetitionsLink = hasOrganizerApplication
 
   return (
     <header className="border-black border-b-2 bg-background dark:border-dark-border dark:bg-dark-background">
       <div className="container mx-auto flex items-center p-4">
         <CompeteNavBrand />
         <nav className="ml-auto hidden items-center gap-4 md:flex">
+          {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
           {session?.user ? (
             <>
               <Link
-                to="/compete"
-                className="font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+                to="/"
+                aria-current={isCompetitionIndex ? "page" : undefined}
+                className={competitionsLinkClass}
               >
-                Events
+                Competitions
               </Link>
-              {canOrganize && (
+              {showManageCompetitionsLink && (
                 <>
                   <div className="h-6 border-black border-l-2 dark:border-dark-border" />
                   <Link
                     to="/compete/organizer"
-                    className="flex items-center gap-1 font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+                    aria-current={
+                      isManageCompetitionsActive ? "page" : undefined
+                    }
+                    className={manageCompetitionsLinkClass}
                   >
-                    Organize
+                    MANAGE COMPETITIONS
+                  </Link>
+                </>
+              )}
+              {!hasOrganizerApplication && (
+                <>
+                  <div className="h-6 border-black border-l-2 dark:border-dark-border" />
+                  <Link
+                    to="/compete/organizer/onboard"
+                    className="font-bold text-foreground hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+                  >
+                    HOST A COMP
                   </Link>
                 </>
               )}
@@ -55,23 +88,20 @@ export default function CompeteNav({ session, canOrganize }: CompeteNavProps) {
           ) : (
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
               <Link
-                to="/compete"
-                className="font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
+                to="/"
+                aria-current={isCompetitionIndex ? "page" : undefined}
+                className={competitionsLinkClass}
               >
-                Events
+                Competitions
               </Link>
               <Link
                 to="/sign-in"
-                search={{ redirect: "/compete" }}
+                search={{ redirect: "/" }}
                 className="btn-outline"
               >
                 Login
               </Link>
-              <Link
-                to="/sign-up"
-                search={{ redirect: "/compete" }}
-                className="btn"
-              >
+              <Link to="/sign-up" search={{ redirect: "/" }} className="btn">
                 Sign Up
               </Link>
               <DarkModeToggle />
@@ -82,7 +112,7 @@ export default function CompeteNav({ session, canOrganize }: CompeteNavProps) {
           <CompeteMobileNav
             session={session}
             invitations={pendingInvitations}
-            canOrganize={canOrganize}
+            hasOrganizerApplication={hasOrganizerApplication}
             missingProfileFields={missingProfileFields}
           />
         </div>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/competition-sidebar.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/competition-sidebar.tsx
index d6d9d5aca..7c60a86f6 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/competition-sidebar.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/competition-sidebar.tsx
@@ -207,8 +207,9 @@ function NavMenuItem({ item, isActive }: { item: NavItem; isActive: boolean }) {
 function CompetitionSidebarHeader() {
   return (
     <SidebarHeader className="h-14 flex-row items-center border-b px-3 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:px-2 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:justify-center">
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
       <Link
-        to="/compete"
+        to="/"
         className="flex items-center gap-2 min-w-0 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:hidden"
       >
         <img
@@ -225,10 +226,8 @@ function CompetitionSidebarHeader() {
           </span>
         </h1>
       </Link>
-      <Link
-        to="/compete"
-        className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block"
-      >
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+      <Link to="/" className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block">
         <img
           src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
           alt="wodsmith compete"
@@ -316,7 +315,8 @@ export function CompetitionSidebar({
           <SidebarTrigger className="-ml-1">
             <Menu className="h-5 w-5" />
           </SidebarTrigger>
-          <Link to="/compete" className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+          <Link to="/" className="flex items-center gap-2">
             <img
               src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
               alt="wodsmith compete"
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/final-cta.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/final-cta.tsx
index 8cfd969f4..09348e74e 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/final-cta.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/final-cta.tsx
@@ -56,7 +56,8 @@ export function FinalCTA({ session }: FinalCTAProps) {
               className="border-background/20 text-background hover:bg-background/10 dark:border-border dark:text-foreground dark:hover:bg-secondary"
               asChild
             >
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </div>
 
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/two-audiences.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/two-audiences.tsx
index ea889e96b..e014d8ef9 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/two-audiences.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/landing/two-audiences.tsx
@@ -137,7 +137,8 @@ export function TwoAudiences({ session }: TwoAudiencesProps) {
 
             <div className="mt-auto pt-6 border-t border-border">
               <Button variant="outline" className="w-full" asChild>
-                <Link to="/compete">
+                {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+                <Link to="/">
                   Browse Competitions
                   <ArrowRight className="ml-2 h-4 w-4" />
                 </Link>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/main-nav.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/main-nav.tsx
index 67b64d31c..91fafe720 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/main-nav.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/main-nav.tsx
@@ -34,8 +34,10 @@ export default function MainNav({
             session?.user
               ? hasWorkoutTracking
                 ? "/workouts"
-                : "/compete"
-              : "/"
+                : // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]]
+                  "/"
+              : // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]]
+                "/"
           }
           className="flex items-center gap-2"
         >
@@ -85,8 +87,9 @@ export default function MainNav({
                   </a>
                 </>
               )}
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
               <a
-                href="/compete"
+                href="/"
                 className="font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
               >
                 Compete
@@ -111,8 +114,9 @@ export default function MainNav({
             </>
           ) : (
             <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
               <a
-                href="/compete"
+                href="/"
                 className="font-bold text-foreground uppercase hover:underline dark:text-dark-foreground"
               >
                 Compete
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/mobile-nav.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/mobile-nav.tsx
index b0e82d027..e6a973380 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/mobile-nav.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/nav/mobile-nav.tsx
@@ -94,8 +94,9 @@ export default function MobileNav({
                   </a>
                 </>
               )}
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
               <a
-                href="/compete"
+                href="/"
                 className="hover:text-primary"
                 onClick={handleLinkClick}
               >
@@ -107,8 +108,9 @@ export default function MobileNav({
             </>
           ) : (
             <>
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
               <a
-                href="/compete"
+                href="/"
                 className="hover:text-primary"
                 onClick={handleLinkClick}
               >
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/series-sidebar.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/series-sidebar.tsx
index 01ae619b2..2a568b791 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/series-sidebar.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/series-sidebar.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 "use client"
 
-import { useEffect, useState } from "react"
 import { Link, useRouterState } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 import {
   Calendar,
@@ -14,6 +13,7 @@ import {
   Sun,
   Trophy,
 } from "lucide-react"
+import { useEffect, useState } from "react"
 import {
   Sidebar,
   SidebarContent,
@@ -62,7 +62,11 @@ const getNavigation = (
       items: [
         { label: "Edit Series", href: `${basePath}/edit`, icon: Pencil },
         { label: "Divisions", href: `${basePath}/divisions`, icon: Layers },
-        { label: "Registration Questions", href: `${basePath}/registration-questions`, icon: ClipboardList },
+        {
+          label: "Registration Questions",
+          href: `${basePath}/registration-questions`,
+          icon: ClipboardList,
+        },
       ],
     },
     {
@@ -99,11 +103,7 @@ function NavMenuItem({ item, isActive }: { item: NavItem; isActive: boolean }) {
 
   return (
     <SidebarMenuItem>
-      <SidebarMenuButton
-        asChild
-        isActive={isActive}
-        tooltip={item.label}
-      >
+      <SidebarMenuButton asChild isActive={isActive} tooltip={item.label}>
         <Link to={item.href} onClick={() => setOpenMobile(false)}>
           <Icon className="h-4 w-4" />
           <span>{item.label}</span>
@@ -116,8 +116,9 @@ function NavMenuItem({ item, isActive }: { item: NavItem; isActive: boolean }) {
 function SeriesSidebarHeader() {
   return (
     <SidebarHeader className="h-14 flex-row items-center border-b px-3 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:px-2 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:justify-center">
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
       <Link
-        to="/compete"
+        to="/"
         className="flex items-center gap-2 min-w-0 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:hidden"
       >
         <img
@@ -134,10 +135,8 @@ function SeriesSidebarHeader() {
           </span>
         </h1>
       </Link>
-      <Link
-        to="/compete"
-        className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block"
-      >
+      {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+      <Link to="/" className="hidden group-data-[collapsible=icon]:block">
         <img
           src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
           alt="wodsmith compete"
@@ -151,78 +150,77 @@ function SeriesSidebarHeader() {
 }
 
 function ThemeToggleButton() {
-	const [theme, setTheme] = useState<"light" | "dark">("light")
-	const [mounted, setMounted] = useState(false)
+  const [theme, setTheme] = useState<"light" | "dark">("light")
+  const [mounted, setMounted] = useState(false)
 
-	useEffect(() => {
-		const savedTheme = localStorage.getItem("theme") as "light" | "dark" | null
-		const prefersDark = window.matchMedia(
-			"(prefers-color-scheme: dark)",
-		).matches
-		const initialTheme = savedTheme || (prefersDark ? "dark" : "light")
-		setTheme(initialTheme)
-		setMounted(true)
-	}, [])
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const savedTheme = localStorage.getItem("theme") as "light" | "dark" | null
+    const prefersDark = window.matchMedia(
+      "(prefers-color-scheme: dark)",
+    ).matches
+    const initialTheme = savedTheme || (prefersDark ? "dark" : "light")
+    setTheme(initialTheme)
+    setMounted(true)
+  }, [])
 
-	const toggleTheme = () => {
-		const newTheme = theme === "dark" ? "light" : "dark"
-		setTheme(newTheme)
-		localStorage.setItem("theme", newTheme)
-		const expires = new Date(Date.now() + 365 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000).toUTCString()
-		const secure = window.location.protocol === "https:" ? "; Secure" : ""
-		// biome-ignore lint/suspicious/noDocumentCookie: document.cookie required for SSR-accessible theme preference
-		document.cookie = `theme=${newTheme}; path=/; expires=${expires}; SameSite=Lax${secure}`
-		const root = document.documentElement
-		if (newTheme === "dark") {
-			root.classList.add("dark")
-		} else {
-			root.classList.remove("dark")
-		}
-	}
+  const toggleTheme = () => {
+    const newTheme = theme === "dark" ? "light" : "dark"
+    setTheme(newTheme)
+    localStorage.setItem("theme", newTheme)
+    const expires = new Date(
+      Date.now() + 365 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000,
+    ).toUTCString()
+    const secure = window.location.protocol === "https:" ? "; Secure" : ""
+    // biome-ignore lint/suspicious/noDocumentCookie: document.cookie required for SSR-accessible theme preference
+    document.cookie = `theme=${newTheme}; path=/; expires=${expires}; SameSite=Lax${secure}`
+    const root = document.documentElement
+    if (newTheme === "dark") {
+      root.classList.add("dark")
+    } else {
+      root.classList.remove("dark")
+    }
+  }
 
-	if (!mounted) {
-		return (
-			<SidebarMenuItem>
-				<SidebarMenuButton tooltip="Toggle Theme" disabled>
-					<Sun className="h-4 w-4" />
-					<span>Toggle Theme</span>
-				</SidebarMenuButton>
-			</SidebarMenuItem>
-		)
-	}
+  if (!mounted) {
+    return (
+      <SidebarMenuItem>
+        <SidebarMenuButton tooltip="Toggle Theme" disabled>
+          <Sun className="h-4 w-4" />
+          <span>Toggle Theme</span>
+        </SidebarMenuButton>
+      </SidebarMenuItem>
+    )
+  }
 
-	return (
-		<SidebarMenuItem>
-			<SidebarMenuButton
-				tooltip="Toggle Theme"
-				onClick={toggleTheme}
-			>
-				{theme === "dark" ? (
-					<Moon className="h-4 w-4" />
-				) : (
-					<Sun className="h-4 w-4" />
-				)}
-				<span>Toggle Theme</span>
-			</SidebarMenuButton>
-		</SidebarMenuItem>
-	)
+  return (
+    <SidebarMenuItem>
+      <SidebarMenuButton tooltip="Toggle Theme" onClick={toggleTheme}>
+        {theme === "dark" ? (
+          <Moon className="h-4 w-4" />
+        ) : (
+          <Sun className="h-4 w-4" />
+        )}
+        <span>Toggle Theme</span>
+      </SidebarMenuButton>
+    </SidebarMenuItem>
+  )
 }
 
 function SidebarCollapseButton() {
-	const { toggleSidebar, state } = useSidebar()
-	const isCollapsed = state === "collapsed"
+  const { toggleSidebar, state } = useSidebar()
+  const isCollapsed = state === "collapsed"
 
-	return (
-		<SidebarMenuItem>
-			<SidebarMenuButton
-				tooltip={isCollapsed ? "Open Sidebar" : "Collapse Sidebar"}
-				onClick={toggleSidebar}
-			>
-				<PanelLeft className="h-4 w-4" />
-				<span>{isCollapsed ? "Open Sidebar" : "Collapse Sidebar"}</span>
-			</SidebarMenuButton>
-		</SidebarMenuItem>
-	)
+  return (
+    <SidebarMenuItem>
+      <SidebarMenuButton
+        tooltip={isCollapsed ? "Open Sidebar" : "Collapse Sidebar"}
+        onClick={toggleSidebar}
+      >
+        <PanelLeft className="h-4 w-4" />
+        <span>{isCollapsed ? "Open Sidebar" : "Collapse Sidebar"}</span>
+      </SidebarMenuButton>
+    </SidebarMenuItem>
+  )
 }
 
 function SeriesSidebarFooter() {
@@ -236,10 +234,7 @@ function SeriesSidebarFooter() {
   )
 }
 
-export function SeriesSidebar({
-  groupId,
-  children,
-}: SeriesSidebarProps) {
+export function SeriesSidebar({ groupId, children }: SeriesSidebarProps) {
   const router = useRouterState()
   const pathname = router.location.pathname
   const basePath = `/compete/organizer/series/${groupId}`
@@ -293,7 +288,8 @@ export function SeriesSidebar({
       <SidebarInset>
         <header className="fixed top-0 left-0 right-0 z-40 flex h-14 items-center gap-2 border-b bg-background px-3 md:hidden">
           <SidebarTrigger className="-ml-1" />
-          <Link to="/compete" className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+          <Link to="/" className="flex items-center gap-2">
             <img
               src="/wodsmith-logo-no-text.png"
               alt="wodsmith compete"
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/__root.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/__root.tsx
index c97c52ddb..3ca1b672b 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/__root.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/__root.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { TanStackDevtools } from "@tanstack/react-devtools"
 import {
-  type ErrorComponentProps,
   createRootRoute,
+  type ErrorComponentProps,
   HeadContent,
   Link,
   Outlet,
@@ -70,18 +70,32 @@ function RootComponent() {
   })
 
   // Don't render MainNav on routes that have their own navigation
-  // Hide MainNav if EITHER current OR target route is compete/admin
+  // Hide MainNav if EITHER current OR target route is compete/admin/auth
   // This prevents layout flash during transitions in both directions
   const isCompeteRoute =
+    currentPath === "/" ||
+    (isNavigating && targetPath === "/") ||
     currentPath.startsWith("/compete") ||
     (isNavigating && targetPath.startsWith("/compete"))
   const isAdminRoute =
     currentPath.startsWith("/admin") ||
     (isNavigating && targetPath.startsWith("/admin"))
+  const isAuthRoute =
+    currentPath === "/sign-in" ||
+    currentPath === "/sign-up" ||
+    currentPath.startsWith("/reset-password") ||
+    currentPath.startsWith("/forgot-password") ||
+    currentPath.startsWith("/verify-email") ||
+    (isNavigating &&
+      (targetPath === "/sign-in" ||
+        targetPath === "/sign-up" ||
+        targetPath.startsWith("/reset-password") ||
+        targetPath.startsWith("/forgot-password") ||
+        targetPath.startsWith("/verify-email")))
 
   return (
     <>
-      {!isCompeteRoute && !isAdminRoute && (
+      {!isCompeteRoute && !isAdminRoute && !isAuthRoute && (
         <MainNav
           session={session}
           activeTeamId={activeTeamId}
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_auth.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_auth.tsx
index 876346538..82b7a4c1b 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_auth.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_auth.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { createFileRoute, Outlet } from "@tanstack/react-router"
+import CompeteNav from "@/components/compete-nav"
 
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_auth")({
   component: AuthLayout,
@@ -7,11 +8,10 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/_auth")({
 function AuthLayout() {
   return (
     <div className="min-h-screen bg-background">
-      {/* TODO: Add navigation header if needed */}
+      <CompeteNav session={null} hasOrganizerApplication={false} />
       <main>
         <Outlet />
       </main>
-      {/* TODO: Add footer if needed */}
     </div>
   )
 }
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/programming/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/programming/index.tsx
index 0f20eb3ca..181692717 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/programming/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/programming/index.tsx
@@ -23,8 +23,9 @@ import {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/admin/teams/programming/")({
   component: AdminProgrammingPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }) => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/scaling/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/scaling/index.tsx
index f5c128daf..6bbe98e36 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/scaling/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/admin/teams/scaling/index.tsx
@@ -42,8 +42,9 @@ import {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/admin/teams/scaling/")({
   component: AdminScalingPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }) => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/calculator/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/calculator/index.tsx
index 006290851..418106324 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/calculator/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/calculator/index.tsx
@@ -283,8 +283,9 @@ const WarmupSet = ({
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/calculator/")({
   component: BarbellCalculatorPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   validateSearch: (search: Record<string, unknown>): CalculatorSearch => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/dashboard.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/dashboard.tsx
index d1b85ca7d..42f5f8328 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/dashboard.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/dashboard.tsx
@@ -25,8 +25,9 @@ import {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/dashboard")({
   component: DashboardPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }) => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/log/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/log/index.tsx
index 46f483e7a..900095513 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/log/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/log/index.tsx
@@ -7,8 +7,9 @@ import { getLogsByUserFn } from "@/server-fns/log-fns"
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/log/")({
   component: LogPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }) => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/movements/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/movements/index.tsx
index 6c512cd88..08b5a6d0a 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/movements/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/movements/index.tsx
@@ -15,8 +15,9 @@ import { getAllMovementsFn } from "@/server-fns/movement-fns"
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/movements/")({
   component: MovementsPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   validateSearch: (search: Record<string, unknown>) => ({
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/programming/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/programming/index.tsx
index 939116a83..ac0099591 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/programming/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/programming/index.tsx
@@ -38,8 +38,9 @@ interface LoaderData {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/programming/")({
   component: PublicProgrammingPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }): Promise<LoaderData> => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/overview/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/overview/index.tsx
index 48718d517..54f75cafb 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/overview/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/overview/index.tsx
@@ -399,7 +399,8 @@ function CompetitiveHistory({ registrations }: { registrations: any[] }) {
               history
             </p>
             <Button asChild className="mt-4">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              {/* @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]] */}
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </div>
         </CardContent>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/programming/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/programming/index.tsx
index 71f3acc18..02e889139 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/programming/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/settings/programming/index.tsx
@@ -11,8 +11,9 @@ import {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/settings/programming/")({
   component: ProgrammingTracksPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   loader: async ({ context }) => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/team/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/team/index.tsx
index 7d6c9a989..fb6fc69c6 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/team/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/team/index.tsx
@@ -4,8 +4,9 @@ import { TeamPageClient } from "@/components/team-page-client"
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/team/")({
   component: TeamPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
 })
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/workouts/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/workouts/index.tsx
index 1879bdd0e..ee13d1973 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/workouts/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/_protected/workouts/index.tsx
@@ -72,8 +72,9 @@ function parseStringToArray(val: string | undefined): string[] {
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/_protected/workouts/")({
   component: WorkoutsPage,
   beforeLoad: async ({ context }) => {
+    // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#_protected#Workout tracking guards]]
     if (!context.hasWorkoutTracking) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
   },
   validateSearch: (search: Record<string, unknown>): WorkoutsSearch => {
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/api/sitemap.ts b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/api/sitemap.ts
index b7ff71345..a94069a41 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/api/sitemap.ts
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/api/sitemap.ts
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/api/sitemap")({
 
           const staticPages = [
             { url: "/", priority: "1.0", changefreq: "weekly" },
-            { url: "/compete", priority: "0.9", changefreq: "daily" },
             { url: "/terms", priority: "0.2", changefreq: "yearly" },
             { url: "/privacy", priority: "0.2", changefreq: "yearly" },
           ]
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete.tsx
index 2ae2cff50..9faf569f1 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete.tsx
@@ -1,31 +1,20 @@
 /**
  * This file uses top-level imports for server-only modules.
  */
-import {
-  createFileRoute,
-  Outlet,
-  useLocation,
-  useMatches,
-} from "@tanstack/react-router"
+import { createFileRoute, Outlet, useMatches } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 import { createServerFn } from "@tanstack/react-start"
 import { CompeteBreadcrumb } from "@/components/compete-breadcrumb"
 import CompeteNav from "@/components/compete-nav"
-import { TEAM_PERMISSIONS } from "@/db/schemas/teams"
+import { hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn } from "@/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns"
 import { getSessionFromCookie } from "@/utils/auth"
 
 // Server function to get session and permissions
 const getCompeteNavDataFn = createServerFn({ method: "GET" }).handler(
   async () => {
     const session = await getSessionFromCookie()
+    const hasOrganizerApplication = await hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn()
 
-    // Check if user has MANAGE_COMPETITIONS permission in any team
-    const canOrganize = session?.teams
-      ? session.teams.some((team) =>
-          team.permissions.includes(TEAM_PERMISSIONS.MANAGE_COMPETITIONS),
-        )
-      : false
-
-    return { session, canOrganize }
+    return { session, hasOrganizerApplication }
   },
 )
 
@@ -33,25 +22,26 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete")({
   component: CompeteLayout,
   staleTime: 30_000, // Cache for 30 seconds - nav data changes infrequently
   loader: async () => {
-    const { session, canOrganize } = await getCompeteNavDataFn()
-    return { session, canOrganize }
+    const { session, hasOrganizerApplication } = await getCompeteNavDataFn()
+    return { session, hasOrganizerApplication }
   },
 })
 
 function CompeteLayout() {
-  const { session, canOrganize } = Route.useLoaderData()
-  const location = useLocation()
+  const { session, hasOrganizerApplication } = Route.useLoaderData()
   const matches = useMatches()
 
   // Check if we're on an organizer route that uses its own layout
   // - _dashboard routes: have their own layout with CompeteNav
   // - $competitionId routes: have sidebar layout
   // - onboard routes: have their own layout
-  const isOrganizerRoute =
-    location.pathname === "/compete/organizer" ||
-    location.pathname.startsWith("/compete/organizer/")
+  const isOrganizerRoute = matches.some((match) =>
+    match.pathname.startsWith("/compete/organizer"),
+  )
 
-  const isCohostRoute = location.pathname.startsWith("/compete/cohost/")
+  const isCohostRoute = matches.some((match) =>
+    match.pathname.startsWith("/compete/cohost/"),
+  )
 
   // Organizer and cohost routes have their own sidebar layouts
   if (isOrganizerRoute || isCohostRoute) {
@@ -88,7 +78,10 @@ function CompeteLayout() {
   return (
     <div className="flex min-h-screen flex-col overflow-x-clip print:min-h-0 print:block">
       <div className="print:hidden">
-        <CompeteNav session={session} canOrganize={canOrganize} />
+        <CompeteNav
+          session={session}
+          hasOrganizerApplication={hasOrganizerApplication}
+        />
       </div>
 
       <main className="container mx-auto flex-1 p-4 print:p-0 print:max-w-none print:mx-0">
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/register/success.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/register/success.tsx
index a9b31d732..766bbadbc 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/register/success.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/register/success.tsx
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/$slug/register/success")({
     const parentMatch = await parentMatchPromise
     const competition = parentMatch.loaderData?.competition
     if (!competition) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
 
     // Check for registration
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/registered.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/registered.tsx
index bcdaa086b..44caa3c15 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/registered.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/$slug/registered.tsx
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/$slug/registered")({
     const competition = parentMatch.loaderData?.competition
     const divisions = parentMatch.loaderData?.divisions ?? []
     if (!competition) {
-      throw redirect({ to: "/compete" })
+      throw redirect({ to: "/" })
     }
 
     const [{ registrations }, affiliateResult] = await Promise.all([
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost-invite/$token.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost-invite/$token.tsx
index 448be3e2c..fb834d847 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost-invite/$token.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost-invite/$token.tsx
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ function CohostInvitePage() {
               This invitation link is invalid or has expired.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ function CohostInvitePage() {
               new invite.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ function CohostInvitePage() {
           replace: true,
         })
       } else {
-        await router.navigate({ to: "/compete", replace: true })
+        await router.navigate({ to: "/", replace: true })
       }
     } catch (error) {
       toast.dismiss()
@@ -305,7 +305,7 @@ function CohostInvitePage() {
           </Button>
 
           <Button asChild variant="outline" className="w-full">
-            <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+            <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
           </Button>
         </CardContent>
       </Card>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost/$competitionId.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost/$competitionId.tsx
index 3e36d7e0f..68d93556f 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost/$competitionId.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/cohost/$competitionId.tsx
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/cohost/$competitionId")({
     const competitionTeamId = competition.competitionTeamId
     if (!competitionTeamId) {
       throw redirect({
-        to: "/compete",
+        to: "/",
         search: {},
       })
     }
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/cohost/$competitionId")({
 
     if (!permissions) {
       throw redirect({
-        to: "/compete",
+        to: "/",
         search: {},
       })
     }
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/index.tsx
index dcb9639a9..41793ee29 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/index.tsx
@@ -1,33 +1,4 @@
-import {
-	useEffect,
-	useDeferredValue,
-	useMemo,
-	useState,
-	useTransition,
-} from "react"
-import { createFileRoute, useNavigate } from "@tanstack/react-router"
-import { FilterIcon, SearchIcon, X } from "lucide-react"
-import { CompetitionCard } from "@/components/competition-card"
-import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button"
-import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input"
-import {
-  Select,
-  SelectContent,
-  SelectItem,
-  SelectTrigger,
-  SelectValue,
-} from "@/components/ui/select"
-import { getSessionFn } from "@/server-fns/auth-fns"
-import {
-  type CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam,
-  getPublicCompetitionsFn,
-} from "@/server-fns/competition-fns"
-import { cn } from "@/utils/cn"
-import { getTodayInTimezone } from "@/utils/date-utils"
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Route
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+import { createFileRoute, redirect } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 
 type StatusFilter = "all" | "registration-open" | "active" | "upcoming" | "past"
 
@@ -39,45 +10,15 @@ type CompeteSearch = {
   type?: "in-person" | "online"
 }
 
-export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/")({
-  head: () => ({
-    meta: [
-      {
-        title: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
-      },
-      {
-        name: "description",
-        content:
-          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions. Find upcoming Functional Fitness throwdowns, see leaderboards, and sign up on WODsmith.",
-      },
-      { property: "og:type", content: "website" },
-      { property: "og:url", content: "https://wodsmith.com/compete" },
-      {
-        property: "og:title",
-        content: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
-      },
-      {
-        property: "og:description",
-        content:
-          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions. Find upcoming Functional Fitness throwdowns, see leaderboards, and sign up.",
-      },
-      { property: "og:site_name", content: "WODsmith" },
-      { name: "twitter:card", content: "summary" },
-      {
-        name: "twitter:title",
-        content: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
-      },
-      {
-        name: "twitter:description",
-        content:
-          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions on WODsmith.",
-      },
-    ],
-    links: [{ rel: "canonical", href: "https://wodsmith.com/compete" }],
-  }),
-  component: CompetePage,
-  staleTime: 30_000,
-  validateSearch: (search: Record<string, unknown>): CompeteSearch => ({
+function isValidStatusFilter(value: unknown): value is StatusFilter {
+  return (
+    typeof value === "string" &&
+    ["all", "registration-open", "active", "upcoming", "past"].includes(value)
+  )
+}
+
+function preserveCompeteSearch(search: Record<string, unknown>): CompeteSearch {
+  return {
     q: typeof search.q === "string" ? search.q : undefined,
     filter: isValidStatusFilter(search.filter) ? search.filter : undefined,
     location: typeof search.location === "string" ? search.location : undefined,
@@ -87,525 +28,12 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/")({
       search.type === "in-person" || search.type === "online"
         ? search.type
         : undefined,
-  }),
-  loader: async () => {
-    const [result, session] = await Promise.all([
-      getPublicCompetitionsFn({ data: {} }),
-      getSessionFn(),
-    ])
-    return {
-      competitions: result.competitions,
-      isAuthenticated: session !== null,
-    }
-  },
-})
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Helpers
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-function isValidStatusFilter(value: unknown): value is StatusFilter {
-  return (
-    typeof value === "string" &&
-    ["all", "registration-open", "active", "upcoming", "past"].includes(value)
-  )
-}
-
-type CompetitionStatus =
-  | "registration-open"
-  | "active"
-  | "coming-soon"
-  | "registration-closed"
-  | "past"
-
-function getCompetitionStatus(
-  comp: CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam,
-): CompetitionStatus {
-  const { startDate, endDate, registrationOpensAt, registrationClosesAt } = comp
-  const today = getTodayInTimezone(comp.timezone ?? "America/Denver")
-
-  if (endDate < today) return "past"
-  if (startDate <= today && endDate >= today) return "active"
-  if (
-    startDate > today &&
-    registrationOpensAt &&
-    registrationClosesAt &&
-    registrationOpensAt <= today &&
-    registrationClosesAt >= today
-  )
-    return "registration-open"
-  if (startDate > today && registrationClosesAt && registrationClosesAt < today)
-    return "registration-closed"
-  return "coming-soon"
-}
-
-const STATUS_TABS: { value: StatusFilter; label: string }[] = [
-  { value: "all", label: "All" },
-  { value: "registration-open", label: "Open" },
-  { value: "active", label: "Live" },
-  { value: "upcoming", label: "Upcoming" },
-  { value: "past", label: "Past" },
-]
-
-function matchesStatusFilter(
-  status: CompetitionStatus,
-  filter: StatusFilter,
-): boolean {
-  if (filter === "all") return status !== "past"
-  if (filter === "past") return status === "past"
-  if (filter === "active") return status === "active"
-  if (filter === "registration-open") return status === "registration-open"
-  if (filter === "upcoming")
-    return status === "coming-soon" || status === "registration-closed"
-  return true
-}
-
-function getLocationLabel(comp: CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam): string | null {
-  const city = comp.address?.city?.trim()
-  const state = comp.address?.stateProvince?.trim()
-  if (city && state) return `${city}, ${state}`
-  if (city) return city
-  if (state) return state
-  return null
-}
-
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Page
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-function CompetePage() {
-  const { competitions } = Route.useLoaderData()
-  const search = Route.useSearch()
-  const navigate = useNavigate({ from: Route.fullPath })
-  const activeStatus = search.filter ?? "all"
-  const [, startTransition] = useTransition()
-  const [localSearch, setLocalSearch] = useState(search.q ?? "")
-  const deferredSearchQuery = useDeferredValue(search.q)
-  const [showAdvanced, setShowAdvanced] = useState(
-    Boolean(search.location || search.organizer || search.type),
-  )
-
-  // Prevent card-enter animation from firing twice on SSR + hydration.
-  // Only enable animation after the client has hydrated.
-  const [hasMounted, setHasMounted] = useState(false)
-  useEffect(() => setHasMounted(true), [])
-
-  const updateSearch = (updates: Partial<CompeteSearch>) => {
-    startTransition(() => {
-      navigate({
-        search: (prev) => {
-          const next = { ...prev, ...updates }
-          // Clean undefined values
-          for (const key of Object.keys(next) as (keyof CompeteSearch)[]) {
-            if (next[key] === undefined) delete next[key]
-          }
-          return next
-        },
-      })
-    })
-  }
-
-  const handleSearchChange = (value: string) => {
-    setLocalSearch(value)
-    updateSearch({ q: value || undefined })
-  }
-
-  // Derive statuses
-  const competitionsWithStatus = useMemo(
-    () =>
-      competitions.map((comp) => ({
-        ...comp,
-        _status: getCompetitionStatus(comp),
-        _location: getLocationLabel(comp),
-      })),
-    [competitions],
-  )
-
-  // Build filter option lists from data
-  const filterOptions = useMemo(() => {
-    const locations = new Set<string>()
-    const organizers = new Set<string>()
-
-    for (const comp of competitionsWithStatus) {
-      if (comp._location) locations.add(comp._location)
-      if (comp.organizingTeam?.name) organizers.add(comp.organizingTeam.name)
-    }
-
-    return {
-      locations: [...locations].sort(),
-      organizers: [...organizers].sort(),
-    }
-  }, [competitionsWithStatus])
-
-  // Counts per status tab
-  const counts = useMemo(() => {
-    const c = {
-      all: 0,
-      "registration-open": 0,
-      active: 0,
-      upcoming: 0,
-      past: 0,
-    }
-    for (const comp of competitionsWithStatus) {
-      if (comp._status !== "past") c.all++
-      if (comp._status === "registration-open") c["registration-open"]++
-      if (comp._status === "active") c.active++
-      if (
-        comp._status === "coming-soon" ||
-        comp._status === "registration-closed"
-      )
-        c.upcoming++
-      if (comp._status === "past") c.past++
-    }
-    return c
-  }, [competitionsWithStatus])
-
-  // Check if any advanced filter is active
-  const hasAdvancedFilters = Boolean(
-    search.location || search.organizer || search.type,
-  )
-
-  const clearAdvancedFilters = () => {
-    updateSearch({
-      location: undefined,
-      organizer: undefined,
-      type: undefined,
-    })
   }
-
-  // Filter + search + sort
-  const sorted = useMemo(() => {
-    let list = competitionsWithStatus.filter((c) =>
-      matchesStatusFilter(c._status, activeStatus),
-    )
-
-    // Advanced filters
-    if (search.location) {
-      list = list.filter((c) => c._location === search.location)
-    }
-    if (search.organizer) {
-      list = list.filter((c) => c.organizingTeam?.name === search.organizer)
-    }
-    if (search.type) {
-      list = list.filter((c) => c.competitionType === search.type)
-    }
-
-    // Text search
-    if (deferredSearchQuery) {
-      const q = deferredSearchQuery.toLowerCase()
-      list = list.filter(
-        (c) =>
-          c.name.toLowerCase().includes(q) ||
-          c.description?.toLowerCase().includes(q) ||
-          c.organizingTeam?.name.toLowerCase().includes(q),
-      )
-    }
-
-    if (activeStatus === "all") {
-      return [...list].sort(
-        (a, b) =>
-          new Date(a.startDate).getTime() - new Date(b.startDate).getTime(),
-      )
-    }
-
-    const priority: Record<CompetitionStatus, number> = {
-      active: 0,
-      "registration-open": 1,
-      "coming-soon": 2,
-      "registration-closed": 2,
-      past: 4,
-    }
-    return [...list].sort((a, b) => {
-      const p = priority[a._status] - priority[b._status]
-      if (p !== 0) return p
-      return new Date(a.startDate).getTime() - new Date(b.startDate).getTime()
-    })
-  }, [
-    competitionsWithStatus,
-    activeStatus,
-    search.location,
-    search.organizer,
-    search.type,
-    deferredSearchQuery,
-  ])
-
-  return (
-    <div className="container mx-auto px-2 sm:px-6 py-4 sm:py-12">
-      {/* ── Header ─────────────────────────────────────────── */}
-      <header className="mb-10">
-        <h1 className="text-3xl sm:text-4xl font-extrabold tracking-tight">
-          Competitions
-        </h1>
-        <p className="mt-2 text-base text-muted-foreground max-w-lg">
-          Discover events, register to compete, and track your performance.
-        </p>
-      </header>
-
-      {/* ── Toolbar ────────────────────────────────────────── */}
-      <div className="flex flex-col gap-4 sm:flex-row sm:items-center sm:justify-between mb-4">
-        {/* Status tabs */}
-        <div
-          className="flex items-center gap-0.5 -ml-2"
-          role="tablist"
-          aria-label="Filter competitions"
-        >
-          {STATUS_TABS.map((tab) => {
-            const isActive = activeStatus === tab.value
-            const count = counts[tab.value]
-            return (
-              <button
-                key={tab.value}
-                type="button"
-                role="tab"
-                aria-selected={isActive}
-                onClick={() =>
-                  updateSearch({
-                    filter: tab.value === "all" ? undefined : tab.value,
-                  })
-                }
-                className={cn(
-                  "relative px-3 py-1.5 text-sm rounded-md",
-                  "transition-colors duration-100 motion-reduce:transition-none",
-                  "focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring focus-visible:ring-offset-2",
-                  isActive
-                    ? "font-semibold text-foreground bg-secondary"
-                    : "font-medium text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground hover:bg-secondary/50",
-                )}
-              >
-                {tab.label}
-                {count > 0 && (
-                  <span
-                    className={cn(
-                      "ml-1.5 text-xs tabular-nums",
-                      isActive
-                        ? "text-foreground/50"
-                        : "text-muted-foreground/60",
-                    )}
-                  >
-                    {count}
-                  </span>
-                )}
-              </button>
-            )
-          })}
-        </div>
-
-        {/* Search + filter toggle */}
-        <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
-          <div className="relative w-full sm:w-56">
-            <SearchIcon
-              className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 h-3.5 w-3.5 -translate-y-1/2 text-muted-foreground/60"
-              aria-hidden="true"
-            />
-            <Input
-              type="search"
-              aria-label="Search competitions"
-              name="competition-search"
-              placeholder="Search…"
-              value={localSearch}
-              onChange={(e) => handleSearchChange(e.target.value)}
-              autoComplete="off"
-              spellCheck={false}
-              className="pl-9 pr-8 h-9 text-sm bg-secondary/50 border-transparent focus:bg-card focus:border-input"
-            />
-            {localSearch && (
-              <Button
-                variant="ghost"
-                size="icon"
-                className="absolute right-0.5 top-1/2 h-7 w-7 -translate-y-1/2"
-                onClick={() => handleSearchChange("")}
-              >
-                <X className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
-                <span className="sr-only">Clear search</span>
-              </Button>
-            )}
-          </div>
-          <Button
-            variant={showAdvanced ? "secondary" : "ghost"}
-            size="sm"
-            className={cn(
-              "h-9 gap-1.5 shrink-0",
-              hasAdvancedFilters && "text-primary",
-            )}
-            onClick={() => setShowAdvanced((v) => !v)}
-          >
-            <FilterIcon className="h-3.5 w-3.5" aria-hidden="true" />
-            <span className="hidden sm:inline">Filters</span>
-            {hasAdvancedFilters && (
-              <span className="flex h-4 min-w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-[10px] font-bold px-1">
-                {
-                  [search.location, search.organizer, search.type].filter(
-                    Boolean,
-                  ).length
-                }
-              </span>
-            )}
-          </Button>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-
-      {/* ── Advanced filters ───────────────────────────────── */}
-      {showAdvanced && (
-        <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 sm:flex-row sm:items-end sm:gap-3 mb-4 p-4 rounded-lg bg-secondary/30 border">
-          {/* Location */}
-          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[180px]">
-            <label
-              htmlFor="filter-location"
-              className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
-            >
-              Location
-            </label>
-            <Select
-              value={search.location ?? "__all__"}
-              onValueChange={(v) =>
-                updateSearch({ location: v === "__all__" ? undefined : v })
-              }
-            >
-              <SelectTrigger id="filter-location" className="h-9 text-sm">
-                <SelectValue placeholder="All locations" />
-              </SelectTrigger>
-              <SelectContent>
-                <SelectItem value="__all__">All locations</SelectItem>
-                {filterOptions.locations.map((loc) => (
-                  <SelectItem key={loc} value={loc}>
-                    {loc}
-                  </SelectItem>
-                ))}
-              </SelectContent>
-            </Select>
-          </div>
-
-          {/* Organizer */}
-          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[180px]">
-            <label
-              htmlFor="filter-organizer"
-              className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
-            >
-              Organizer
-            </label>
-            <Select
-              value={search.organizer ?? "__all__"}
-              onValueChange={(v) =>
-                updateSearch({ organizer: v === "__all__" ? undefined : v })
-              }
-            >
-              <SelectTrigger id="filter-organizer" className="h-9 text-sm">
-                <SelectValue placeholder="All organizers" />
-              </SelectTrigger>
-              <SelectContent>
-                <SelectItem value="__all__">All organizers</SelectItem>
-                {filterOptions.organizers.map((org) => (
-                  <SelectItem key={org} value={org}>
-                    {org}
-                  </SelectItem>
-                ))}
-              </SelectContent>
-            </Select>
-          </div>
-
-          {/* Competition type */}
-          <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[150px]">
-            <label
-              htmlFor="filter-type"
-              className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
-            >
-              Type
-            </label>
-            <Select
-              value={search.type ?? "__all__"}
-              onValueChange={(v) =>
-                updateSearch({
-                  type: v === "in-person" || v === "online" ? v : undefined,
-                })
-              }
-            >
-              <SelectTrigger id="filter-type" className="h-9 text-sm">
-                <SelectValue placeholder="All types" />
-              </SelectTrigger>
-              <SelectContent>
-                <SelectItem value="__all__">All types</SelectItem>
-                <SelectItem value="in-person">In-Person</SelectItem>
-                <SelectItem value="online">Online</SelectItem>
-              </SelectContent>
-            </Select>
-          </div>
-
-          {/* Clear */}
-          {hasAdvancedFilters && (
-            <Button
-              variant="ghost"
-              size="sm"
-              className="h-9 text-muted-foreground self-end"
-              onClick={clearAdvancedFilters}
-            >
-              Clear filters
-            </Button>
-          )}
-        </div>
-      )}
-
-      {/* ── Divider ────────────────────────────────────────── */}
-      <div className="border-t mb-8" />
-
-      {/* ── Grid ───────────────────────────────────────────── */}
-      {sorted.length === 0 ? (
-        <EmptyState
-          searchQuery={deferredSearchQuery}
-          hasFilters={activeStatus !== "all" || hasAdvancedFilters}
-        />
-      ) : (
-        <div className="grid gap-3 sm:grid-cols-2">
-          {sorted.map((comp, i) => (
-            <CompetitionCard
-              key={comp.id}
-              competition={comp}
-              status={comp._status}
-              index={i}
-              animate={hasMounted}
-            />
-          ))}
-        </div>
-      )}
-    </div>
-  )
 }
 
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Empty state
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-function EmptyState({
-  searchQuery,
-  hasFilters,
-}: {
-  searchQuery?: string
-  hasFilters: boolean
-}) {
-  const navigate = useNavigate({ from: Route.fullPath })
-
-  return (
-    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-24 text-center">
-      <div className="h-px w-12 bg-border mb-6" />
-      <p className="text-sm font-medium text-foreground">
-        {searchQuery ? "No results" : "Nothing here yet"}
-      </p>
-      <p className="mt-1.5 text-sm text-muted-foreground max-w-xs">
-        {searchQuery
-          ? `Nothing matches "${searchQuery}".`
-          : hasFilters
-            ? "Try adjusting your filters."
-            : "Check back soon — new competitions are added regularly."}
-      </p>
-      {(searchQuery || hasFilters) && (
-        <Button
-          variant="ghost"
-          size="sm"
-          className="mt-4 text-muted-foreground"
-          onClick={() => navigate({ search: {} })}
-        >
-          Clear all filters
-        </Button>
-      )}
-    </div>
-  )
-}
+export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/")({
+  // @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete]]
+  beforeLoad: ({ search }) => {
+    throw redirect({ to: "/", search: preserveCompeteSearch(search) })
+  },
+})
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/$token.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/$token.tsx
index 76d193fdc..e8c947509 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/$token.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/$token.tsx
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ import { GuestInviteForm } from "./-components/guest-invite-form"
 import { InviteSignUpForm } from "./-components/invite-signup-form"
 import { SuccessClaimPrompt } from "./-components/success-claim-prompt"
 
+// @lat: [[competition-invites#Claim routes]]
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/invite/$token")({
   loader: async ({ params }) => {
     const [volunteerInvite, teammateInvite, session] = await Promise.all([
@@ -223,7 +224,7 @@ function InvitePage() {
               This invitation link is invalid or has expired.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -271,7 +272,7 @@ function InvitePage() {
               a new invite.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -630,7 +631,7 @@ function VolunteerApplicationStatus({ invite }: { invite: VolunteerInvite }) {
           )}
 
           <Button asChild variant="outline" className="w-full">
-            <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+            <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
           </Button>
         </CardContent>
       </Card>
@@ -697,7 +698,7 @@ function DirectVolunteerInvite({
               organizer for a new invite.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-invite-button.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-invite-button.tsx
index 7446c5655..bf46628ee 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-invite-button.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-invite-button.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 "use client"
 
+// @lat: [[competition-invites#Claim routes]]
 import { useNavigate } from "@tanstack/react-router"
 import { useServerFn } from "@tanstack/react-start"
 import { CheckCircle } from "lucide-react"
@@ -80,7 +81,7 @@ export function AcceptInviteButton({
           params: { slug: result.competitionSlug },
         })
       } else {
-        navigate({ to: "/compete" })
+        navigate({ to: "/" })
       }
     } catch (err) {
       const message =
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-volunteer-invite-form.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-volunteer-invite-form.tsx
index c102cd89b..43fb6f040 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-volunteer-invite-form.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/invite/-components/accept-volunteer-invite-form.tsx
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ export function AcceptVolunteerInviteForm({
       if (competitionSlug) {
         navigate({ to: "/compete/$slug", params: { slug: competitionSlug } })
       } else {
-        navigate({ to: "/compete" })
+        navigate({ to: "/" })
       }
     } catch (err) {
       const message =
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/$competitionId.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/$competitionId.tsx
index 91e277acf..62b22c0e4 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/$competitionId.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/$competitionId.tsx
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/organizer/$competitionId")({
 
     if (!canManage) {
       throw redirect({
-        to: "/compete",
+        to: "/",
         search: {},
       })
     }
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/_dashboard.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/_dashboard.tsx
index cd82dab34..489db9bfa 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/_dashboard.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/_dashboard.tsx
@@ -13,20 +13,15 @@ import { createServerFn } from "@tanstack/react-start"
 import { CompeteBreadcrumb } from "@/components/compete-breadcrumb"
 import CompeteNav from "@/components/compete-nav"
 import { PendingOrganizerBanner } from "@/components/pending-organizer-banner"
-import { TEAM_PERMISSIONS } from "@/db/schemas/teams"
+import { hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn } from "@/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns"
 import { getSessionFromCookie } from "@/utils/auth"
 
 const getCompeteNavDataFn = createServerFn({ method: "GET" }).handler(
   async () => {
     const session = await getSessionFromCookie()
+    const hasOrganizerApplication = await hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn()
 
-    const canOrganize = session?.teams
-      ? session.teams.some((team) =>
-          team.permissions.includes(TEAM_PERMISSIONS.MANAGE_COMPETITIONS),
-        )
-      : false
-
-    return { session, canOrganize }
+    return { session, hasOrganizerApplication }
   },
 )
 
@@ -34,8 +29,8 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/organizer/_dashboard")({
   component: DashboardLayout,
   staleTime: 30_000, // Cache for 30 seconds - nav data changes infrequently
   loader: async () => {
-    const { session, canOrganize } = await getCompeteNavDataFn()
-    return { session, canOrganize }
+    const { session, hasOrganizerApplication } = await getCompeteNavDataFn()
+    return { session, hasOrganizerApplication }
   },
 })
 
@@ -43,11 +38,14 @@ function DashboardLayout() {
   const { entitlements } = Route.useRouteContext() as {
     entitlements?: { isPendingApproval?: boolean }
   }
-  const { session, canOrganize } = Route.useLoaderData()
+  const { session, hasOrganizerApplication } = Route.useLoaderData()
 
   return (
     <div className="flex min-h-screen flex-col">
-      <CompeteNav session={session} canOrganize={canOrganize} />
+      <CompeteNav
+        session={session}
+        hasOrganizerApplication={hasOrganizerApplication}
+      />
 
       <main className="container mx-auto flex-1 pt-4 sm:p-4">
         <CompeteBreadcrumb />
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/onboard/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/onboard/index.tsx
index 8bbacb2aa..b468efc93 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/onboard/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/onboard/index.tsx
@@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ function OrganizerRequestForm({ teams }: { teams: TeamInfo[] }) {
           <Button
             type="button"
             variant="outline"
-            onClick={() => router.navigate({ to: "/compete" })}
+            onClick={() => router.navigate({ to: "/" })}
             disabled={isPending}
           >
             Cancel
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/series/$groupId.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/series/$groupId.tsx
index 9cfb4b5b5..c7a6d4560 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/series/$groupId.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/compete/organizer/series/$groupId.tsx
@@ -9,9 +9,8 @@ import {
 import { SeriesSidebar } from "@/components/series-sidebar"
 import { getCompetitionGroupByIdFn } from "@/server-fns/competition-fns"
 
-export const Route = createFileRoute(
-  "/compete/organizer/series/$groupId",
-)({
+// @lat: [[architecture#Route Groups#compete/organizer]]
+export const Route = createFileRoute("/compete/organizer/series/$groupId")({
   component: SeriesLayout,
   loader: async ({ params, context }) => {
     const session = context.session
@@ -36,13 +35,13 @@ export const Route = createFileRoute(
       session.user?.role === "admin" ||
       !!session.teams?.find(
         (t) =>
-          t.id === groupResult.group!.organizingTeamId &&
+          t.id === groupResult.group.organizingTeamId &&
           (t.role.id === "admin" || t.role.id === "owner"),
       )
 
     if (!canManage) {
       throw redirect({
-        to: "/compete",
+        to: "/",
         search: {},
       })
     }
@@ -77,20 +76,19 @@ function SeriesLayout() {
         {/* Series Header */}
         <div>
           <div className="text-sm text-muted-foreground mb-1">
-            <Link
-              to="/compete/organizer/series"
-              className="hover:underline"
-            >
+            <Link to="/compete/organizer/series" className="hover:underline">
               Series
             </Link>
             {" / "}
             <span>{group.name}</span>
-            {lastSegment && lastSegment !== groupId && routeLabels[lastSegment] && (
-              <>
-                {" / "}
-                <span>{routeLabels[lastSegment]}</span>
-              </>
-            )}
+            {lastSegment &&
+              lastSegment !== groupId &&
+              routeLabels[lastSegment] && (
+                <>
+                  {" / "}
+                  <span>{routeLabels[lastSegment]}</span>
+                </>
+              )}
           </div>
           <h1 className="text-2xl font-bold">{group.name}</h1>
           {group.description && (
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/index.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/index.tsx
index ae8a79d14..9a5e1f277 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/index.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/index.tsx
@@ -1,118 +1,632 @@
-import { createFileRoute } from "@tanstack/react-router"
-import { Footer } from "@/components/footer"
-import { JsonLd } from "@/components/json-ld"
-import { CompeteHero } from "@/components/landing/compete-hero"
-import { DisasterPrevention } from "@/components/landing/disaster-prevention"
-import { FinalCTA } from "@/components/landing/final-cta"
-import { PainStrip } from "@/components/landing/pain-strip"
-import { SeriesTeaser } from "@/components/landing/series-teaser"
-import { TwoAudiences } from "@/components/landing/two-audiences"
-import { VolunteerScheduling } from "@/components/landing/volunteer-scheduling"
-
-const organizationSchema = {
-  "@context": "https://schema.org",
-  "@type": "Organization",
-  name: "WODsmith",
-  url: "https://wodsmith.com",
-  description:
-    "Functional fitness competition management platform. Score verification, transparent tie-breakers, volunteer scheduling, and digital appeals.",
-}
+import { createFileRoute, useNavigate } from "@tanstack/react-router"
+import { FilterIcon, SearchIcon, X } from "lucide-react"
+import {
+  useDeferredValue,
+  useEffect,
+  useMemo,
+  useState,
+  useTransition,
+} from "react"
+import CompeteNav from "@/components/compete-nav"
+import { CompetitionCard } from "@/components/competition-card"
+import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button"
+import { Input } from "@/components/ui/input"
+import {
+  Select,
+  SelectContent,
+  SelectItem,
+  SelectTrigger,
+  SelectValue,
+} from "@/components/ui/select"
+import { getSessionFn } from "@/server-fns/auth-fns"
+import {
+  type CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam,
+  getPublicCompetitionsFn,
+} from "@/server-fns/competition-fns"
+import { hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn } from "@/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns"
+import { cn } from "@/utils/cn"
+import { getTodayInTimezone } from "@/utils/date-utils"
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Route
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-const websiteSchema = {
-  "@context": "https://schema.org",
-  "@type": "WebSite",
-  name: "WODsmith",
-  url: "https://wodsmith.com",
+type StatusFilter = "all" | "registration-open" | "active" | "upcoming" | "past"
+
+type CompeteSearch = {
+  q?: string
+  filter?: StatusFilter
+  location?: string
+  organizer?: string
+  type?: "in-person" | "online"
 }
 
 export const Route = createFileRoute("/")({
   head: () => ({
     meta: [
       {
-        title: "WODsmith Compete - Run comps athletes trust",
+        title: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
       },
       {
         name: "description",
         content:
-          "Run functional fitness competitions without spreadsheet ops. Score verification, transparent tie-breakers, volunteer scheduling, and digital appeals. Built with organizers running multi-location series.",
+          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions. Find upcoming Functional Fitness throwdowns, see leaderboards, and sign up on WODsmith.",
       },
       { property: "og:type", content: "website" },
       { property: "og:url", content: "https://wodsmith.com" },
       {
         property: "og:title",
-        content: "WODsmith Compete - Run comps athletes trust",
+        content: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
       },
       {
         property: "og:description",
         content:
-          "Run functional fitness competitions without spreadsheet ops. Score verification, transparent tie-breakers, volunteer scheduling, and digital appeals.",
+          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions. Find upcoming Functional Fitness throwdowns, see leaderboards, and sign up.",
       },
-      {
-        property: "og:image",
-        content: "https://og.wodsmith.com/landing",
-      },
-      { property: "og:image:width", content: "1200" },
-      { property: "og:image:height", content: "630" },
       { property: "og:site_name", content: "WODsmith" },
-      { name: "twitter:card", content: "summary_large_image" },
+      { name: "twitter:card", content: "summary" },
       {
         name: "twitter:title",
-        content: "WODsmith Compete - Run comps athletes trust",
+        content: "Find Fitness Competitions | WODsmith",
       },
       {
         name: "twitter:description",
         content:
-          "Run functional fitness competitions without spreadsheet ops. Score verification, transparent tie-breakers, volunteer scheduling, and digital appeals.",
-      },
-      {
-        name: "twitter:image",
-        content: "https://og.wodsmith.com/landing",
+          "Browse and register for functional fitness competitions on WODsmith.",
       },
     ],
     links: [{ rel: "canonical", href: "https://wodsmith.com" }],
   }),
-  component: HomePage,
+  component: CompetePage,
+  staleTime: 30_000,
+  validateSearch: (search: Record<string, unknown>): CompeteSearch => ({
+    q: typeof search.q === "string" ? search.q : undefined,
+    filter: isValidStatusFilter(search.filter) ? search.filter : undefined,
+    location: typeof search.location === "string" ? search.location : undefined,
+    organizer:
+      typeof search.organizer === "string" ? search.organizer : undefined,
+    type:
+      search.type === "in-person" || search.type === "online"
+        ? search.type
+        : undefined,
+  }),
+  loader: async () => {
+    const [result, session, hasOrganizerApplication] = await Promise.all([
+      getPublicCompetitionsFn({ data: {} }),
+      getSessionFn(),
+      hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn(),
+    ])
+
+    return {
+      competitions: result.competitions,
+      session,
+      hasOrganizerApplication,
+    }
+  },
 })
 
-function HomePage() {
-  const { session } = Route.useRouteContext()
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Helpers
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function isValidStatusFilter(value: unknown): value is StatusFilter {
+  return (
+    typeof value === "string" &&
+    ["all", "registration-open", "active", "upcoming", "past"].includes(value)
+  )
+}
+
+type CompetitionStatus =
+  | "registration-open"
+  | "active"
+  | "coming-soon"
+  | "registration-closed"
+  | "past"
+
+function getCompetitionStatus(
+  comp: CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam,
+): CompetitionStatus {
+  const { startDate, endDate, registrationOpensAt, registrationClosesAt } = comp
+  const today = getTodayInTimezone(comp.timezone ?? "America/Denver")
+
+  if (endDate < today) return "past"
+  if (startDate <= today && endDate >= today) return "active"
+  if (
+    startDate > today &&
+    registrationOpensAt &&
+    registrationClosesAt &&
+    registrationOpensAt <= today &&
+    registrationClosesAt >= today
+  )
+    return "registration-open"
+  if (startDate > today && registrationClosesAt && registrationClosesAt < today)
+    return "registration-closed"
+  return "coming-soon"
+}
+
+const STATUS_TABS: { value: StatusFilter; label: string }[] = [
+  { value: "all", label: "All" },
+  { value: "registration-open", label: "Open" },
+  { value: "active", label: "Live" },
+  { value: "upcoming", label: "Upcoming" },
+  { value: "past", label: "Past" },
+]
+
+function matchesStatusFilter(
+  status: CompetitionStatus,
+  filter: StatusFilter,
+): boolean {
+  if (filter === "all") return status !== "past"
+  if (filter === "past") return status === "past"
+  if (filter === "active") return status === "active"
+  if (filter === "registration-open") return status === "registration-open"
+  if (filter === "upcoming")
+    return status === "coming-soon" || status === "registration-closed"
+  return true
+}
+
+function getLocationLabel(comp: CompetitionWithOrganizingTeam): string | null {
+  const city = comp.address?.city?.trim()
+  const state = comp.address?.stateProvince?.trim()
+  if (city && state) return `${city}, ${state}`
+  if (city) return city
+  if (state) return state
+  return null
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Page
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function CompetePage() {
+  const { competitions, session, hasOrganizerApplication } =
+    Route.useLoaderData()
+  const search = Route.useSearch()
+  const navigate = useNavigate({ from: Route.fullPath })
+  const activeStatus = search.filter ?? "all"
+  const [, startTransition] = useTransition()
+  const [localSearch, setLocalSearch] = useState(search.q ?? "")
+  const deferredSearchQuery = useDeferredValue(search.q)
+  const [showAdvanced, setShowAdvanced] = useState(
+    Boolean(search.location || search.organizer || search.type),
+  )
+
+  // Prevent card-enter animation from firing twice on SSR + hydration.
+  // Only enable animation after the client has hydrated.
+  const [hasMounted, setHasMounted] = useState(false)
+  useEffect(() => setHasMounted(true), [])
+
+  const updateSearch = (updates: Partial<CompeteSearch>) => {
+    startTransition(() => {
+      navigate({
+        search: (prev) => {
+          const next = { ...prev, ...updates }
+          // Clean undefined values
+          for (const key of Object.keys(next) as (keyof CompeteSearch)[]) {
+            if (next[key] === undefined) delete next[key]
+          }
+          return next
+        },
+      })
+    })
+  }
+
+  const handleSearchChange = (value: string) => {
+    setLocalSearch(value)
+    updateSearch({ q: value || undefined })
+  }
+
+  // Derive statuses
+  const competitionsWithStatus = useMemo(
+    () =>
+      competitions.map((comp) => ({
+        ...comp,
+        _status: getCompetitionStatus(comp),
+        _location: getLocationLabel(comp),
+      })),
+    [competitions],
+  )
+
+  // Build filter option lists from data
+  const filterOptions = useMemo(() => {
+    const locations = new Set<string>()
+    const organizers = new Set<string>()
+
+    for (const comp of competitionsWithStatus) {
+      if (comp._location) locations.add(comp._location)
+      if (comp.organizingTeam?.name) organizers.add(comp.organizingTeam.name)
+    }
+
+    return {
+      locations: [...locations].sort(),
+      organizers: [...organizers].sort(),
+    }
+  }, [competitionsWithStatus])
+
+  // Counts per status tab
+  const counts = useMemo(() => {
+    const c = {
+      all: 0,
+      "registration-open": 0,
+      active: 0,
+      upcoming: 0,
+      past: 0,
+    }
+    for (const comp of competitionsWithStatus) {
+      if (comp._status !== "past") c.all++
+      if (comp._status === "registration-open") c["registration-open"]++
+      if (comp._status === "active") c.active++
+      if (
+        comp._status === "coming-soon" ||
+        comp._status === "registration-closed"
+      )
+        c.upcoming++
+      if (comp._status === "past") c.past++
+    }
+    return c
+  }, [competitionsWithStatus])
+
+  // Check if any advanced filter is active
+  const hasAdvancedFilters = Boolean(
+    search.location || search.organizer || search.type,
+  )
+
+  const clearAdvancedFilters = () => {
+    updateSearch({
+      location: undefined,
+      organizer: undefined,
+      type: undefined,
+    })
+  }
+
+  // Filter + search + sort
+  const sorted = useMemo(() => {
+    let list = competitionsWithStatus.filter((c) =>
+      matchesStatusFilter(c._status, activeStatus),
+    )
+
+    // Advanced filters
+    if (search.location) {
+      list = list.filter((c) => c._location === search.location)
+    }
+    if (search.organizer) {
+      list = list.filter((c) => c.organizingTeam?.name === search.organizer)
+    }
+    if (search.type) {
+      list = list.filter((c) => c.competitionType === search.type)
+    }
+
+    // Text search
+    if (deferredSearchQuery) {
+      const q = deferredSearchQuery.toLowerCase()
+      list = list.filter(
+        (c) =>
+          c.name.toLowerCase().includes(q) ||
+          c.description?.toLowerCase().includes(q) ||
+          c.organizingTeam?.name.toLowerCase().includes(q),
+      )
+    }
+
+    if (activeStatus === "all") {
+      return [...list].sort(
+        (a, b) =>
+          new Date(a.startDate).getTime() - new Date(b.startDate).getTime(),
+      )
+    }
+
+    const priority: Record<CompetitionStatus, number> = {
+      active: 0,
+      "registration-open": 1,
+      "coming-soon": 2,
+      "registration-closed": 2,
+      past: 4,
+    }
+    return [...list].sort((a, b) => {
+      const p = priority[a._status] - priority[b._status]
+      if (p !== 0) return p
+      return new Date(a.startDate).getTime() - new Date(b.startDate).getTime()
+    })
+  }, [
+    competitionsWithStatus,
+    activeStatus,
+    search.location,
+    search.organizer,
+    search.type,
+    deferredSearchQuery,
+  ])
 
   return (
-    <>
-      <JsonLd data={organizationSchema} />
-      <JsonLd data={websiteSchema} />
-      <main>
-        {/* 1. Hero - Primary promise with villain */}
-        <CompeteHero session={session} />
+    <div className="flex min-h-screen flex-col overflow-x-clip">
+      <CompeteNav
+        session={session}
+        hasOrganizerApplication={hasOrganizerApplication}
+      />
 
-        {/* 2. Pain strip - Real quotes from organizers/athletes */}
-        <PainStrip />
+      <main className="container mx-auto flex-1 px-2 py-4 sm:px-6 sm:py-12">
+        {/* ── Header ─────────────────────────────────────────── */}
+        <header className="mb-10">
+          <h1 className="text-3xl sm:text-4xl font-extrabold tracking-tight">
+            Competitions
+          </h1>
+          <p className="mt-2 text-base text-muted-foreground max-w-lg">
+            Discover events, register to compete, and track your performance.
+          </p>
+        </header>
 
-        {/* 3. Two audiences - Athlete and Organizer value props */}
-        <TwoAudiences session={session} />
+        {/* ── Toolbar ────────────────────────────────────────── */}
+        <div className="flex flex-col gap-4 sm:flex-row sm:items-center sm:justify-between mb-4">
+          {/* Status tabs */}
+          <div
+            className="flex items-center gap-0.5 -ml-2"
+            role="tablist"
+            aria-label="Filter competitions"
+          >
+            {STATUS_TABS.map((tab) => {
+              const isActive = activeStatus === tab.value
+              const count = counts[tab.value]
+              return (
+                <button
+                  key={tab.value}
+                  type="button"
+                  role="tab"
+                  aria-selected={isActive}
+                  onClick={() =>
+                    updateSearch({
+                      filter: tab.value === "all" ? undefined : tab.value,
+                    })
+                  }
+                  className={cn(
+                    "relative px-3 py-1.5 text-sm rounded-md",
+                    "transition-colors duration-100 motion-reduce:transition-none",
+                    "focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring focus-visible:ring-offset-2",
+                    isActive
+                      ? "font-semibold text-foreground bg-secondary"
+                      : "font-medium text-muted-foreground hover:text-foreground hover:bg-secondary/50",
+                  )}
+                >
+                  {tab.label}
+                  {count > 0 && (
+                    <span
+                      className={cn(
+                        "ml-1.5 text-xs tabular-nums",
+                        isActive
+                          ? "text-foreground/50"
+                          : "text-muted-foreground/60",
+                      )}
+                    >
+                      {count}
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                </button>
+              )
+            })}
+          </div>
 
-        {/* 4. Disaster prevention - How we prevent comp-day failures */}
-        <DisasterPrevention />
+          {/* Search + filter toggle */}
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <div className="relative w-full sm:w-56">
+              <SearchIcon
+                className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 h-3.5 w-3.5 -translate-y-1/2 text-muted-foreground/60"
+                aria-hidden="true"
+              />
+              <Input
+                type="search"
+                aria-label="Search competitions"
+                name="competition-search"
+                placeholder="Search…"
+                value={localSearch}
+                onChange={(e) => handleSearchChange(e.target.value)}
+                autoComplete="off"
+                spellCheck={false}
+                className="pl-9 pr-8 h-9 text-sm bg-secondary/50 border-transparent focus:bg-card focus:border-input"
+              />
+              {localSearch && (
+                <Button
+                  variant="ghost"
+                  size="icon"
+                  className="absolute right-0.5 top-1/2 h-7 w-7 -translate-y-1/2"
+                  onClick={() => handleSearchChange("")}
+                >
+                  <X className="h-3.5 w-3.5" />
+                  <span className="sr-only">Clear search</span>
+                </Button>
+              )}
+            </div>
+            <Button
+              variant={showAdvanced ? "secondary" : "ghost"}
+              size="sm"
+              className={cn(
+                "h-9 gap-1.5 shrink-0",
+                hasAdvancedFilters && "text-primary",
+              )}
+              onClick={() => setShowAdvanced((v) => !v)}
+            >
+              <FilterIcon className="h-3.5 w-3.5" aria-hidden="true" />
+              <span className="hidden sm:inline">Filters</span>
+              {hasAdvancedFilters && (
+                <span className="flex h-4 min-w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-primary text-primary-foreground text-[10px] font-bold px-1">
+                  {
+                    [search.location, search.organizer, search.type].filter(
+                      Boolean,
+                    ).length
+                  }
+                </span>
+              )}
+            </Button>
+          </div>
+        </div>
 
-        {/* 5. Volunteer/judge scheduling - Kill the spreadsheets */}
-        <VolunteerScheduling />
+        {/* ── Advanced filters ───────────────────────────────── */}
+        {showAdvanced && (
+          <div className="flex flex-col gap-3 sm:flex-row sm:items-end sm:gap-3 mb-4 p-4 rounded-lg bg-secondary/30 border">
+            {/* Location */}
+            <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[180px]">
+              <label
+                htmlFor="filter-location"
+                className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
+              >
+                Location
+              </label>
+              <Select
+                value={search.location ?? "__all__"}
+                onValueChange={(v) =>
+                  updateSearch({ location: v === "__all__" ? undefined : v })
+                }
+              >
+                <SelectTrigger id="filter-location" className="h-9 text-sm">
+                  <SelectValue placeholder="All locations" />
+                </SelectTrigger>
+                <SelectContent>
+                  <SelectItem value="__all__">All locations</SelectItem>
+                  {filterOptions.locations.map((loc) => (
+                    <SelectItem key={loc} value={loc}>
+                      {loc}
+                    </SelectItem>
+                  ))}
+                </SelectContent>
+              </Select>
+            </div>
 
-        {/* 6. Series teaser - Multi-location capability */}
-        <SeriesTeaser />
+            {/* Organizer */}
+            <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[180px]">
+              <label
+                htmlFor="filter-organizer"
+                className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
+              >
+                Organizer
+              </label>
+              <Select
+                value={search.organizer ?? "__all__"}
+                onValueChange={(v) =>
+                  updateSearch({ organizer: v === "__all__" ? undefined : v })
+                }
+              >
+                <SelectTrigger id="filter-organizer" className="h-9 text-sm">
+                  <SelectValue placeholder="All organizers" />
+                </SelectTrigger>
+                <SelectContent>
+                  <SelectItem value="__all__">All organizers</SelectItem>
+                  {filterOptions.organizers.map((org) => (
+                    <SelectItem key={org} value={org}>
+                      {org}
+                    </SelectItem>
+                  ))}
+                </SelectContent>
+              </Select>
+            </div>
 
-        {/* 7. Reliability - Uptime and resilience */}
-        {/* <ReliabilitySection /> */}
+            {/* Competition type */}
+            <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5 sm:min-w-[150px]">
+              <label
+                htmlFor="filter-type"
+                className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground"
+              >
+                Type
+              </label>
+              <Select
+                value={search.type ?? "__all__"}
+                onValueChange={(v) =>
+                  updateSearch({
+                    type: v === "in-person" || v === "online" ? v : undefined,
+                  })
+                }
+              >
+                <SelectTrigger id="filter-type" className="h-9 text-sm">
+                  <SelectValue placeholder="All types" />
+                </SelectTrigger>
+                <SelectContent>
+                  <SelectItem value="__all__">All types</SelectItem>
+                  <SelectItem value="in-person">In-Person</SelectItem>
+                  <SelectItem value="online">Online</SelectItem>
+                </SelectContent>
+              </Select>
+            </div>
 
-        {/* 8. Proof - Testimonials and endorsements */}
-        {/* <ProofSection /> */}
+            {/* Clear */}
+            {hasAdvancedFilters && (
+              <Button
+                variant="ghost"
+                size="sm"
+                className="h-9 text-muted-foreground self-end"
+                onClick={clearAdvancedFilters}
+              >
+                Clear filters
+              </Button>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        )}
 
-        {/* 9. FAQ - Common questions */}
-        {/* <FAQSection /> */}
+        {/* ── Divider ────────────────────────────────────────── */}
+        <div className="border-t mb-8" />
 
-        {/* 10. Final CTA - Repeat primary conversion */}
-        <FinalCTA session={session} />
+        {/* ── Grid ───────────────────────────────────────────── */}
+        {sorted.length === 0 ? (
+          <EmptyState
+            searchQuery={deferredSearchQuery}
+            hasFilters={activeStatus !== "all" || hasAdvancedFilters}
+          />
+        ) : (
+          <div className="grid gap-3 sm:grid-cols-2">
+            {sorted.map((comp, i) => (
+              <CompetitionCard
+                key={comp.id}
+                competition={comp}
+                status={comp._status}
+                index={i}
+                animate={hasMounted}
+              />
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        )}
       </main>
-      <Footer />
-    </>
+
+      <footer className="border-black border-t-2 p-4">
+        <div className="container mx-auto">
+          <p className="text-center">
+            &copy; {new Date().getFullYear()} WODsmith. All rights reserved.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </footer>
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Empty state
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function EmptyState({
+  searchQuery,
+  hasFilters,
+}: {
+  searchQuery?: string
+  hasFilters: boolean
+}) {
+  const navigate = useNavigate({ from: Route.fullPath })
+
+  return (
+    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-24 text-center">
+      <div className="h-px w-12 bg-border mb-6" />
+      <p className="text-sm font-medium text-foreground">
+        {searchQuery ? "No results" : "Nothing here yet"}
+      </p>
+      <p className="mt-1.5 text-sm text-muted-foreground max-w-xs">
+        {searchQuery
+          ? `Nothing matches "${searchQuery}".`
+          : hasFilters
+            ? "Try adjusting your filters."
+            : "Check back soon — new competitions are added regularly."}
+      </p>
+      {(searchQuery || hasFilters) && (
+        <Button
+          variant="ghost"
+          size="sm"
+          className="mt-4 text-muted-foreground"
+          onClick={() => navigate({ search: {} })}
+        >
+          Clear all filters
+        </Button>
+      )}
+    </div>
   )
 }
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/transfer/$transferId.tsx b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/transfer/$transferId.tsx
index 1ee564485..df788daa6 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/transfer/$transferId.tsx
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/routes/transfer/$transferId.tsx
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ function TransferAcceptPage() {
               This transfer link is invalid or the transfer no longer exists.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ function TransferAcceptPage() {
               This transfer has expired. Contact the organizer to resend.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ function TransferAcceptPage() {
               This transfer was cancelled by the organizer.
             </p>
             <Button asChild variant="outline">
-              <Link to="/compete">Browse Competitions</Link>
+              <Link to="/">Browse Competitions</Link>
             </Button>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
diff --git a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns.ts b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns.ts
index 40cdad041..405953649 100644
--- a/apps/wodsmith-start/src/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns.ts
+++ b/apps/wodsmith-start/src/server-fns/organizer-onboarding-fns.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 import { createServerFn } from "@tanstack/react-start"
-import { and, desc, eq } from "drizzle-orm"
+import { and, desc, eq, inArray } from "drizzle-orm"
 import { z } from "zod"
 import { FEATURES } from "@/config/features"
 import { LIMITS } from "@/config/limits"
@@ -205,6 +205,21 @@ async function isApprovedOrganizerInternal(teamId: string): Promise<boolean> {
   return !!request
 }
 
+async function hasOrganizerRequestForTeamIds(
+  teamIds: string[],
+): Promise<boolean> {
+  if (teamIds.length === 0) {
+    return false
+  }
+
+  const db = getDb()
+  const request = await db.query.organizerRequestTable.findFirst({
+    where: inArray(organizerRequestTable.teamId, teamIds),
+  })
+
+  return !!request
+}
+
 // ============================================================================
 // Input Schemas
 // ============================================================================
@@ -253,6 +268,18 @@ export const isApprovedOrganizer = createServerFn({ method: "GET" })
     return isApprovedOrganizerInternal(data.teamId)
   })
 
+/**
+ * Check if the current user belongs to a team with an organizer request.
+ */
+export const hasCurrentUserOrganizerRequestFn = createServerFn({
+  method: "GET",
+}).handler(async (): Promise<boolean> => {
+  const session = await getSessionFromCookie()
+  const teamIds = session?.teams?.map((team) => team.id) ?? []
+
+  return hasOrganizerRequestForTeamIds(teamIds)
+})
+
 /**
  * Submit an organizer request for a team
  */
diff --git a/lat.md/architecture.md b/lat.md/architecture.md
index a6978c0e3..0a8325759 100644
--- a/lat.md/architecture.md
+++ b/lat.md/architecture.md
@@ -77,14 +77,26 @@ TanStack Router uses layout-based route groups to control access and shared UI.
 ### _auth
 
 Public authentication routes — login, signup, password reset, email verification.
+These routes render the Compete header so sign-in and sign-up keep the competition discovery navigation instead of the workout app header.
 
 ### _protected
 
 Authenticated routes requiring a valid session. Contains the main app dashboard, team management, workout programming, and settings.
 
+#### Workout tracking guards
+
+Workout tracking routes redirect to the competition discovery page when the active session lacks workout tracking access.
+
 ### compete
 
-Public-facing competition pages. Athletes browse, register for, and view results of competitions at `/compete/{slug}`.
+Public-facing competition pages.
+The competition discovery index moved to `/`; competition detail pages remain at `/compete/{slug}`.
+
+The root discovery route renders the Compete navigation and footer shell because it is outside the `/compete` layout tree. Active Compete header links keep normal text color and use a primary-orange underline.
+
+Compete breadcrumbs label the `/compete` route segment as `Competitions`, but link that root crumb back to `/` because discovery moved out of the `/compete` layout tree.
+
+During pending navigation, the `/compete` layout bases shell ownership on the currently rendered route matches, not the pending target URL, so organizer/cohost layouts are not wrapped by the public Compete shell while another route is still loading.
 
 The event details view ([[apps/wodsmith-start/src/components/event-details-content.tsx]]) groups divisions by price tier, each tier collapsible (default open) with a chevron toggle.
 
diff --git a/lat.md/organizer-dashboard.md b/lat.md/organizer-dashboard.md
index 19eec1023..fdd136eec 100644
--- a/lat.md/organizer-dashboard.md
+++ b/lat.md/organizer-dashboard.md
@@ -272,6 +272,8 @@ The application flow for teams to become competition organizers.
 
 At `/compete/organizer/onboard/`, teams submit an organizer request. Includes inline auth for unauthenticated users. After submission, the pending page shows request status. Admin approval is required before teams can create competitions.
 
+The Compete header shows `HOST A COMP` only before one of the user's teams has an organizer request. Hosting entitlements alone do not switch the header to `MANAGE COMPETITIONS`, and the desktop CTA is separated from `COMPETITIONS` by the standard header divider.
+
 ## Competition Creation
 
 New competition form at `/compete/organizer/_dashboard/new`.