Most Viewed Sport Event In The World
- Most Viewed Sport Event In The World Since
- Most Viewed Sport Event In The World Series
- Most Viewed Sport In America
- Most Watched Sports In World
The 2018 World Cup begins Thursday in Russia, with billions of people across the globe set to watch the month-long competition. It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest events in global sports, but is it the biggest? Using television ratings, worldwide interest and the intangible “buzz,” we ranked the 11 biggest sporting events in the world.
11. NBA FinalsThe globalization of basketball still hasn't led to major ratings across the world (China reported 16…The globalization of basketball still hasn't led to major ratings across the world (China reported 16 million viewers for the decisive game in last year's playoffs), but with 215 countries getting the Finals on television (broadcast in nearly 50 languages), the opportunity for growth is there. more10. Rugby World CupRugby hasn't made its way to the biggest nations on the planet – more than half…Rugby hasn't made its way to the biggest nations on the planet – more than half the participants (eight out of 14) at the last Cup were from countries with fewer than 8 million people: Fiji, Lebanon, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga, Wales – but the World Cup still drew nearly 1 million viewers in the U.S., which is considerably more than you'd see from a first- or second-round NHL playoff game.more9. Tour de FranceThough the event has practically disappeared in the United States (thanks Lance) and has become more…Though the event has practically disappeared in the United States (thanks Lance) and has become more chemistry experiment than sporting event, cycling's preeminent race still commands worldwide interest. The 2,000+ mile tour includes some of the greatest sights in sports – speeding past the sunflower fields in Blagnan, passing by villages founded in the 18th century, pedaling up the French Alps and the yellow jersey gliding down the Champs-Elysees, to name a few. The Tour isn't higher on the list because it's still a mostly European affair: Since the race was created in 1903, only three non-European cyclists have won the race. (We're counting the aforementioned Mr. Armstrong in that count even if cycling tries to bury its head in the sand and act as if he never existed, as if that will absolve them of blame.)more8. Cricket World CupThis is perhaps the most anonymous big sporting event in the U.S. but huge in other…This is perhaps the most anonymous big sporting event in the U.S. but huge in other parts of the world usually not accustomed to international sports success. No sporting event has more representation from Southeast Asia than the Cricket World Cup which boasts contenders from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – three of the eight most populous countries in the world. (The big event beginning this week only can boast two of those countries – Brazil and Nigeria. Way to go, Team USA.) Though Australia has won four of the past five Cups, the other tournaments have been won by either India, Pakistan, West Indies or Sri Lanka.more7. WimbledonWhile most of the biggest athletes in the world will congregate in Russia this summer, the…While most of the biggest athletes in the world will congregate in Russia this summer, the rest will descend upon the grass courts at a racquet club in Wimbledon, a small southwest district of London. By one metric, the most popular athletes on the globe will be in the field – Roger Federer, the men's defending champion, gets more in endorsement money (approximately $65 million, according to Forbes) than any athlete in the world, while Serena Williams, the seven-time ladies' champion, is the best-paid female athlete, by far.more6. The MastersEvery year, the Masters seems to grow in popularity and stature while the U.S. Open, which…Every year, the Masters seems to grow in popularity and stature while the U.S. Open, which arguably used to be the bigger worldwide event, feels diminished now that the USGA has stripped its identity and turned it into a somewhat-difficult tournament won at -8 instead of the greatest test in golf. The picturesque vistas of Augusta National resonate across the world and golf's increasing global footprint will only add to viewership as Asian players have steadily increased in numbers and prominence. more5. Super BowlYou know how every year at The Oscars, the host makes a self-deprecating joke about the…You know how every year at The Oscars, the host makes a self-deprecating joke about the pressure of performing in front of one billion people? That's a slight exaggeration. Not even 40 million people watch the show in the U.S. – do you really think the rest of the world is contributing 960 million to the tally? Divide that by 25 and MAYBE you'll get the actual number. Think about it: Why would anyone else care about Hollywood feting an American movie they've never seen. They're not giving out trophies to The Avengers: Infinity War, after all. Are we to believe people in China are watching to see if Aaron Sorkin wins a screenplay Oscar? Anyway, I mention this because it's the same thing with the Super Bowl. Those global estimates are a joke. I'm sure there are plenty of people in Europe that stay up until 2 a.m. to watch the game. And by plenty I mean a handful of ex-pats and contrarians who say they prefer American football to European football (like the people in the States who say the opposite). With that long preface out of the way, the Super Bowl would still be a huge event if it were only seen inside the United States and, ratings notwithstanding, the game is broadcast to over 200 countries. So it's there, even if people don't care.more4. Champions League FinalMore people watch Europe's version of the Super Bowl than the actual Super Bowl – about…More people watch Europe's version of the Super Bowl than the actual Super Bowl – about 350 million at last count, depending on the participants (and the sporadic, year-long tournament obviously brings in more viewers than that).There's no good way to compare one 90-minute game to a 17-day event but that's why arbitrary lists exist.more3. Winter OlympicsIf the Summer Olympics are like a fine IPA, the Winter Olympics are a Michelob Ultra,…If the Summer Olympics are like a fine IPA, the Winter Olympics are a Michelob Ultra, enough like the real thing that it gets the job done but not so much that partaking does anything but whet the appetite for the real stuff. The popularity of the cold-weather Games are obviously dampened by the inclusion of sports that are only popular in parts of Scandinavia and places within a four-hour drive of Frankfurt. And though the competition of 92 nations dwarfs that of most sporting events, more than half (48) sent four or fewer athletes.more2. World CupIt's right there in the name. 'World.' There are 211 countries eligible for this year's international…It's right there in the name. 'World.' There are 211 countries eligible for this year's international soccer tournament, but only 32 made it to the big show. (That'll change in 2022, when FIFA, to the delight of no one except maybe U.S. Soccer, will expand the tournament to 44.) No matter; interest in those other countries will still be sky high. Overall viewership for the World Cup is what other events claim to have – FIFA claims 1 billion people watched the 2014 final between Argentina and Germany (I'll wait while you search for a grain of salt) and there were estimates that 200 million people watched every game. That sounds reasonable, but the estimate of total viewers – not so much. FIFA estimated that 3.2 billion viewers tuned into Brazil 2014. Okay, so if 1 billion tuned into the final, that means there'd be 2.2 billion more people who watched part of the World Cup and then said 'nah' to its climax. more1. Summer OlympicsThe greatest spectacle in sports. More than 11,000 athletes from 207 nations competing in 306 events…The greatest spectacle in sports. More than 11,000 athletes from 207 nations competing in 306 events spanning 28 different sports. The Opening Ceremony brings together people from every race, religion, creed and nation – it's not hyperbole to say it's the most unifying event in the world. The estimate of 3.5 billion viewers of the Olympics is easier to believe than the World Cup's total (though the IOC is about as reputable a source for info as FIFA). Each of the 100 most populous nations, which carry well over 70% of the world's population, send delegations (as well as most of the next 100 countries), giving a rooting interest to a vast majority of people in the world. Though the Olympic movement has been sullied by corruption and an archaic bid/hosting system that leaves nations in debt and billions of dollars worth of infrastructure to rot, none of it matters during those glorious 17 days every four years.moreWhich are the most popular sports in the world? or what is the most popular sport in the world? These are the questions that are answered in the below article.
The history of sports and games is many thousand years old. Some of the most ancient sports are still played in their modified form. The popularity of sports depends on many factors, one of the biggest factors is the number of fans around the world. Definitely a popular sport will have more fans and followers around the world.
The strategies we have used in the grading of these most famous sports in the world include:
Most watched competition in the world: Football World Cup is by far the most watched sports competition in the world. 3.9 billion people tune in at some point during the FIFA World Cup 2014 making it by far the biggest sport competition. While the final of 2014 world cup was watched by as many 700 million people all around the globe. With 2019 more than halfway over, here is a look at the highest rated and most-watched sports telecasts of the year so far. The NFL has generated the ten largest sports audiences this. List of sports attendance figures From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In Australian rules football, the AFL Grand Final, held annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, draws approximately 100,000 spectators, making it the world's highest attended league championship event.
- The number of fans of that particular sports on social media
- The number of professional leagues around the world
- Number of professional people associated with that sports
- The popularity of prominent athletes or players of that sports
- The number of people who follow or watch mega-events of that sports
- Wealth or Net Worth of professional individual or teams associated with that sports
WHY GO The most-watched sporting event in the world is one that should be on every sports fan's bucket list. WATCHING BRIEF While FIFA has been gaining attention for all the wrong reasons lately.
Let’s have a look at these most popular sports in the world.
01. Soccer/Football – 4.1 Billion Fans
| Number of Fans | 4.1 Billion |
| Popularity Region | Worldwide Especially Europe & Africa |
| Number of Leagues | More than any other sports |
| Prominent Players | Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar |
| Mega Events | FIFA World Cup, Euro Cup, UEFA Finals, El Classico |
| Popular Leagues | English Primer League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Series A |
Soccer/football is the most popular sport in the world.
You may have predicted it already that which will be the most popular among sports. With over 4.1 billion fans around the world, football is considered the most-watched sport around the globe.
Soccer or association football is a worldwide popular sport that is played and watched all around the world especially in Europe and African regions.
The second biggest reason for its top position in the list is its most number of professional leagues in the world. In the FIFA world cup 2018, more than 7.7 million fans visited Russia to watch the game. This huge number is more than any other sports world cup event.
Football’s upcoming world cup 2022 will show the actual number of fans in the world. This event is expected to be the biggest sports event ever in the world.
02. Basketball – 2.7 Billion Fans
| Number of Fans | 2.7 Billion |
| Popularity Region | USA, Canada, Europe & Africa |
| Number of Leagues | More than 100 Around the world |
| Prominent Players | LeBorn James, Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade |
| Mega Events | FIBA World Cup, NBA Finals, Olympic Games |
| Popular Leagues | NBA, FIBA, EuroLeague |
Basketball is the 2nd most popular sport in the world with more than 2.7 billion fans in the world.
As fan following is the most powerful aspect in the ranking of popular sports, so basketball has recently beaten cricket for 2nd position. Basketball is more popular in the USA, Canada, Europe and many other countries in the world. The game has more than 100 leagues in the world.
Basketball has some of the richest athletes in the world. It means this popular sport is paying very high.
03. Cricket – 2.6 Billion Fans
| Number of Fans | 2.6 Billion |
| Popularity Region | Asia, South Africa, Australlia |
| Number of Leagues | 10+ (Series Based) |
| Prominent Players | Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers |
| Mega Events | ICC World Cup, ICC T20 world cup, Champions Trophy |
| Popular Leagues | IPL, PSL, BPL |
Cricket is the 3rd most popular sport in the world with over 2.6 billion fans around the world.
Cricket is mostly played and watched in Asia, South Africa, and Australia. A large number of people in these regions play, watch, and like cricket. Unlike football, cricket is played mostly in series. But during the last decade, some modifications are applied and some popular cricket leagues are introduced that increased its popularity.
04. Tennis – 1.5 Billion Fans
| Number of Fans | 1.5 Billion |
| Popularity Region | Europe, America, Asia |
| Number of Leagues | More than 50 |
| Prominent Players | Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams |
| Mega Events | Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon |
| Popular Leagues | US Open, Davis Cup |
Tennis is the fourth most popular sport in the world with more than 1.5 billion fans.
There are more than 50 professional tennis leagues around the world with a number of mega-events. This is a different type of sport with a single or two team members.
Mega-events and big rivalries matches have more than 1.5 billion fans.
05. Boxing – 900 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 900 Million |
| Popularity Region | USA, Mexico, Japan |
| Number of Leagues | More than 50 |
| Prominent Players | Floyd Mayweather, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson |
| Mega Events | Boxing at the Olympics Games, World Boxing Championships |
| Popular Leagues | Ultimate Fighting Championship, One Championship |
Boxing is the fifth most popular sport in the world with more than 900 million fans around the world.
Another popular and powerful factor about boxing that made it popular, is the individual wealth and net worth of players. Some boxers are listed among the richest athletes in the world.
People worldwide, especially in the USA, Mexico, and Japan like and watch boxing.
06. Volleyball – 900 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 900 Million |
| Popularity Region | Brazil, China, Russia |
| Number of Leagues | More than 50 |
| Prominent Players | Kerri Walsh Jennings, Giba, Ivan Zaytsev |
| Mega Events | Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup |
| Popular Leagues | FIVB Volleyball World League, Federation Internationale de Volleyball |
Volleyball is the 6th most popular sport in the world right now with almost 900 million fans.
Volleyball became more popular during the last decade due to the Olympic Games. It jumped up into the most popular sports in the world because a huge increase was noticed in its followers in the world.
Volleyball is one of the most-watched events in the Olympic games and its world cup is also one of the most popular sports events in the world.
07. Rugby – 500 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 500 Million |
| Popularity Region | USA, England, France |
| Number of Leagues | More than 20 |
| Prominent Players | David Pocock, Jonah Lomu, Dan Carter |
| Mega Events | Olympic Games, World Cup |
| Popular Leagues | Super League, National Rugby League |
Rugby is the 7th most popular sport in the world with 500 million fans around the world.
Rugby is one of the older sports in the world that is still played with some modifications. Olympic Games has boosted up Rugby’s fan following up to 500 million.
Rugby has more than 20 leagues around the world but the Olympic games and world cup made it one of the most popular sports in the world.
08. ICE Hockey – 500 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 500 Million |
| Popularity Region | Canada, United States, Russia |
| Number of Leagues | More than 30 |
| Prominent Players | Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Steve Yzerman |
| Mega Events | Winter Olympics, Stanley Cup, World Cup |
| Popular Leagues | NHL, KHL, American Hockey League |
Most Viewed Sport Event In The World Since
Ice hockey is the 8th most popular sport in the world right now.
It has around 500 million fans that made it one of the most followed and most-watched sports around the globe. It is a contact team sport which is played on ice. Ice hockey is one of the most entertaining sports in the world.
This form of hockey is more popular in Canada, America, and Russia. That is why Ice hockey is one of the most popular American sports of the time.
09. Baseball – 480 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 480 Million |
| Popularity Region | United States, Mexico, Cuba |
| Number of Leagues | 10 Plus |
| Prominent Players | Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar |
| Mega Events | World Series, World Baseball Classic |
| Popular Leagues | MLB, Minor League Baseball, National League |
Baseball is the 9th most popular sport in the world with more than 480 million fans.
The sport is more popular and played in the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. It is also played in many other countries of the world. Baseball is also a bat and ball sport like cricket but its rules are far different from cricket.
10. Golf – 450 Million Fans
| Number of Fans | 450 Million |
| Popularity Region | United States, Italy, NewZealand |
| Number of Leagues | More than 10 |
| Prominent Players | Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson |
| Mega Events | Olympic Games, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup |
| Popular Leagues | PGA TOUR, LPGA, THE PLAYERS Championship |
Most Viewed Sport Event In The World Series
Golf is the 10th most popular sport in the world with more than 450 million fans around the world.
Golf is more popular in the United States and NewZealand. It has some of the richest athletes in the world like Tiger Woods.
Most Viewed Sport In America
*Names of Prominent Players are based on their number of social media fans.
Most Watched Sports In World
Quick Review – Most Popular Sports
Here is a quick recap of what we have discussed above. The most popular sports in the world are:
- Football/Soccer – 4.1 billion fans
- Basketball – 2.7 billion fans
- Cricket – 2.6 billion fans
- Tennis – 1.5 billion fans
- Boxing – 900 million fans
- Volleyball – 900 million fans
- Rugby – 500 million fans
- Ice Hockey – 500 million fans
- Baseball – 480 million fans
- Golf – 450 million fans