The global release of Gymshark Onyx V5 was always going to cause carnage.
Overnight queues at an early-access pop-up in NYC, a sold-out event in London, and a superhero squad of fitness influencers plugging the launch were proof enough of that.
Add in the fact that previous iterations of the collection have resold for upwards of £500 on platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for… bots.
At 7pm last night, fans across the UK flocked to the Gymshark website hoping to snag a piece of fitness heritage.
Those who even managed to access the store were left scratching their heads when Gymshark Onyx V5 was nowhere to be seen.
What happened? Was this all an elaborate ruse? A marketing stunt? Did someone at Gymshark HQ forget to set a reminder?
Unfortunately, the truth was far more frustrating. The website had been overwhelmed by an army of bots — most likely operated by resellers looking to cash in on the hype and make a quick buck off fans who had waited five years for Onyx to return.
The apparel giant responded by hitting pause on the launch and sending a clear message to those behind the disruption.
Owner and co-founder Ben Francis replied to a photo posted on X (formerly Twitter) showing someone clearing out the Gymshark Onyx V5 Seamless T-Shirts.
He wrote: “Onyx is for real fans — not bots. We will cancel all fraudulent and bot orders. Hang tight.”
This was swiftly followed by an official statement: “Onyx is for the real Gymshark community, not for bots. Due to insane demand, we’re pausing the Onyx drop and cancelling all bot orders.
“Onyx will return — we are rescheduling the drop. More details soon.”
Bots — often called scalper or sneaker bots in this context — are software programmes designed to automate tasks.
They’re widely used in the ticketing world, with users bulk-buying releases for concerts, festivals, and sporting events to resell at inflated prices.
These bots work by automating the checkout process, bypassing purchase limits using proxies and fake accounts, and completing transactions in milliseconds — far quicker than any human can fumble for their card.
Gymshark Onyx V5: What Happens Next?
Gymshark has promised that Onyx will be back — though combating bots will be a challenge they’ll need to tackle head-on.
Some fans have suggested a ballot or raffle to level the playing field and ensure the release ends up in the hands of those who’ll truly treasure it.
No confirmed date has been announced for the second release attempt, so for now, it’s a case of sit tight and stay tuned.
Limited stock will be available in Gymshark’s Regent Street, Stratford, and White City stores from May 9 — a viable option for those based in the capital.
What Is Gymshark Onyx V5?
Gymshark Onyx is the brand’s most sought-after collection — a line of compression tops that make muscles bulge and lifters channel their inner superhero.
For this latest release, Gymshark leaned into the “guardian” aesthetic, marketing the drop with a cinematic, DC-multiverse vibe reminiscent of Batman Returns.
Previous versions were ultra-limited — like trying to catch smoke — and those who did manage to bag a piece have worn it like a badge of honour ever since.
V5 features a triple-threat of physique-sculpting tops: short sleeve, long sleeve, and a tank.
With thicker material, a raised rubber Gymshark logo, and Spiderman-style detailing, it’s a collection that looks like it could stop a bullet.
When it does finally resurface, Gymshark Onyx V5 will be available in three colourways: Onyx Grey, Carmine Red, and the iconic Brand Blue — which was like gold dust in the last drop.
Keep your eyes peeled and your phone charged — bots or not, this one won’t hang around.
READ MORE: Gymshark Onyx Is Making a Long-Awaited Return – Here’s What You Need to Know
