Largest Sporting Events in the World - Top 5 (2024)

Esta entrada fue publicada el julio 3, 2013 por Sports Traveler.

The other day someone asked me "what is the largest sporting event in the world?" The first thing that came to mind was the World Cup and then the Super Bowl. I commented that in this country the clear answer is the Super Bowl but worldwide I would have to say the World Cup.

After I answered the question I wondered how I could figure out what is the largest sporting event in the world. After some research I determined it was basically impossible to factually state what is the largest so I decided to write a blog about 5 of the largest sporting events in the world. I won't say top 5 because I'm not sure anyone has the data to support that kind of claim.

So in essence these are 5 of the largest sporting events as seen through my eyes. I have a lot of sports knowledge and I have researched many sporting events outside of the US. Based on my findings and experiences I have chose 5 events to represent the largest sporting events in the world.

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World Cup

Soccer, or football, has been long considered the most popular sport in the world. I will definitely agree with that statement simply based on the amount of areas in the world that play soccer compared to other sports. So when it comes to the World Cup, it is the most popular event for the most popular sport. This event is one of the most attended and watched worldwide.

Olympics: Summer Games - Winter Games

Most think of the Olympics as the longest running international competition. It is hard to argue with that statement given the tenure of the Olympic Games. Competition dates back to the days of ancient Greece and the spirit of the event is as strong as it has ever been. As an athlete you always want the chance to compete to be the best in the world. As a spectator you are very curious to know who the best is. The Olympic Games create one of if not the best atmospheres in all of sports.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl. I don't really think I have to say much about this one. Unlike the previous two events, the Super Bowl happens every year and there is nothing bigger in the US. Over 100 million people tune in to the Super Bowl every year now and the advertisem*nt dollars are insane. As stated for the World Cup, American football the most popular sporting event for the most popular sport. Only this is just for the US and not the entire world.

UEFA Euro Cup

Well I said it before so I'll say it again. Soccer is the world's most popular sport. Hence we have two soccer events on the list. England is the home of soccer and Europe is where soccer began its growth into the social phenomenon it is today. The UEFA Euro Cup is a battle to be the best in Europe and that title is not taken lightly. Think of this as World Cup (B).

24 Hours of Le Mans

Outside of soccer the most frequented sport is auto racing. Auto racing is highly popular throughout the world because everyone wants to go fast. Not really but I'm pretty sure there are some racing fans out there who are simply speed junkies. But speed isn't always the name of the game. Sometimes its a matter of endurance. The 24 Hours at Le Mans is the pinnacle of endurance competitions. It is also the oldest active auto racing event. Crowds of over 250.000 gather at this event annually to watch the event live.

This is an open forum so if you disagree with or have something to add to this list then please feel free to comment. We love to interact with our readers!

As an avid sports enthusiast and expert, I am well-versed in the world of sporting events. Throughout my extensive research and personal experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of various sports and their global impact. Today, I aim to shed light on some of the largest sporting events in the world, as perceived through my eyes.

First and foremost, it is undeniable that the World Cup holds a special place in the hearts of sports fans worldwide. As the pinnacle event for soccer, or football as it is commonly known, the World Cup attracts immense attention and boasts an impressive number of attendees. The widespread popularity of soccer across different regions solidifies its status as the most widely played sport globally, further cementing the World Cup as a momentous sporting spectacle.

Next, we cannot overlook the significance of the Olympics, both the Summer and Winter Games. With a storied history dating back to ancient Greece, the Olympics have stood the test of time, embodying the spirit of international competition. Athletes from around the world vie for the chance to prove themselves as the best in their respective disciplines, captivating spectators with their awe-inspiring performances. The Olympics undoubtedly foster an unparalleled atmosphere, making it one of the most highly anticipated events in the sporting calendar.

Turning our attention to the United States, we cannot disregard the Super Bowl. This annual extravaganza has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the attention of over 100 million viewers each year. The Super Bowl transcends the realm of sports, with its halftime show and highly anticipated commercials becoming iconic moments in popular culture. Within the American context, the Super Bowl reigns supreme as the pinnacle sporting event, attracting unparalleled viewership and advertising investments.

Venturing back into the realm of soccer, we encounter another significant event - the UEFA Euro Cup. Originating in Europe, where soccer took root and flourished, the UEFA Euro Cup brings together the best teams from across the continent to compete for the coveted title. While the World Cup may take center stage globally, the Euro Cup holds immense importance within the European soccer landscape, captivating fans with its fierce rivalries and high-quality gameplay.

Lastly, we delve into the world of auto racing, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans reigns supreme. Auto racing commands a substantial following worldwide, captivating individuals with its allure of speed and precision. However, the 24 Hours of Le Mans distinguishes itself by combining speed with endurance. As the oldest active auto racing event, this grueling competition attracts crowds of over 250,000 spectators annually, as they witness drivers push themselves and their machines to the limit in a relentless pursuit of victory.

While these five events certainly showcase the grandeur and magnitude of the sporting world, it is important to note that this list is subjective and open to interpretation. If you have differing opinions or additional events to suggest, please feel free to engage in an open discussion. We value the input of our readers and strive to create an interactive platform that celebrates the diversity of sporting events.

Largest Sporting Events in the World - Top 5 (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 10 biggest sporting events? ›

What Are the 10 Largest Sporting Events Worldwide?
  • FIFA World Cup. At the top of our list is the much-revered FIFA World Cup. ...
  • Olympic Games. ...
  • Super Bowl. ...
  • Wimbledon Championships. ...
  • Tour de France. ...
  • Cricket World Cup. ...
  • Rugby World Cup. ...
  • Formula 1 Grand Prix.

What is the biggest event in the world in terms of sports? ›

The Super Bowl is an annual tradition that gets bigger every year. But its reach, while vast in the U.S., pales when placed alongside the biggest sporting event — and that is the World Cup. The World Cup shatters viewership records with an astonishing 5 billion viewers globally.

What is the 3rd largest sporting event in the world? ›

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is the key rugby union tournament globally. It's the 3rd largest sporting event in the world. The top 20 teams from nations around the world participate. It runs for seven weeks, every 4 years.

What are the top 3 most watched sporting events? ›

Television confirms this. The NBA Finals, World Series, and Super Bowl are the three biggest events in American sports. The FIFA World Cup and the Olympics are the most widely viewed international sporting events worldwide.

What are the top five major sports? ›

The five most popular sports in the world, based on global participation and viewership, include soccer (football), basketball, cricket, tennis, and field hockey.

What is the 5th most popular sport? ›

5. Ice Hockey. Fast-paced and thrilling, Ice Hockey is the 5th most popular US sport. Teams battle on ice skates, using sticks to shoot a puck into the opponent's net (think hockey on ice!).

What is the biggest sporting event in the US history? ›

Most-watched US Sporting Events Ever
  • Super Bowl 57, 2023. Viewers: 115.1 million. ...
  • Super Bowl 49, 2015. Viewers: 114.4 million. ...
  • Super Bowl 56, 2022. Viewers: 112.3 million. ...
  • Super Bowl 48, 2014. Viewers: 112.2 million. ...
  • Super Bowl 50, 2016. Viewers: 111.9 million. ...
  • Super Bowl 46, 2012. ...
  • Super Bowl 51, 2017. ...
  • Super Bowl 45, 2011.

What is the second largest multi-sport event in the world? ›

The Asian Games is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics. Description: Before the Asian Games, the Far Eastern Championship Games were held.

What is the biggest sporting event in America? ›

As the annual championship game of the National Football League, the Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States.

What is the top 3 sports in the world? ›

Most Popular Sports Ranked By Total Fans
RankSport NameRegions
1Football (Soccer)Europe, Africa, Asia, America
2CricketAsia, Australia, UK
3HockeyEurope, Africa, Asia, Australia
4TennisEurope, Asia, America
6 more rows
Sep 13, 2023

What are the 3 most watched sports in America? ›

Forty-one percent of U.S. adults say football is their favorite sport to watch. Baseball and basketball essentially tie for second at 10% and 9%, respectively. Football has been the top sport in Gallup polling since 1972, when it eclipsed baseball.

Which is the first largest multi-sport event? ›

The Olympic Games, part of the Olympic movement, was the first major, modern, multi-sport event of international significance.

What is the #1 most-watched sport? ›

Soccer, or football, is cited as having the most viewers worldwide. Every four years, the FIFA World Cup draws billions of spectators from all around the world. More than a billion people frequently watch the World Cup finals alone.

What is the 2nd most-watched sporting event? ›

Most Viewed Sports Events:
  • Champions League – 380 million.
  • Boxing – 1 billion.
  • Women's FIFA World Cup – 1.12 billion.
  • Winter Olympics – 2 billion.
  • Cricket World Cup – 2.6 billion.
  • Summer Olympics – 3.05 billion.
  • Men's FIFA World Cup – 3.3 billion.
  • Tour de France – 3.5 billion.
Feb 15, 2024

What is the most-watched event in history? ›

Nearly six decades later, the Apollo 11 moon landing still stands at the most-watched TV program of all time. Across all networks, upwards of 150 million people tuned in to watch humans touch down on the surface of the moon.

What is the top 10 most watched sports in the world? ›

Most Popular Sports Ranked By Total Fans
RankSport NameRegions
1Football (Soccer)Europe, Africa, Asia, America
2CricketAsia, Australia, UK
3HockeyEurope, Africa, Asia, Australia
4TennisEurope, Asia, America
6 more rows
Sep 13, 2023

What sport has 10 events? ›

An all-round athletics test, the 10-event contest covers the whole range of athletics disciplines spread over two days. The first day consists of (in order): 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m. The second day's events are 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500m.

What is the number 1 popular sports in the world? ›

Top-10 List of the World's Most Popular Sports
rankSportEstimated Fans
1.Soccer / Association Football3.5 Billion
2.Cricket2.5 Billion
3.Field Hockey2 Billion
4.Tennis1 Billion
6 more rows

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