Journalists win award for book exposing 'Iceman' Wim Hof's methods

Journalists Robert van de Griend and Anneke Stoffelen have been awarded the prestigious Brusseprijs for their book 'De IJsprofeet' (The Ice Prophet), recognized as the best journalistic book of 2025. The prize, awarded by the Fund for Special Journalistic Projects, comes with a 10,000 euro reward.

Their winning work meticulously dissects the popular 'Wim Hof Method,' a regimen of breathing exercises and cold exposure that health guru Wim Hof has built into a global brand. Van de Griend and Stoffelen, both working for de Volkskrant, reportedly expose the lack of scientific basis behind Hof's claims and the empire he has constructed around them.

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excellent investigative work and sharp eye for detail

The jury lauded the authors for their "excellent investigative work" and "sharp eye for detail," noting that they managed to portray their subject without reducing him to a caricature. The book also raises broader questions about why people often exhibit "so little critical thinking when it comes to gurus," according to the jury's report. Previous winners of the Brusseprijs include Olivier van Beemen for his book on white philanthropists in Africa.

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why people think so little critically when it comes to gurus