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The Most Watched Sporting Events in The World

By Alison Baker on November 3, 2023

TL;DR As of 2023, the most watched sporting events in the world are:

• World Cup of Soccer – 5 Billion Viewers
• Tour de France – 3.5 Billion Viewers
• Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion Viewers
• Women’s World Cup – 2 Billion Viewers
• Summer Games – 2 Billion Viewers
• Winter Games – 2 Billion Viewers
• UEFA Champions League Final – 450 Million Viewers
• Super Bowl – 115.1 Million Viewers
• Wimbledon – 25.6 Million Viewers
• NBA Finals – 17.8 Million Viewers
• World Cup of Rugby- 17 Million Viewers
• Kentucky Derby – 16.6 Million Viewers
• The Masters – 15 Million Viewers
• World Series – 14.73 Million Viewers
• NCAA Final Four – 14.7 Million Viewers

In the height of the streaming era, it’s clear that sports media consumption is shifting rapidly — but people around the world are still tuning in to watch their favorite sporting events live. Edging out the Tour de France, the World Cup of Soccer recently became the most watched sporting event worldwide, when more than 5 billion people watched the tournament in some capacity in 2022.

Nothing quite compares to the excitement of live sports or the experience of watching a competition unfold in real-time alongside the rest of the world, which is why sporting events continue to be such a draw — regardless of our multitasking habits or our incessant need to be constantly scrolling our phones.

If you are looking to avoid that unrelenting sensation sports FOMO — be sure to tune in to these most watched events around the world.

Our Methodology — Ranking the Most Watched Sporting Events Worldwide

As recently as a decade ago, determining the most watched sporting events was much simpler — you simply looked at TV ratings and noted the viewership numbers. However, today, viewers are tuning into their favorite events in ways that are more convenient and accessible.

Our methodology for ranking the most watched sports events worldwide incorporates:

• TV Viewership (including streaming)
• Duration of Viewership and Peak Viewership Levels
• Most Recent Event

This article doesn’t consider the most attended sporting events, as in attended in-person, but we do discuss those numbers in our article “ The Biggest Sporting Events in the World by Attendance . ”

What Are the Most Watched Sporting Events Around the World?

Taking into account the TV viewership, duration of viewership, and peak viewership of the most recent major sporting events in the world, it may come as no surprise that soccer dominates our list of the top 15 most-watched sporting events. While soccer makes an appearance four times (World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Champions League Final, and the Summer Games), there are plenty of other sports that boast impressive numbers of viewers. While you’ll find popular American sports like football and baseball on the list, you’ll also find global sports like cricket and rugby. Take a look below to see if your favorite event is on the list.

If you want to make sure that you are part of those epic moments, you will want to catch these most watched sporting events around the world:

1. World Cup of Soccer – 5 Billion Viewers

World Cup frenzy reached record heights in 2022, when an anticipated 5 billion viewers tuned in to watch some portion of the tournament around the world — and 1.5 billion people watched the World Cup Final game alone.

While the viewership numbers are incredible, the engagement with the tournament is practically unbelievable. FIFA reported in January 2023 that there were nearly 6 billion engagements with the World Cup on social media, with Nielsen data revealing that there were more than 93.6 million posts across all social platforms about the tournament.

This 32-team tournament (which will be  expanded to 48 teams  in 2026) features national soccer teams from around the globe competing until ultimately one team is crowned champion. Held quadrennially, the World Cup is the pinnacle event in the sport and boasts huge attendance numbers every year. The 1950 Final game holds the record for attendance at a sporting event in an enclosed stadium with a whopping 199,854 spectators.

Next World Cup : June – July 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States

2. Tour de France – 3.5 Billion Viewers

Raking in more than 3.5 billion viewers in recent years , the Tour de France is one of the most watched sporting events worldwide. The 2023 event drew in record numbers domestically, with more than 42.5 million viewers in France alone.

Compared to other sporting events around the world, the Tour de France draws a large audience — but they don’t necessarily stick with the broadcast for the entirety. In 2023, viewership peaked during stage 16’s time trial, when 8.7 million viewers in France were watching. The average French viewer tuned in for a total of 55 minutes of coverage.

Taking place each summer in France, it is one of the most prestigious — and difficult — competitions in the sport. The race winds through the country’s scenic mountain roads, and consists of 21 stages totaling approximately 2,200 miles, raced over 23 days. Competitors race as part of an 8-person team, working together to achieve the fastest cumulative time.

Next Tour de France: June 29 – July 21, 2024, in France

3. Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion Viewers

North Americans may be surprised to find cricket on a list of most watched sporting events, but fans of the sport are well aware of how hugely popular cricket is in many parts of the world. The Cricket World Cup is the international championship for One Day International cricket. The contest features ten teams and lasts just over six weeks. Like the soccer World Cup, the tournament takes place every four years, with the next Cricket World Cup currently taking place in India.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, set a new record for viewership. An incredible  2.6 billion people  tuned in, making it the most watched cricket event of all time.

While the 2023 event is ongoing, the Men’s Cricket World Cup has already reported record viewing numbers for this year’s event, with an estimated 43 million viewers tuning into the match between New Zealand and India.

Next Cricket World Cup: October and November 2023 in India

4. Women’s World Cup – 2 Billion Viewers

The hype surrounding the Women’s World Cup reached fever pitch in 2023, when 2 billion people were expected to view some portion of the tournament. Viewership numbers nearly doubled from 2019, when FIFA determined that 1.12 billion people worldwide watched the tournament.

In countries around the world, the 2023 Women’s World Cup broke viewership records:

• At peak moments during the semi-final game between Australia and England, 11.15 million people were watching, which are the highest viewership numbers recorded for this portion of the tournament.
• In China, 53.9 million people watched the China versus England match, which was the highest single-game TV audience ever recorded in the country.
• In peak moments, 12 million viewers were watching the tournament in England on BBC One — meaning more people watched the women’s match then the men’s Wimbledon final in July 2023.

Following a similar format as the men’s tournament, national teams compete in a month-long tournament that begins with group-stage matches and ends with a knockout stage (playoff rounds). As interest in the sport as a whole continues to rise, the Women’s World Cup will continue to be a must-watch event.

Next  Women’s World Cup : 2027 — Dates and Hosts TBD

5. Summer Games – 2 Billion Viewers

Without a doubt, the Summer Games are one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world. The Games not only offer a variety of different sports to watch, they also feature incredible personal triumphs, underdog stories, record-breaking feats of strength and endurance, and the opportunity to showcase national pride. With people around the world eager to cheer on their home country, it is no wonder billions of people want to spectate.

Every four years, the Summer Games are hosted in one of the world’s most attractive destinations, contributing to it being one of the highest attended sporting events. With a  global average reach of 2 billion viewers , it’s also one of the most watched on TV.

Next  Summer Games : July 26 – August 11, 2024 in Paris, France

6. Winter Games – 2 Billion Viewers

Though it may not attract the same amount of attention as the Summer Games, the Winter Games are still a hugely popular event that draws interest from around the globe. With popular sports including figure skating, alpine skiing, ice hockey, and snowboarding, the Games reaches a broad audience. The Winter Games take place over a 17-day period every four years.

A quarter of the world’s population (2 billion people)  tuned in  to watch a portion of the 2022 Winter Games, up slightly from the previous event in 2018.

Next Winter Games: February 6-22, 2026 in Milano Cortina

7. UEFA Champions League Final – 450 Million Viewers

Soccer is the  most popular sport in the world  and the UEFA Champions League Final is one of its biggest events. The top teams in Europe battle all season to be one of two teams in this prestigious championship match. In 2023, 450 million viewers watched all or part of the Champions League final game, which saw Manchester City F.C. come out as the champions.

While viewership was in the millions, social engagement with the Champions League Final reached peak levels in 2023. UEFA reported that there were 6.5 billion interactions with its own social content alone, which included more than 3 billion views on its cross-platform videos. The jaw-dropping levels of social engagement continue to prove that viewership and interaction with live sporting events is changing rapidly in our digital era.

Next  Champions League Final : June 1, 2024 in London, England

8. Super Bowl – 115.1 Million Viewers

In the minds of many Americans, Super Bowl Sunday is the most important holiday of the year. It’s become a national pastime to gather your family and friends, make all of your best snacks and sit in front of the largest TV you can find in order to enjoy the big game as well as the sure-to-go-viral commercials.

In 2023, the Super Bowl LVII raked in 115.1 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and streaming networks, which helped the event earn its place in history as the most-watched Super Bowl of all time.

One of the most interesting facets about Super Bowl viewership is that not all viewers are sports enthusiasts. There are a large portion of viewers who watch the game for the commercials alone, and another subset of viewers who are there for the iconic Half Time performances.

Super Bowl popularity is growing among women, in particular. In 2023, about 75 percent of women surveyed said they were planning to watch the game, which was up from 62 percent of female respondents in 2022.

Next  Super Bowl : February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada

9. Wimbledon – 25.6 Million Viewers

It is the  most famous tennis tournament in the world  so it is no surprise that it’s one of the most watched sporting events, as well as the most attended. Every year, thousands of fans converge at the All England Club for two weeks of spectacular tennis. In 2023, more than 532,000 spectators were in attendance, which topped the record-setting attendance of 2022 by more than 17,000 guests.

In terms of TV viewership, the Wimbledon Championships in 2023 continued to break records. In total, more than 25.6 million viewers watched some part of the tournament in 2023, with viewership peaking at 11.3 million on the BBC as Carlos Alcaraz became the champion.

Next  Wimbledon : July 1-14, 2024 in London, England

10. NBA Finals – 17.8 Million Viewers

Basketball fans follow their team for 82 games of the regular season, but the real fun begins when the playoffs start. With 30 teams fighting for 16 playoff spots, only two of which will make the NBA Finals, it’s kind of a big deal. The NBA Finals feature incredible basketball, an impressive celebrity presence, and a fun atmosphere…it’s no wonder so many people want to watch.

The NBA announced that the 2023 NBA playoffs were the most-watched in more than 5 years, with viewership peaking at 17.8 million viewers during Game 5 of the finals.

Social engagement also increased during the 2023 finals, with @NBA being the most-viewed brand on X (formerly known as Twitter) during the finals. Across all NBA social platforms, there were more than 8 billion views, which emphasized the fact that more people than ever viewed or interacted with the playoffs in some way.

Next NBA Finals: June 2024

11. World Cup of Rugby- 17 Million Viewers

Rugby’s premier event is the World Cup of Rugby, and like many big events is held every four years. Twenty of the best international teams compete in a six-week tournament until ultimately one team remains.

Figures from the recent 2023 World Cup of Rugby tournament showcase that the event is only growing in popularity, with a peak of 17 million viewers tuning in to the first game of the tournament between France and New Zealand — which was a higher viewership level than most final games during previous tournaments.

Next Rugby World Cup: 2027 in Australia

12. Kentucky Derby – 16.6 Million Viewers

Dubbed “the fastest two minutes in sports,” the  Kentucky Derby  is not just the most popular horse race in the United States, it’s also one of the premier horse races internationally. While Derby weekend is filled with plenty of different races, the highlight is the grand finale, which features three-year-old thoroughbreds racing one and one quarter miles around the historic Churchill Downs track.

During the most recent Kentucky Derby in 2023, viewership peaked at 16.6 million during a 15-minute time span on NBC, when Mage managed to take the lead and win the Derby.

While TV is still the preferred medium among those who are interested in the Derby, the streaming audience is quickly increasing. the Average Minute Audience on NBC streaming platform Peacock was 371,000 viewers, which was up 50 percent from 2022.

Next  Kentucky Derby : May 4, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky

13. The Masters – 15 Million Viewers

The most prestigious tournament in the sport, the  Masters  takes place every spring in Augusta, Georgia. Attracting the best golfers from around the world, the Masters always boasts big names and a big crowd.  Playing four rounds over four days, the top pros battle to become Masters Champion and don the elusive  green jacket.

In 2023, viewership for The Masters increased by 19 percent, peaking at 15 million viewers during the final round. The 2023 tournament broke records, becoming the most-watched golf tournament on television in the past five years.

Next  Masters : April 8-14, 2024

14. World Series – 14.73 Million Viewers

As the Houston Astros clinched the World Series title in 2022 during the 6th game of the final series, more than 14.73 million people were watching live on cable and streaming networks.

This beloved event is one of America’s favorite fall traditions. Every October, the Major League Baseball (MLB) season culminates with the World Series. The champion from the American League faces the champion from the National League in a best of seven series to become World Series champs.

Next  World Series : October 2023 in Arizona and Texas

15. NCAA Final Four – 14.7 Million Viewers

While viewership numbers are trending downward for the Men’s NCAA Final Four tournament, there were still more than 14.7 million people who watched the UConn Huskies defeat the San Diego State Aztecs in April 2023. At one time, March Madness was considered the premier television event, sparking people around the country to create brackets and try to predict who would win this epic tournament. However, 2023 viewership levels were the lowest recorded for the tournament, signaling a shift in consumer demands for this sporting event.

Next  NCAA Final Four : April 6-8 in Glendale, Arizona

If you are tired of watching the world’s biggest sporting events on television and want to finally experience your dream event live, we can help you out.  Contact us  to start planning your ultimate sports travel experience to one of the world’s most watched sporting events.

Tags: Featured , Major Sporting Events

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About the Author

Alison Baker

Alison Baker is the lead writer in Roadtrips’ marketing department. An avid traveller and passionate sports fan, she’s found her ideal fit at Roadtrips, one of the leaders in sports travel. Alison’s enjoyed working in the travel industry for the last 20 years and had the opportunity to experience it from all sides, from sales and marketing to quality assurance and hosting.

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A Beginner's Guide to the Tour de France

All you need to know about the biggest race in the world, from how the race works, and where you can watch all the action

Will Newton

Race news editor.

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Velo Collection (Michael Steele) /Getty Images

The Tour de France is a bike race cut above all others

The biggest bike race on the planet, the Tour de France , is the pinnacle of the cycling calendar, but what is this race, why is it so famous and how on earth does one win it? If you’ve ever found yourself asking one of these questions then worry not, for this Newcomer’s Guide is going to help you decrypt and decipher this summer’s ‘Big Loop’ around France…

Ask somebody to name a bike race and nine times out of ten that person will reply, ‘the Tour de France’. Ask that same person to explain the Tour de France and you’ll be lucky to be given a coherent sentence devoid of ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’. You see, while the Tour may be one of, if not the most, watched sporting events in the world - with 3.5 billion viewers annually - it’s also one of the most confusing with a rule book almost as long as the route itself.

This confusing aspect of the Tour can be an obstacle to many, so to ease you in we’ve put together this handy guide explaining the basics behind the race - from what is the Tour de France, to how does one win it. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or perhaps an annual Tour watcher, there’ll be something in this guide for you and something that will finally give you an answer to - at least one of - your many questions about the race.

Velo Collection/Getty Images

The Tour is made up of 21 mini races called ‘stages’ - complete them all in the fastest cumulative time and you’ll be crowned the overall winner

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is what’s known as a ‘stage race’, which is a collection of smaller races - or stages - ridden consecutively across a set period of time. In the case of the Tour, this time period encompasses three weeks, or 21 days (23 if we include the two rest days where there’s no racing). There are only two other stage races on the cycling calendar that last for three weeks and those are the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. Together with the Tour, these races are known as the ‘Grand Tours’.

As its name suggests, the Tour takes place in France - although this comes with some caveats. While the majority of the three-week race takes place within mainland France, some stages do occasionally pass through neighbouring countries, like Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium. The race is also known for hosting ‘Grand Départs’ - the term for the celebratory opening stages of the race - in foreign countries. For example, in 2023 the race began with three stages in the Basque Country, an autonomous community of Spain. The 2024 edition, on the other hand, will start with three stages in northern Italy taking in the cycling rich regions of Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Piemonte.

With the race taking place across France, and across some other European countries, terrain can wildly differ between stages. Some stages stick to the flatlands along the coasts, while others head deep into the mountains. Several stages may also take the form of a ‘time trial’, where riders compete to set the fastest time over a set course after a staggered start. This changing of terrain between stages, and also within stages, is what poses the main challenge to the riders and ultimately dictates who wins the Tour de France overall, but more on that later!

Why is the Tour de France so famous?

Velo Collection (TDW)/Getty Images.

The maillot jaune is the most iconic jersey in all of cycling

The Tour is the oldest of the three Grand Tours, with its debut edition taking place way back in 1903. It’s also the race which inspired the likes of the Giro and the Vuelta. At 120-years-old, it’s the oldest still-running stage race on the international calendar. There are one-day events which are older, but no professional, multi-day stage race is older than the Tour de France - one of its many claims to fame.

Born from a newspaper marketing scheme, devised by French journalist Henri Desgrange, the first Tour took place in an attempt to boost sales of L’Auto - a nationwide daily newspaper dedicated to sport. This inaugural race only featured six stages, but with each stage covering ~400km it quickly made its way around the perimeter of France. Due to the length of these stages and the comparatively poor technology of the time riders often had to race through the night.

Home favourite Maurice Garin, a man affectionately known as ‘The Little Chimney Sweep’, won this first ever Tour de France, writing his name into cycling’s history books in the process. The race was a sudden hit so Desgrange decided to bring it back the following year, and then the next one, and the one after that. Before long it soon became the go-to event for masochists across Europe to attend and shed blood, sweat and tears over. This blood, sweat and tears made for great stories back in the day and now, fantastic TV.

The race’s longevity and the fact that it has been the site of some of sport’s greatest stories aren’t the only factors which make the Tour so famous, however. In recent decades the race has become truly global with riders from all six of Earth’s major continents not just taking part, but winning too. This globalisation of the Tour has helped it to expand to all four corners of the globe and reach billions of people.

According to the Tour’s organisers, ASO, around 12 million people line up along the route every single year, cheering on their heroes from the roadside. This figure pales in comparison to the race’s total viewers though, which is estimated to be as high as 3.5 billion annually. This mind-boggling figure makes the Tour de France the most watched sporting event in the world, more so even than the World Cup (3.3 billion), Summer Olympics (2 billion), UEFA Champions League (380 million) and Super Bowl (96.4 million).

How does one win the Tour de France?

Velo Collection (TDW) /Getty Images

Egan Bernal on his way to winning the Tour de France in 2019

To put it simply, only one rider can win the Tour de France. This is the rider who, once all is said and done, has completed all of the stages in the lowest cumulative time. They’re declared the overall, or general classification (GC), winner and they get to stand on the top step of the podium in Paris at the end of the race, receiving all of the plaudits - and prize money.

But there’s never just one rider who leaves the Tour as a ‘winner’, and this is where things can get quite confusing. First of all, a ‘stage winner’ is crowned at the end of every stage - this is the rider who simply crosses the finish line first. Some riders win multiple stages throughout the three weeks but get nowhere close to winning the race overall, while the overall winner could go the entire three weeks without ever winning a stage. Are you still with us?

And then there are the different coloured jerseys, individual prizes and team prizes. These are handed out to riders at the end of every stage to denote the rider who’s currently leading each respective classification, but they’re not officially ‘won’ until the three weeks is up and the riders cross the finish line on the final stage. Let’s go through each of those in turn now, from the iconic yellow jersey to the lesser-known combativity prize.

Yellow Jersey - The famous maillot jaune , or yellow jersey, denotes the leader of the general classification. As explained above, this is the rider who has completed all of the stages in the lowest cumulative time. This is the biggest prize in the Tour and something that every rider dreams of wearing, although only a handful ever will.

Green Jersey - The maillot vert , or green jersey, denotes the leader of the points classification. Points are accumulated at each stage finish, with a rider being awarded a certain number of points based on their finishing position. The higher they finish, the more points they score.

Different stages have different weightings of points on offer at the finish, with flatter stages offering more and mountain stages less. Points can also be scored at ‘intermediate sprints’ which are placed within a stage, usually around the midway point. In the Tour there’s one intermediate sprint per road stage (so not during time trials).

Polka-Dot Jersey - The maillot à pois , or polka-dot jersey, denotes the leader of the King of the Mountains classification. Like the green jersey, this is a points-based classification where riders score points for being one of the first few over the tops of hills/mountains. Only categorised hills/mountains count towards this classification and the number of points awarded depends on this categorisation.

Hills/mountains are ranked based on their difficulty and assigned either Cat-4, Cat-3, Cat-2, Cat-1 or HC ( hors categorie ) status. Cat-4 climbs offer fewer points, because they’re the easiest, while HC climbs offer the most points, because they’re the toughest. The winner of this jersey can be someone who’s specifically targeting the classification, but it can also go to the overall Tour winner by virtue of them often being at the front of the race day in, day out.

White Jersey - The maillot blanc , or white jersey, denotes the leader of the Young Rider classification, which - like the yellow jersey - is a time-based classification. It’s restricted to riders that are under the age of 26 when the Tour begins. From those riders who are eligible, the one who has completed the stages in the lowest cumulative time wears the jersey.

Team Prize - This prize is awarded to the winner of the team classification, which assesses teams by adding the times of their three best-placed riders each day - in other words, their first three riders across the finish line on each stage. The team with the lowest accumulated time over the three weeks wins. Unlike the classifications explained above, no jersey is awarded to the leaders of this classification - instead members of the leading team wear a yellow number on their backs.

Combativity Prize - The prix de la combativité , or combativity prize, is awarded to the rider who most animates the day’s racing. This is a subjective classification and one that is decided by the race officials. The winner is given a red number to wear the following day, which is then passed onto the next combativity prize winner. A Super Combativity award is also handed out at the end of the three weeks and goes to the rider who has animated the entire race, rather than just a single stage.

Where can I watch the Tour de France?

Now you know what the Tour de France is all about you’re probably itching to start watching it. Fortunately, the 2023 edition is just around the corner with the opening stage set to take place on Saturday, July 1st. Following the Grand Départ in the Basque Country, Spain - which encompasses three stages this year - the race will head to France and take on stages in the perilous Pyrenees and infamous Alps before drawing to a close with a traditional final stage in Paris on Sunday, July 23rd.

We’ll be showing live coverage of every single stage, start-to-finish, in RaceTV on the GCN App. We’ll also have the daily Breakaway show for you to tune into before and after every stage, where our panel of talking heads discuss the upcoming day’s racing and break down the action afterwards. It’s going to be an incredible three weeks of action and a race that you won’t want to miss, so make sure you have an a ctive GCN+ subscription . There’ll also be a ton of additional stuff for you to get your teeth stuck into during the Tour on the GCN App. As well as live coverage of the race, we also have articles covering all of the action, stage-by-stage previews, daily polls and quizzes and much, much more. Scroll through our Home and Racing feeds now to start getting involved with all of that fantastic, additional content.

Tour de France

• Dates 1 Jul - 23 Jul
• Race Length 3,401 kms
• Race Category Elite Men

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Why is the Tour de France the most popular race

Tour de France , or La Grande Boucle and Le Tour , is one of the many cycling events globally. It is dubbed as the most popular and prestigious one out there. Also, it’s the cycling event most familiar to non-cyclists.

As it nears its 120th anniversary, one question remains, why is it the most popular one? Let’s take a closer look.

Cultural Event

Not only is it a cycling event, but it’s also a cultural one. There’s a distinctive implication of the Tour de France to France’s culture. According to one of the race’s historians, Christopher Thompson, it is “a portrait of [France’s] health.” In his book entitled, he added that it paints “an image of a vigorous and progressive French nation.”

If you want to go to Europe, especially France, try watching the Tour de France first . However, if you want to immerse yourself fully, why not follow the race live.

The race’s route runs through various towns in France and its adjoining countries. Tour de France attracts millions of watchers from different countries that flock its route. From the television or in person, spectators can see what France can offer. The onlookers will have a 3-week immersion to France and other countries in the route.

The locals are also full of excitement when the race comes through their town. Back then, most store owners usually let participants get whatever they want without paying. These locals take their ravaged store as an advertising opportunity, so more tourists visit them in the future.

Global Sensation

What started as an advertisement later turned out to be a global sensation. People across the globe are always eager to watch the Le Tour. According to Tour de France ’s media figures , it garnered 40 million television viewers during the 2020 race . It’s a historic feat compared to 2019’s 33 million. The viewership averages around 3.5 million per stage, and roughly 3.8 million viewers are from ages 15-24.

Aside from the television coverage, people were tuned in through other media. During the race, there were 14.5 million unique visitors on its official website . Also, there were almost a million active users on its app.

Tissot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, hosted a Tour de France fantasy game again to add to the crowd-pulling. Fans can create their cycling team using the names of the participating cyclers. It had 192,960 players signed up for the 2020 race. The Tour de France is the most bet on cycling race each year , and not just with French punters.

Oldest Grand Tour

The race is the first of the Grand Tours in the world. Apart from being a global sensation, you could have never thought that Le Tour started as a publicity stunt. The Tour de France began in 1903 due to a schism between two newspapers popular for French sports, namely the Le Vélo and L’Auto .

Le Vélo was the first and largest daily newspaper company in the country, while the other was still starting. Although it had journalists and wealthy business owners, L’Auto didn’t have the same allure and presence as its competitor. The staff conferred, and Géo Lefèvre, a cycling journalist, suggested a long-distance cycle race to fix their problem.

The first Tour de France ran for 19 days, from the first of July 1903. It had six stages, and it circles France starting from Paris and ends there too, and covering 2,428 kilometers.

Tour of the Champions

Tour de France is one of the most celebrated sporting events globally , and everyone shows up for it. Almost all great cyclists have participated in it, regardless if they are classic one-day cyclists, sprinters, or mountain experts. Recreational and amateur cyclists look up to those teams that join Le Tour and hope to participate in the future.

Teams from all continents compete for the massive bragging right in the cycling world. Most popular groups have diverse cyclists, which is a great prestige. Not only they’ll be racing for the unit but also for their country’s honor.

Aside from the participants and the cultural immersion, spectators will be greeted by fantastic mountain ranges at key stages of the tour . As the years progressed, the race now has over 20 day-long stages which pass through various mountains. These mountains are always breathtaking with their scenery.

Moreover, there is also a gush of excitement when participants reach a mountain pass. Riders’ limits are tested and pushed to the max due to the mountain’s incline. It’s the perfect test of their endurance and determination to win.

A good example is the Pyrenees’ Col du Tourmalet, where riders need to go up 1,395 meters . To add to the difficulty, it’s 18.4 kilometers long and has narrow roads lined with spectators.

Tour de France is the cardinal cycling event, and it is the epitome of the sport. If you’re visiting France during Le Tour , don’t forget to put it on your itinerary. It’s an event you’ll never forget.

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Most Watched Sporting Events of All Time

Sports are universal. But rooting interests vary by country. Fans from the United States go crazy for football, basketball and baseball. International fans love soccer and cricket. And don't forget about extreme sports.

This bears out on television. The Super Bowl is the mecca of U.S. sports, followed by the World Series and NBA Finals. For international sports, the Olympics and FIFA World Cup are the most-watched events across the globe. 

But what's No. 1? These are the most popular sporting events in the world, based on television viewership numbers.

20. Stanley Cup Final

TV viewership: 5.8 million for 2013 series

Greatest Stanley Cup Final Moment: Bobby Orr Scores and Takes Flight

Bobby Orr joined the Boston Bruins in 1966, seven years removed from the franchise's last playoff berth and 25 years from their last Stanley Cup championship in 1941. 

By 1970, Orr had the Bruins back in the Stanley Cup Final facing the St. Louis Blues and delivered the single most iconic moment in NHL history to cap off a sweep in Game 4, scoring the series-clinching goal in overtime, then flying through the air, his arms raised in victory. 

Bottom Line: Stanley Cup Final

Nothing like two bitter rivals for decades, the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins, to spur viewership numbers as the highest-rated series.

But you have to go back to 1971 to find the most viewed Stanley Cup Final game in history . The Montreal Canadiens beat the Blackhawks in Game 7 with 12.4 million watching. 

However, with the NHL’s history of on and off national TV, the average numbers suffered over the years. 

19. Wimbledon

TV viewership: 8.42 million (per telecast) for 1980 event

Greatest Wimbledon Moment: The Greatest Match Ever Played

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were both at the peak of their powers when they squared off in the 2008 Wimbledon finals. The two men had won 14 of the last 16 Grand Slam finals heading into the match. 

Almost five hours later, fans had been treated to the greatest match of tennis ever played, with Nadal coming out on top 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

This was the third straight Wimbledon finals meeting for them, and Federer had won their previous two matches and the previous five Wimbledon titles. 

Bottom Line: Wimbledon

From viewing numbers, tennis has seen its glory years come and go.

In 1980, the classic five-set match between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe was the highest-rated match. But since 2001, the average numbers per telecast are 2.5 million.

Of note, more viewers watched the 2018 women’s final than the men’s final for the first time in 13 years.

18. The Masters

TV viewership: 15.8 million for the 1997 event, final two rounds

Greatest Masters Moment: World, Meet Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods won the first of his 15 major championships at the Masters in 1997, when the California native became a worldwide phenomenon and set the Masters record with a 12-stroke victory. 

Woods was the youngest Masters winner ever, at 21 years old, and was the first non-white winner of the tournament. His overall score of 270 (18-under) stood until 2020. 

Bottom Line: The Masters

The Masters continues to be the most-watched golfing event in the U.S., pulling in about 10 million for the final two rounds. But no question that Tiger Woods controls the show.

His incredible 12-stroke victory in 1997 ushered in the "Tiger Woods Era," his first major victory, and many fans gravitated toward the event.

Call it the Tiger Woods Effect.

17. Kentucky Derby

TV viewership: 18.5 million for 1989 race

Greatest Kentucky Derby Moment: Secretariat Wins Triple Crown

Secretariat is largely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time and won the Triple Crown in 1973. It was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years when he capped things off by winning the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths. 

Secretariat still holds the speed records at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont. Secretariat died in 1989, at 19 years old and after siring 663 foals . The examination of his heart showed it was 22 pounds — about 2.5 times the size of the average horse. 

Bottom Line: Kentucky Derby

Prior to 2019, the Kentucky Derby’s audience numbers have been climbing to around 16 million over the past few years with help from digital numbers.

Still, the rivalry between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer sparked remarkable interest in 1989 where Sunday Silence got the better of Easy Goer at Churchill Downs.

Of note, Sunday Silence also won the Preakness, but his bid for the Triple Crown was squashed by Easy Goer, who won the Belmont Stakes by eight lengths.

16. Daytona 500

TV viewership: 19.4 million for the 2006 race

Greatest Daytona 500 Moment: Dale Earnhardt Finally Wins It All

Dale Earnhardt shook off 20 years of disappointment when he finally won the Daytona 500 in 1998 and created a spectacle unlike any that's ever occurred there. Every member of every crew lined up along pit row to shake his hand. 

Earnhardt's victory showed everything the Daytona 500 is capable of as a sporting event — the ultimate triumph for one of the greatest race car drivers who ever lived. 

Bottom Line: Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 has become the most popular motorsports event among U.S. viewers, surpassing the Indianapolis 500.

Since 1979, the first time the Daytona 500 race was televised in full, the 2006 race was the highest-rated NASCAR event in broadcast history. It had the latest start because NBC used the race as a prelude for its prime-time Winter Olympics coverage, and that may have added some viewer numbers to the race.

The race was filled with wrecks — a total of 10 cautions. Jimmie Johnson took the lead with 10 laps to go and powered his way to victory.

15. NBA Finals

TV viewership: Average 29 million in the 1998 series

Greatest NBA Finals Moment: Michael Jordan's Game 6 Winner in '98

Basketball fans can give you chapter and verse on what occurred in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz. 

Playing in Salt Lake City and with the series on the line, everyone in the world watching the game knew the last shot was coming from Michael Jordan, who nailed a long jumper over Bryon Russel for the Bulls' third consecutive championship and sixth title of the 1990s. 

It was also Jordan's final game with the Bulls. 

Bottom Line: NBA Finals

Michael Jordan didn't put the NBA on the map, but he took the league to new heights.

In the 1998 NBA Finals, fans tuned in to see their favorite player, Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, against the Karl Malone-John Stockton combo for the Utah Jazz. And the series was the most-watched series overall. Game 6 was the highest-rated game of all time, drawing nearly 36 million viewers.

Fun fact: The final five minutes of Game 7 of the 2016 finals drew an astounding 90.5 million viewers to see the Cavaliers defeat the Warriors for the franchise’s first title. Was that spike coming from Ohio?

14. College Football National Championship

TV viewership: 35.6 million for the 2006 game 

Greatest National Championship Moment: 'Canes Upset Huskers in Orange Bowl

The Miami Hurricanes were huge underdogs headed into the 1984 Orange Bowl against the undefeated No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers, who were 11-point favorites. 

The game became famous for a gutsy decision by Nebraska coach Tom Osborne, who went for the win instead of a tie with 48 seconds left and trailing 31-30. Nebraska failed on the two-point conversion and Miami leaped from No. 5 to No. 1 in the final polls for its first national title. 

Bottom Line: College Football National Championship

There have been a lot of big games in college football history, but no national championship game drew a bigger audience than the 2006 BCS national title game between USC and Texas. The Longhorns got the win in USC's backyard at the Rose Bowl is a classic game for the ages that lived up to the hype.

The expansion to four teams to decide the college football national championship has had its peaks and valleys among fans.  The 2015 game between Ohio State and Oregon — the first game of the College Football Playoff — was the second-most-watched national championship game with a TV audience of 33.4 million viewers . 

13. March Madness Final Four

TV viewership: 35.1 million for the 1979 national championship

Greatest Final Four Moment: North Carolina State Stuns Houston in '83

North Carolina State and head coach Jim Valvano were big underdogs against powerhouse Houston in the 1983 NCAA Championship Game in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They got the ball back tied 52-52 with time winding down. 

North Carolina State's Derrick Whittenburg heaved a desperation shot at the buzzer that was sailing wide right of the rim. Teammate Lorenzo Charles grabbed the ball out of the air and dunked it at the buzzer for the 54-52 win.

The indelible, iconic image from the game is Valvano, wildly running around the court after the shot, "looking for someone to hug."  

Bottom Line: March Madness Final Four

The 1979 national championship game between Michigan State and Indiana State ushered in the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird rivalry that caught the attention of basketball fans nationwide.

That championship game was slightly ahead of the Duke-Michigan matchup in 1992 that featured the popular Wolverines Fab Five, who lost to the Blue Devils in front of 34.3 million viewers. 

12. X Games

TV viewership (U.S.): Summer X Games 37 million, in 2011, Winter X Games 43 million viewers, in 2010 (not including digital viewers.)

Greatest X Games Moment: Tony Hawk Lands First 900

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk added the "legend" part at the 1999 X Games in San Francisco, when he landed a 900 in the Skateboard Vert Best Trick competition. 

The more lasting impact of Hawk's feat came in the realm of pop culture. The first "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game debuted later that same year. 

Bottom Line: X Games

What many of us dreamed of became reality with the X Games.

Imagine riding your bike or skateboard on worldwide television for great recognition. That’s what ABC and ESPN brought to fans young and, well, older, and it became a worldwide success.

Yes, they can thank participants such as Shaun White, who became a superstar not only as a brilliant skateboarder, but also as a snowboarder. Go big or go home.

11. World Series

TV viewership: 44.28 million in the 1978 series

Greatest World Series Moment: Kirk Gibson's Walk-Off Home Run in '88

It's pretty incredible that the greatest moment in World Series history came in a Game 1 and wasn't even the series-clinching home run, which has been done several times. 

For pure drama and guts, it's impossible to overlook Kirk Gibson's game-winning home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series. It was the injured National League MVP's only at-bat in the entire series, which the Dodgers won in five games. 

Bottom Line: World Series

World Series ratings have been riding a roller coaster, depending on if a big-market team is involved.

For instance, its peak came in 1978 when the New York Yankees faced the Los Angeles Dodgers, and its valley came in 2012 when the San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers.

Obviously, a four-game sweep would draw fewer numbers overall, but Game 3 was tied for the lowest-rated game in World Series history. 

10. Super Bowl

TV viewership: 115 million in the 2023 game

Greatest Super Bowl Moment: Patrick Mahomes Powers Through Injury

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went into halftime of Super Bowl LVII down 10 points to the Philadelphia Eagles ... and in a tremendous amount of pain due to his injured right leg.

But the team showed up in the second half, and Mahomes led his team to another Super Bowl win and got his second Super Bowl MVP in the process. The most exciting play was the game-winning drive with Mahomes' 26-yard run to set up the game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter. And, yes, he did it all on one leg.

Bottom Line: Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the annual champion for American television viewership.

Nearly half of viewers with television sets and mobile devices are generally watching to see who will be crowned the best in the NFL. It’s almost like a national holiday.

The top-rated game was the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots that drew an audience of 114.4 million worldwide with a stunning finish Seahawks fans will never forget. 

9. Rugby World Cup

TV viewership: 857 million for 2019 event

Greatest Rugby World Cup Moment: South Africa Becomes Symbol of Hope

South Africa's rugby team became a symbol of hope for the post-apartheid era in its country and the rest of the world with a 15-12 upset win over New Zealand in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1995. 

South Africa captain Francois Pienaar — a notably average player the rest of his career — somehow was the best player on the field that day against the All Blacks. When South African president Nelson Mandela, wearing a Pienaar jersey, handed him the championship trophy, it was a moment for the ages. 

Bottom Line: Rugby World Cup

The best international rugby teams gather for the Rugby World Cup every four years. South Africa and New Zealand lead the way with three titles. That doesn’t sit well with New Zealand's rival, Australia.

In fact, there are a number of rivalries. Leading the way is England against anybody, especially Wales and France. 

The 2019 event broke the record for the most-watched rugby tournament with over 850 million people tuning in around the world.

8. Asian Games

TV viewership: 986 million on average every four years

Greatest Asian Games Moment: Rikako Ikee Steals the Show in 2018

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee put up the greatest individual performance in Asian Games history in 2018, becoming the first swimmer to win six gold medals in a single games. 

Ikee added two silver medals in 2018 and walked away with the Asian Games MVP honor. 

Bottom Line: Asian Games

Here’s an event that you wouldn’t think would be so popular, but it’s also held in the most densely populated place on Earth.

It’s a multisports event that’s held every four years among Asian athletes. The first Asian Games (also known as Asiad) were held in New Delhi, India, in 1951.

The 2018 Asian Games were held in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia, and close to 1 billion people watched.

TV viewership: 1.1 billion broadcast reach

Greatest UFC Moment: Bloody Brawl at the MGM Grand

The UFC welterweight championship fight between Rory MacDonald and Robbie Lawler on July 11, 2015, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas should come with a warning label: "Not for the faint of heart." 

You won't find a better fight in any medium — most famous for its dripping, bloody staredown between the two fighters after round four. Lawler finished on top via a TKO in the fifth round. 

Bottom Line: UFC

The mixed martial arts organization was launched in 1993 and has been a steady hit worldwide thanks to the likes of Conor McGregor, Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and many others.

UFC chief operating officer Ike Lawrence Epstein also helped the UFC become one of the fastest-growing sports brands behind the scenes, drawing 1.1 billion viewers across 160 countries worldwide.

That’s a big reason why ESPN purchased the rights to UFC matches for $1.5 billion in 2018. 

TV viewership: 2 billion for Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks II in 1978

Greatest Boxing Moment: The Rumble in the Jungle

There is no more famous fight between two boxers than The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. This heavyweight bout featured undefeated and undisputed champion George Foreman squaring off against former champion Muhammad Ali. 

Held at the 20th of May Stadium in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Ali won by knockout in the eighth round in front of a raucous crowd of 60,000 people. Ali used the famous "rope-a-dope" strategy to beat Foreman, essentially letting him punch himself out before coming alive. 

Bottom Line: Boxing

Another sport that thrives with the popularity of one athlete. In the 1960s and 70s, that was Muhammad Ali.

Ali was the last great fighter to perform on national TV before pay-per-view took over. Leon Spinks had beaten Ali, and then ultimately, the two met again in New Orleans. It was estimated that nearly 47 percent of all TV sets in the U.S. were tuned in to the fight. And a record 2 billion viewers worldwide watched in 80 nations.

Ali took a unanimous decision for the final victory of his career. 

5. Winter Olympics

TV viewership: 2.1 billion for 2006 event

Greatest Winter Olympics Moment: Miracle on Ice

So many legends were made on Feb. 22, 1980 in Lake Placid, New York. Not the least of which was broadcaster Al Michaels' legendary call of "Do you believe in miracles? YES!" as the United States men's hockey team, stocked full of college players, pulled off the biggest upset in sports history with a win over the mighty Soviet Union. 

The U.S. rallied from a 3-2 deficit with two goals in the third period for the 4-3 win over the Soviets in the semifinals, then capped things off two days later with a win over Finland for the gold medal. 

Bottom Line: Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics puts many sports in the limelight that would not be widely seen otherwise.

The Olympics in Torino, Italy, were the most popular on the international stage, but not so much in North America.

That's because some events were seen more than 18 hours later in the Western United States, and the Canadian hockey team made an early exit.

4. Cricket World Cup

TV viewership: 2.2 billion for 2019 event

Greatest Cricket World Cup Moment: England Wins as 1.6 Billion Watch

The worldwide television audience for the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between New Zealand and England at Lord's in London clocked in at a record 1.6 billion people — a staggering number. 

It also became known quickly as the greatest, most controversial Cricket World Cup of all time. Tied 241-241 at the end of regulation time, the two teams battled to a tie through the Super Over, and England was declared the champion on the boundary count-back.

It was the first Cricket World Cup championship in England's history. 

Bottom Line: Cricket World Cup

Fan interest for this event is astounding. In 2019, the event was the most-watched Cricket World Cup in history, shattering every TV and digital record .

England beat New Zealand to take home the title.

3. Tour de France

TV viewership: 3.5 billion

Greatest Tour de France Moment: Greg LeMond Turns Tragedy Into Triumph

American Greg LeMond won the Tour de France in 1986 and seemed poised to take over the sport, but a near-tragedy almost ended his career and his life. 

LeMond was hunting for turkey on his father's California ranch in 1987 when he was accidentally shot by his brother-in-law through the back and shoulder.

LeMond's lengthy recovery from the shooting came to a climax at the 1989 Tour de France, where he won for the second time by holding off two-time winner Laurent Fignon. 

Bottom Line: Tour de France

The Tour de France is not only the most prestigious cycling race in the world, but it draws an impressive audience.

According to race organizers, 3.5 billion people in 190 countries watch the Tour de France each year, with 12 million roadside spectators , Time reports.

Of course, it’s also the longest major sporting event covering three weeks in some of the most beautiful settings France has to offer, and since it takes many days to cover, that pushes the overall attendance numbers. 

2. Summer Olympics

TV viewership: 3.6 billion for the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games

Greatest Summer Olympics Moment: Jesse Owens Defies Nazis in 1936

No athlete in any sport, ever, has seen their athletic accomplishments take on a greater meaning than Jesse Owens did when he won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. 

Owens' victories in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, long jump and 400 relay incensed German dictator Adolf Hitler, who was trying to promote his "superior race" theory at the Olympics and showcase the domination of German athletes. 

No Olympic track and field athlete would win four gold medals again at a single Olympic Games until American sprinter Carl Lewis in 1984.

Bottom Line: Summer Olympics

The Summer Olympics are the second-most watched international event. It’s a spectacle that captures everyone’s imagination, and it contains the most popular sports worldwide, including the U.S.

As for the most watched Summer Games, the London Games were best known for Queen Elizabeth II’s participation in the Opening Ceremony, The Who’s performance in the Closing Ceremony and Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympic athlete in history.

Or people wanted to see a potential train wreck and glued into the Rio Games, with a lead-up of controversies ranging from an unstable government to health and safety concerns with the Zika virus, and significant pollution in Guanabara Bay. Yet everything went off without a hitch.

1. FIFA World Cup

TV viewership: 5.4 billion for the 2022 event

Greatest FIFA World Cup Moment: Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' Goal

The most famous play in soccer history occurred at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City, when Argentina superstar Diego Maradona leaped into the air and punched the ball into the net with his left hand in a quarterfinal win over England. He scored another, just as famous a goal in the same game — often called "The Goal of the Century." 

Maradona acted like he was scoring on a header, later telling the press that the goal was "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." Argentina went on to win the World Cup, capping things off with a 3-2 win over West Germany in front of 115,000 fans in the final. 

Bottom Line: FIFA World Cup

When it comes to international soccer, most of the planet is tuning in. The most-watched in history came in 2022 in Qatar, which went all-out by spending over $200 billion, the most in World Cup history. The previous spending record was $14.2 by Russia for the 2018 World Cup.

Previous World Cups held in Russia, Brazil, France, Germany, and South Africa also have surpassed 3 billion in viewers. Soccer brings out more passion to international fans than any other sport, and it’s also making some good headway in the U.S. 

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The World’s Most Viewed Sporting Events

Discover the most popular, culturally-relevant, and viewed sporting events around the world and find out what makes these legendary events so exciting to watch.

Sports have long been viewed as an important part of human culture. Various sports have been played for over 70,000 years, though most of the current team sports have shorter historical roots. Soccer, for example, can be traced back to medieval England, though it wasn’t under the mid 19th century that formalized rules for association football came into play. American football emerged in the later 19th century, with the first game played in 1869. Over time, these sports have gone from simply being games to being multi-billion dollar industries, with much of that due to the invention of radio and, later, television, which helped make sports more accessible. Now, almost every major sporting event is available to watch, whether on television or through streaming. Many of those games are available on the sports-focused streaming service Fubo, which carries most of the major sports channels in the United States.

Watch the world’s top sporting events on Fubo: Start with a free trial!

While the love of sports is universal, with participants and viewers in every country, different areas have different sports that matter to them. For example, American football is bigger in the United States than soccer is, but that’s not the case worldwide. Winter sports like ice hockey and curling aren’t usually going to be popular in countries in the tropics, where there’s less access to the cold weather that’s associated with those sports. Some sports can be extremely regionalized, like Australian rules football or Gaelic football.

How is The Most Viewed Event Selected?

When figuring out what the world’s most-watched sporting event is, one has to figure out how to gauge viewership. Television ratings are an obvious way, but the advent of streaming has complicated that, as many sporting events don’t air on television and thus won’t have the same kind of Nielsen numbers that an event broadcast on an OTA or cable network will.

In-person attendance is also part of the equation. Some sports venues have featured large in-person crowds. For example, the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 drew an in-person crowd of 350,000, in addition to 6,000,000 television viewers.

The Ten Most Viewed Sporting Events

According to Roadtrips.com, the most viewed sporting events in the world are:

1. Tour de France – 3.5 billion

The Tour de France is the premier cycling race in the world. Held each summer in France, the Tour lasts approximately three weeks, and millions of people line the roads of France to watch, in addition to billions from around the world tuning in to watch the race. NBC holds the rights to the Tour de France in the United States, airing it on NBC and USA, both of which are available on Fubo.

2. World Cup – 3.3 billion

The FIFA World Cup brings the best soccer nations in the world together to see which can emerge victorious. Held every four years, the next World Cup will be held in 2026. FOX holds the television rights for the World Cup, with matches airing on FOX and FS1, both of which are available on Fubo.

3. Cricket World Cup – 2.6 billion

While not popular in the United States, cricket is highly-watched outside of the U.S., especially in India. The Cricket World Cup does not usually air on OTA or cable television in the United States.

4. Summer Olympics – 2 billion

Held every four years, the Olympics pit the world’s best athletes against each other. The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, with 32 sports featured, which will consist of 329 events. NBC holds the television rights to the Olympics and broadcasts them on a variety of channels.

5. Winter Olympics – 2 billion

Like the summer version, the Winter Olympics are held every four years and are broadcast by NBC. The difference is that…well, the Winter Olympics feature winter sports. The next Winter Olympics are in 2026 in Italy.

6. Women’s World Cup – 1.12 billion

The women’s version of the World Cup began in 1991 and has grown into one of the world’s largest sporting events. Like the men’s World Cup, FOX holds the English-language rights to the Women’s World Cup, which can be watched with a Fubo subscription.

7. UEFA Champions League – 380 million

The UEFA Champions League pits the top club-level teams in Europe against each other. It’s the most prestigious tournament at that level, with CBS holding the rights to the tournament.

8. Super Bowl – 112.3 million

The most-viewed event in the United States, the Super Bowl doesn’t quite have the same kind of worldwide appeal, but it’s strong numbers in the United States have it in the top 10 of worldwide viewership. Multiple networks share coverage of the Super Bowl in a rotation, with all of those channels available with a Fubo subscription.

9. World Series – 14.3 million

The World Series pits the winners of the American League and National League against each other to determine which MLB team will come out on top and win the championship. The World Series can be watched on FOX.

10. NCAA men’s Final Four – 18.1 million

The Final Four features the final four remaining teams in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which begins with 68 teams. Also known by the popular term March Madness, the Final Four airs on CBS.

What Makes the Tour de France The Most Viewed?

Part of why the Tour de France is the world’s most viewed sporting event is the length of the event, as it takes over France for three weeks in July. It’s also a multi-national event, with riders from across the world competing. That adds compelling reasons for people around the world to tune in and watch the yearly event.

Fubo is the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform, offering 100+ live TV channels and regional sports networks. The service includes a DVR as well as on-demand content and focuses on sports programming. Fubo is the only live TV streaming platform with every Nielsen-rated sports channel. Leveraging Fubo’s proprietary data and technology platform optimized for live TV and sports viewership, subscribers can engage with the content they are watching through interactive product features like FanView, an in-video experience showcasing live game, team and player stats and scores in real-time. Fubo was also the first virtual MVPD to enable simultaneous viewing on up to four screens (Multiview on Apple TV) and the first to stream in 4K HDR. The service was ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Live TV Streaming Providers by J.D. Power (2022).

Fubo offers multiple plans. The Pro plan features 162 channels, while the Elite plan features 226 channels. More channels can be added with add-ons like Fubo Extra or News Plus. Fubo also offers a Latino plan that feature the top Spanish-language networks.

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• College Football

Tour de France very popular: highest European viewing numbers since 2015

• Multisports , News
• August 3, 2022

This year’s  Tour de France , which culminated on Sunday July 24, 2022, attracted the biggest TV audiences since 2015 for European Broadcasting Union (EBU) countries overall, in terms of hours viewed.

The race, which featured a duel for the Yellow Jersey between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar, Slovenia’s winner of the last two editions of the race, racked up a total number of well over 400 million hours viewed in aggregate for the following EBU member broadcasters:

TV2 (Denmark); TV2 (Norway); ITV and S4C (UK); TG4 (Ireland); NOS (the Netherlands); VRT and RTBF (Belgium); RTL (Luxemburg); ARD (Germany); SRG-SSR (Switzerland); Czech TV (Czech Republic); RTV (Slovakia); RTV (Slovenia); RTVE (Spain); RTP (Portugal); and RAI (Italy).

EBU members’ broadcasts were complemented by pan-European coverage on the TV and digital platforms of Eurosport and Global Cycling Network, with Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 achieving an overall reach of 37 million viewers.

The race also received widespread radio coverage from EBU members across Europe throughout the 21 stages from early morning to late evening. The EBU Radio Members covering the event were notably DR (Denmark), NRK (Norway), CR (Czech Republic), RTVS (Slovakia), SR (Sweden), BBC (UK), VRT and RTBF (Belgium), NOS (Netherlands), SRG (Switzerland), ARD (Germany), RNE (Spain), RAI (Italy) and RTVS (Slovenia).

TV viewing With Vingegaard emerging as the first Danish winner of the Tour since 1996, after the first three stages were held in Denmark, this year’s race held a particular appeal for Danish viewers. This was reflected in the viewing figures of TV2, the Danish national broadcaster, which won an overall viewing share of 71.9% and an average audience of 685,000 viewers for its coverage (best figures since 1997).

Other notable viewing share figures for broadcasters that are part of the EBU agreement included:

• VRT: 69.4% (best since at least 2011)
• NOS: 50.6% (best since at least 2011)
• RTBF: 37.9% (best since at least 2011)
• RTV Slovenia: 35.3% and an average audience of 143,000 viewers (historical record)

Peak audiences TV2 Denmark scored the highest peak viewing share of the entire race: 82.35% for its coverage of Stage 2, a flat stage that took in the Danish scenery from Roskilde to Nyborg.

TV2 Denmark also recorded a significant peak audience of 1,529,000 for its coverage of Stage 1, an individual time trial through the streets of the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

ARD won the best peak audience for a stage (2,911,456 for Stage 12), followed by RAI (1,965,900 for Stage 9) and RTVE (1,940,000 for Stage 12).

Digital viewing Strong coverage by EBU members was accompanied by comprehensive digital coverage on their websites, apps, social media pages and OTT/streaming platforms. This included:

• ARD’s sportschau.de streaming platform attracted 11 million viewers, more than twice as many as in 2021.
• On 3 July (Stage 3), TV2 in Denmark registered an all-time high number of daily users at TV2.DK (1.9 million), and on 24 July (final stage) TV2 broke its record for users of TV2 PLAY, its on-demand platform.
• Daily unique visitors to VRT’s website sporza.be averaged 691,432 between 1 July and 21 July, a 32% increase on the average number of daily unique visitors for the first six months of the year.

Julien Goupil, Media and Partnership Director at Tour de France organiser A.S.O., said “Every year the subtle combination of free-to-air coverage by generalist EBU member channels and Eurosport/GCN platforms allows us to showcase the biggest cycling race on Earth to reach a large audience throughout Europe.

“From Copenhagen where The Tour de France received one of its warmest welcome, to the Champs-Élysées after 21 exciting days of racing, the 2022 edition has thrilled millions of TV viewers on all continents.

“We are very happy to see such high ratings from EBU members showing the strength of the relationship between the Tour and European fans of all ages and backgrounds and providing all Tour de France stakeholders – hosting cities and regions, partners, participating teams and riders – a fantastic exposure associated with a complete digital ecosystem made of both Le Tour organic platforms and those of EBU members.”

Frederic Sanz, Head of Cycling at Eurovision Sport, said “As one of the most popular sporting events, the EBU is more than ever convinced that the Tour de France benefits from comprehensive coverage across Europe through the most popular free-to-air platforms of the EBU provided by its members, together with Eurosport and Global Cycling Network.

“EBU members have experienced this year some very strong average ratings and viewing shares, reaching and entertaining more and more fans, and generating increased visibility for sponsors and tourism authorities, with a specific focus this year on the beautiful Danish cities and landscapes where the Tour de France started for the first time ever. Eurovision Sport is absolutely thrilled to have contributed to this overall success.”

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• The Tour De France The...

Tour de France: The World's Greatest Sporting Event

Considering its global popularity, it’s hard to believe that the Tour de France started as a simple marketing stunt for a French newspaper. It began as a six-day tour organized to promote daily sports journal L’Auto (today known as L’Équipe ), in hopes of helping it outsell its then-competitor Le Vélo . Featuring the longest and toughest road race of its kind at the time, the Tour became an immediate success. Sales of L’Auto skyrocketed to such an extent that Le Vélo went bust — and thus with a bang, one of the world’s greatest sporting events was born.

The Tour has run every year since 1903 except for two short breaks during the World Wars. As its popularity has grown, so has its intensity: the first Tour covered an impressive total distance of 2428 km over just six stages, whereas modern Tours cover a distance of around 3,500 km over a total of 21 stages. The diversity of its participants has also evolved from primarily French competitors to a now wholly international array of riders, all competing to take home the coveted yellow jersey. For France, “le Tour” is an event of significant cultural importance which the nation takes great pride in hosting. In his book The Tour de France: A Cultural History , Tour historian Christopher Thompson describes it as ‘an image of a vigorous and progressive French nation’ and ‘a portrait of health’ for the people of France. The Tour’s arrival in the various cities and towns is always cause for excitement for both dedicated cycling enthusiasts and ordinary locals alike. In the earlier days of the Tour, store owners would often open their doors and allow race participants to ravage the shelves as they passed through, considering the loss of stock to be an acceptable price to pay for the massive advertising opportunity that the Tour provides.

The modern Tour commonly hosts stages outside of France, with this year’s ‘Grand Départ’ taking off Utrecht , Germany . The process choosing of the route is complex and time-consuming: every year, the race’s director Christian Prudhomme receives letters from towns all across France asking to host a stage. Prudhomme will send an undercover scout out to any promising-looking towns to scope them out and assess their ability to accommodate the caravan of thousands cyclists, mechanics, doctors, press and spectators that make up the Tour. However, a simple approval from the scout is not all it takes to host a stage. Cities and towns are known to spend vast sums of money to have the Tour pass through. The going rate for a town to host a start stage is €50,000, and a finish stage €100,000. The Grand Départ, the biggest stage of all, is the most expensive to host with some international cities such as London having paid over one million euros to host.

Despite its ever-changing route, certain recurring mountain passes (‘cols’ in French) have become famous over the years for their difficulty. The excitement of the race really builds during these climbs, as riders are pushed to their absolute limits trying to maintain their position while battling against the extreme incline of the mountains. A notable example is the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees, where riders must ascend 1,395 meters over an 18.6 km course of narrow, spectator-lined roads. Even with the cheers of encouragement from the people of the Pyrenees, this climb presents a true test to the competitors who must remain focused and pace themselves to avoid falling behind. The Col du Tourmalet is considered a classic stage in the Tour and has been featured more times than any other. Climbs are ranked according to their difficulty and are assigned a category between one and four, with one being the hardest and four being the easiest. The difficulty is calculated using a formula which takes into account the steepness and length of the climb, as well as how far into the race it appears. However, there are certain climbs which are considered to be ‘Hors Catégorie’ or ‘beyond categorization’ due to their extreme difficulty. The Col du Tourmalet is an example of one of these climbs, but it is not the only one that riders will face during this year’s particularly difficult route. By the finish line riders will have encountered a total of six ‘Hors Catégorie’ climbs: some classics, such as the Alpe d’Huez, and some which have not been visited under this category before, such as the Col de la Pierre St Martin.

When the Tour finally does reach Paris the celebrations are always spectacular. The entire city shuts down in order to accommodate the race, much to the dismay of commuters and taxi drivers. Celebrations always begin early, with some tour fanatics heading out as early as six in the morning in order to get their chance to cycle a few laps on the still-quiet Champs-Élysées . Spectators arrive soon after with the appropriate supplies to camp out for the day in the Jardin de Tuileries or on Rue de Rivoli to ensure they secure a good spot. They are entertained by live music set up on stages and by floats which pass along the route before the cyclists arrive. There are always street-vendors out in force selling Tour merchandise, including replica yellow jerseys which add to the color of this vibrant and animated day.

If you happen to be in Paris on July 26th, do not miss the opportunity to see the Tour come to the finish line. Getting to see the sweat and struggle of these supreme athletes in person as they fly past at unbelievable speeds is truly inspiring. Along with the energy and noise of the Parisian crowds, it creates an incredible experience that watching it on a screen does not even come close to. Pick up some picnic supplies, head down early, find a spot and enjoy this iconic event.

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10 Most-Watched Sport Events In The History Of Television📺

News Desk Reporter

Sport has the unique ability to capture the attention of a worldwide audience via millions of television viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. There is little to rival the sheer joy of seeing your team win, or the crushing sense of desolation you can feel over a loss – by a group of people you may never have met.

Here are the top ten most-watched sporting events in TV history.

These stats are based on the finding by WhatCulture.com

1. Fifa World Cup – audience reach: 3.5-b illion

Football's most elite tournament occurs once every four years, and is still the undisputed champion when it comes to audience reach.

The World Cup can turn players into instant legends. Some of these include Brazil's Pele, who won three World Cups, Argentina's Diego Maradona and his infamous "Hand of God", and Spaniard Andries Iniesta, who won his country's maiden title with a goal in the dying minutes of the final.

The average audience watching a World Cup stands at 3.5-billion, and the 2014 Fifa World Cup final alone, between Germany and Argentina, attracted over 1-billion viewers. The power of the beautiful game!

2. Tour de France – audience reach: 2.6-billion

Most people wouldn't think the Tour de France is among the top-watched sports, but the three-week race boasts an average TV viewership of 2.6-billion. Not only that, it is also the best-attended annual sporting event on the planet.

The tournament has given us iconic cyclists, including Lance Armstrong (now fallen from grace), Alberto Contador and Chris Froome.

3. Olympic Games – audience reach: 2-billion

The summer Olympic Games, which also come round every four years, is the ultimate goal for athletes from diverse disciplines around the world. On average the Games capture the imagination and eyes of 2-billion viewers.

The Olympics have made heroes of athletes like Usain Bolt, Wayde van Niekerk and Michael Phelps. The next Summer Olympics are scheduled for 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.

4. Uefa Champions League – audience reach: 1.7-billion

Europe's most prestigious football club tournament, the Champions League is a trophy that most players dream of winning only second to the World Cup. It has an annual global TV audience of 1.7-billion, accumulated over all the matches.

Players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are just some of the stars who have won the Ballon d'Or (an award for the best player in the world) in the same season in which they won the Champions League.

5. Fifa Confederations Cup – audience reach: 1-billion

A year before the grand football spectacle of the Fifa World Cup, the host country puts on a rehearsal tournament, the Fifa Confederations Cup, in which national teams who have won their respective continental trophies face off against each other.

As Russia hosts football's biggest tournament in June, it has already hosted the 2017 Confed Cup. Russia won, thrilling the local population – whose joy made it easy to see why the spectacle amasses an average audience of a billion viewers.

6. Asian Games – audience reach: 986-million

Asia is home to more than half of Earth's population, so when the countries from that part of the world come together for an athletic event, it is understandable how it can make it on this list. The quadrennial multisports event attracts 986-million viewers on average.

7. Rugby World Cup – audience reach: 789-million

The gentlemen's game makes up number seven on the list, bringing in an average 789-million viewers.

The Rugby World Cup is usually about the top northern hemisphere sides – England, France, Scotland and Wales, especially – against the best teams in the southern hemisphere – New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

8. Giro d'Italia – audience reach: 775-million

Italy's version of Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, attracts 775-million viewers. Because the three-week race takes place between May and June, in balmy late spring Italian weather, is also recognised for its ability to attract live spectators.

9. Winter Olympics – audience reach: 478-million

The Winter Olympics – the 2018 edition of which is set to conclude on Friday in PyeongChang, South Korea –don't draw as many viewers as the Summer Olympics, but they still manage to pull in 478-million viewers, narrowly missing the half-billion mark.

10. Cricket World Cup – audience reach: 400-million

The 50-over tournament, which plays host to world's finest cricket nations, manages to amass an audience of 400-million every four years. The biggest match in the history of the World Cup was India vs Pakistan in 2015, which attracted a global audience of more than 1-billion viewers.

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Top5 » Most Watched Sporting Events Worldwide: A Spectacle of Global Appeal

Most Watched Sporting Events Worldwide: A Spectacle of Global Appeal

Ranking the Most Watched Sporting Events Worldwide

Determining the most watched sporting events worldwide is challenging, especially in today’s landscape, where viewers have various ways of tuning in. Our methodology for ranking these events considers TV viewership, including streaming, duration, and peak levels. We also believe the most recent iterations of these events. We can accurately picture the most watched sporting events worldwide by incorporating these factors.

The World Cup of Soccer – A Global Phenomenon

Unsurprisingly, the World Cup of Soccer is the most-watched sporting event worldwide. With a staggering viewership of 5 billion people in 2022, the World Cup captivates audiences like no other. This quadrennial tournament features national soccer teams from around the globe competing for the ultimate prize. The engagement with the World Cup goes beyond viewership numbers, with billions of social media engagements recorded during the tournament. The World Cup is a spectacle that unites fans across borders and showcases the power of the beautiful game.

Next World Cup : June – July 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Tickets for FIFA World Cup 26

The Tour de France – Cycling’s Grand Event

Cycling enthusiasts eagerly tune in to the Tour de France , making it one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide. With a viewership of 3.5 billion in recent years, the Tour de France captivates audiences with its grueling stages and scenic routes through France. The event draws a large audience, although viewership numbers tend to peak during critical moments of the race. The Tour de France is a testament to the endurance and skill of the athletes who compete, and its rich history and traditions make it an event that fans eagerly anticipate.

Next Tour de France: June 29 – July 21, 2024, in France

The Cricket World Cup – A Global Cricket Extravaganza

Cricket may be less prevalent in certain regions, but it reigns supreme in many parts of the world. The Cricket World Cup, the international championship for One Day International cricket, boasts a viewership of 2.6 billion people . This six-week-long tournament features ten teams competing for cricket glory. The 2019 Cricket World Cup set a new record for viewership, captivating audiences with thrilling matches and showcasing the passion and skill of cricket players. As the sport continues to gain popularity, the Cricket World Cup remains a must-watch event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Next Cricket World Cup: October and November 2023 in India

The Women’s World Cup – Empowering Women on the Global Stage

The Women’s World Cup has recently seen a surge in viewership and popularity. With 2 billion viewers in 2023, the tournament broke records and captivated audiences worldwide. The rise in viewership can be attributed to the growing interest in women’s sports and the incredible performances of the athletes who participate. The Women’s World Cup has shattered gender barriers and showcased female soccer players’ skill, determination, and athleticism. As the sport continues to evolve, the Women’s World Cup will undoubtedly remain a highlight on the global sporting calendar.

Next Women’s World Cup: 2027 — Dates and Hosts TBD

The Summer Games – A Celebration of Athletic Excellence

The Summer Games , held every four years, celebrate athletic excellence worldwide. With a global average reach of 2 billion viewers , the Olympics captivate audiences like no other event. The Games offer diverse sports, from swimming to gymnastics, and allow athletes to showcase their skills on the global stage. The Summer Games also foster a sense of national pride as people from around the globe cheer on their home countries. The Olympics are a testament to the power of sport to unite people and inspire greatness.

Next Summer Games: July 26 – August 11, 2024 in Paris, France

The Winter Games – Chilling Feats of Athleticism

While less widely watched than the Summer Games, the Winter Games still command 2 billion viewers worldwide . With popular sports like figure skating, alpine skiing, and ice hockey, the Winter Games capture the imagination of audiences around the globe. The event takes place over 17 days every four years and showcases the skill and bravery of winter sports athletes. The Winter Games may attract a different attention than their summer counterpart, but they provide a unique and thrilling experience for winter sports fans.

Next Winter Games: February 6-22, 2026 in Milano Cortina

The UEFA Champions League – Europe’s Elite Battle for Glory

Soccer is the most popular sport globally, and the UEFA Champions League Final is one of its most significant events. The top teams in Europe compete all season for a chance to play in this prestigious championship match. With a viewership of 450 million in 2023, the Champions League Final captivates audiences with its high-stakes drama and top-level competition. Social engagement with the event also reaches peak levels, highlighting the changing landscape of viewership and interaction with live sports. The UEFA Champions League Final is a must-watch event for soccer fans worldwide.

Next Champions League Final: June 2024 in London, England

The Super Bowl – America’s Biggest Spectacle

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of sporting events in the United States. With a viewership of 115.1 million in 2023, the Super Bowl has become a national holiday. The game itself is just one part of the spectacle, as viewers eagerly anticipate the iconic halftime show and the creativity of the commercials. The Super Bowl transcends the world of sports, attracting viewers who may not even be avid football fans. It is a cultural phenomenon that brings people together to celebrate athleticism, entertainment, and the spirit of competition.

Next Super Bowl: February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Wimbledon – A Tradition of Tennis Excellence

Wimbledon , the oldest tennis tournament in the world, captures audiences’ attention with its rich history and tradition. With a viewership of 25.6 million in 2023, Wimbledon remains one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The tournament showcases the skill and finesse of the world’s best tennis players, with memorable moments in the tournament’s storied history. From Bjorn Borg’s five consecutive championships to Roger Federer’s epic battles with Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon has provided fans with countless iconic moments that have solidified its place as a must-watch event.

Next Wimbledon: July 1-14, 2024 in London, England

The NBA Finals – Basketball’s Grand Finale

Basketball fans eagerly await the NBA Finals, the culmination of an 82-game regular season. With a viewership of 17.8 million during the 2023 finals, the NBA captivates audiences with its fast-paced action and star-studded lineups. The NBA Finals bring together the top teams in the league, pitting them against each other in a battle for basketball supremacy. The social engagement surrounding the finals is also rising, indicating the sport’s growing popularity and global appeal. The NBA Finals showcase skill, athleticism, and the competitive spirit that defines basketball.

Next NBA Finals: June 2024

The World Cup of Rugby – A Clash of Titans

Rugby’s premier event, the World Cup of Rugby , draws a dedicated fanbase and captivates audiences worldwide. With a viewership of 17 million for the 2023 tournament, the World Cup of Rugby is a spectacle of physicality and skill. The tournament features the best international teams competing over six weeks, culminating in the crowning of the world champion. The World Cup of Rugby showcases the unique aspects of the sport and allows fans to witness the power and intensity of rugby at its highest level.

Next Rugby World Cup: 2027 in Australia

The Kentucky Derby – The “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”

The Kentucky Derby dubbed the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” captivates audiences with its rich history and thrilling races. With a viewership of 16.6 million during the 2023 race, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States. The event brings together the best three-year-old thoroughbreds as they race for glory on the historic Churchill Downs track. The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race; it is a cultural event that showcases the pageantry and excitement of horse racing.

Next Kentucky Derby: May 4, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky

The Masters – Golf’s Most Prestigious Tournament

Golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate The Masters , the most prestigious tournament in the sport. With a viewership of 15 million for the 1997 event, The Masters captivates audiences with its iconic Augusta National setting and the skill of the world’s best golfers. The tournament holds a special place in the hearts of golf fans, representing the beginning of the golf season and the pursuit of the coveted green jacket. The Masters has produced countless memorable moments, and its rich history continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Following Masters: April 8-14, 2024

The World Series – America’s Pastime on the Global Stage

Baseball’s World Series is a beloved fall tradition in the United States, captivating audiences with its rich history and storied rivalries. With a viewership of 14.73 million during the 2022 series, the World Series remains a major sporting event that draws fans worldwide. The series brings together the American League and National League champions as they battle for the title of World Series champions. The World Series embodies the spirit of America’s pastime and showcases the skill and determination of baseball’s finest players.

Next World Series: October 2023 in Arizona and Texas

NCAA Final Four – March Madness Takes Center Stage

College basketball fans eagerly await the NCAA Final Four , the culmination of the March Madness tournament. With a viewership of 14.7 million for the 2023 finals, the NCAA Final Four captivates audiences with its high-stakes games and Cinderella stories. The tournament features 68 teams vying for a chance to reach the Final Four and compete for the national championship. March Madness has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States, as fans fill out brackets and cheer on their favorite teams. The NCAA Final Four showcases the passion and excitement that college basketball brings.

Next NCAA Final Four: April 6-8 in Glendale, Arizona

Conclusion: The Global Appeal of Sporting Events

The most watched sporting events worldwide capture the hearts and minds of audiences across the globe. From the World Cup of Soccer’s global spectacle to the captivating drama of the Super Bowl, these events unite fans, create lasting memories, and showcase the power of sports to transcend borders. Whether it’s the thrill of the Tour de France or the grace of Wimbledon, these events captivate audiences and inspire a sense of unity and excitement. As we look to the future, these sporting events will continue to captivate audiences and showcase the best of athletic competition on a global stage.

Remember, these events are more than just games; they are cultural touchstones that unite people, ignite passions, and create lasting memories. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, take advantage of the excitement and drama of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

Have you attended any of these events?  Let us know.

Read Next: Top Five Most Victorious Sports Franchises in History

The Most Watched Sporting Events

Top sporting events that unite billions across continents.

Global Passion Unleashed

• Tour de France
• Cricket World Cup
• Summer Games
• Winter Games

If there’s one thing that can bring the world together, it’s sports. And there are several sporting events throughout the calendar year that people from every time zone come together by watching the same event on their TVs on your favorite entertainment news . Let’s take a look at the most watched sporting events to date.

1. Tour de France: 3.5 Billion Viewers

Believe it or not, the most-watched sporting event isn’t the NFL Super Bowl or soccer like many Americans may think. Instead, it’s the Tour de France : a prestigious cycling competition (that doesn’t always happen in France, by the way.)

The cycling event , which dates back to 1903 and takes place every summer in July, has 200 cyclists racing over 2,000 miles in just 23 days. There are 22 teams from all across the world, each made up of nine riders. There are also 21 stages, which include a mountain portion.

🤩 From Bilbao to Paris, let's relive the best moments of the #TDF2023 . 🤩 De Bilbao à Paris, retour sur les meilleurs moments de la 110ème édition du Tour de France ! pic.twitter.com/LudI52L1Lk — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 26, 2023

The riders average around 25 mph during the race, but at some points, they have been clocked going over 70mph!

Many, if not all, of the riders are thin––especially by the end of the tour, as you may see on the cycling news . That’s because this race sees them burning over 100,000 calories once they’ve crossed the finish line. It’s fascinating for many people, about 3.5 billion to be more precise.

2. FIFA World Cup: 3.3 Billion Viewers

The FIFA World Cup isn’t too far behind the Tour de France, with 3.3 billion viewers. The event has been held every four years since 1930, bringing the best international soccer teams and players together to face each other for a world championship.

Déjà vu. 🛫🎯 @ennesyri9 pic.twitter.com/VoSYmxVThw — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 16, 2023

For the FIFA world cup standings , the event starts with the qualification phase, it takes three years and over 100 games to get to the month-long World Cup, where only 32 teams will play. However, beginning in 2026, the World Cup is scheduled to expand to 48 teams. Just eight national teams have taken home the World Cup trophy :

• Brazil – five titles
• Germany – four titles
• Italy – four titles
• Argentina – three titles
• France – two titles
• Uruguay – two titles
• England – one titles
• Spain – one title

Even if you are not a real soccer fan, the FIFA World Cup is a fun way to root for your country!

3. Cricket World Cup: 2.6 Billion Viewers

The Cricket World Cup falls at No. 3 among the most-watching sporting events, somehow fascinating approximately 2.6 Billion viewers. Like the Soccer World Cup , it takes place every four years, meaning three years of qualifying games. The contest sees ten teams competing over six weeks.

5⃣0⃣ days to go for #CWC23 🤩🏆 pic.twitter.com/RNWZt7mtyv — ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) August 16, 2023

If you have never watched the Cricket World Cup, you are lucky because it will happen this October. Why so many people watch it is beyond me, but the sport is like baseball and is considered harder to play.

4. Summer Games: 2 Billion Viewers

The Summer Games also occur every four years and feature many sporting events. The best athletes worldwide compete in boxing, beach volleyball, swimming, rowing, fencing, and over 20 other sports. The event had come a long way since 1896, when only nine sports existed.

The best part might be the opening ceremony, which showcases every country in the most beautiful way! It’s surprising that the events don’t see over 2 billion viewers tuning in.

5. Winter Games: 2 Billion Viewers

Winter Games viewership is naturally tied with Summer Games. The Winter Games are my personal favorite. Instead of competing in summer sports, the best compete in winter sports, including snowboarding, skiing, figure skating, and sled dog racing.

Unfortunately, we won’t see the next Winter Games for another two years. Still, the other most watched sporting events are there for your viewing pleasure and profit (if and when betting, of course!)

Anthony Edwards is ready for the Winter X Games 😅 pic.twitter.com/x58LGpDAbv — Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) September 26, 2022

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The 5-minute essential guide to the Tour de France

Inspiration

Cycling Tourism Sporting Activities

Reading time: 0 min Published on 8 January 2024, updated on 14 June 2024

It is the biggest cycling race in the world: a national event that France cherishes almost as much as its Eiffel Tower and its 360 native cheeses! Every year in July, the Tour de France sets off on the roads of France and crosses some of its most beautiful landscapes. Here’s everything you should know in advance of the 2018 race…

‘La Grande Boucle’

In over a century of existence, the Tour has extended its distance and passed through the whole country. Almost 3,500 kilometers are now covered each year in the first three weeks of July, with 22 teams of 8 cyclists. The 176 competitors criss-cross the most beautiful roads of France in 23 days, over 21 stages. More than a third of France’s departments are passed through, on a route that changes each year.

A little tour to start

The first ever Tour de France took place in 1903. It had just six stages – Paris-Lyon, Lyon-Marseille, Marseille-Toulouse, Toulouse-Bordeaux, Bordeaux-Nantes and Nantes-Paris – and 60 cyclists at the start line. At the time, the brave cycled up to 18 hours at a stretch, by day and night, on roads and dirt tracks. By the end, they’d managed 2,300 kilometers. Must have had some tight calves!

Mountain events are often the most famous and hotly contested. Spectators watch in awe as the riders attack the passes and hit speeds of 100 km/h. In the Pyrenees and the Alps, the Galibier and Tourmalet ascents are legendary sections of the Tour, worthy of a very elegant polka dot jersey for the best climber…

The darling of the Tour

In terms of the number of victories per nation, France comes out on top, with 36 races won by a French cyclist. In second place is Belgium with 18 wins, and in third is Spain with 12. The darling of the Tour remains Eddy Merckx, holding the record of 111 days in the yellow jersey. This Belgian won 5 times the Great Loop as Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Michael Indurain.

‘Le maillot jaune’

The yellow jersey is worn by the race winner in the general classification (calculated by adding up the times from each individual stage). This tradition goes back to 1919. It has nothing to do with the July sunshine or the sunflower fields along the roads; it was simply the colour of the pages of newspaper L’Auto, which was creator and organiser of the competition at the time.

The Tour de France is the third major world sporting event after the Olympic Games and the World Cup, covered by 600 media and 2,000 journalists. The race is broadcast in 130 countries by 100 television channels over 6,300 hours, and is followed by 3.5 billion viewers.

The Champs-Élysées finish

Each year the Tour departs from a different city, whether in France or in a neighbouring country. Since 1975, the triumphal arrival of the cyclists has always taken place across a finish line on Paris’ Champs-Élysées. It’s a truly beautiful setting for the final sprint.

And the winner is…

Seen from the sky and filmed by helicopters or drones, the Tour route resembles a long ribbon winding its way through France’s stunning landscapes: the groves of Normandy, the peaks of the Alps, the shores of Brittany and the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. In 2017, it was the Izoard pass in Hautes-Alpes that was elected the most beautiful stage, at an altitude of 2,361 metres. Which one gets your vote?

Find out more on the official Tour de France site: https://www.letour.fr

By France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

Get in touch with Nouvelle-Aquitaine in South West of France

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Cycling, a new key to the coastline.

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Atlantic Loire Valley

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Côte d'Azur - French Riviera

10 unbelievable Tour de France facts

One of the hardest sporting events in the world, well over 100 years of history, with thousands of competitors... there's plenty of ridiculous facts that come out of every edition of the tour de france.

Riders smoked to 'open up the lungs' ahead of key climbs Credit: https://www.reddit.com/domain/i.imgur.com/

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes LIVE on SBS

1. an epic race.

Tour de France: Your questions answered

2. Eating your way around France

3. sweat it out, drink it back.

Explaining the Tour de France - A Beginner's Guide

4. taking teamwork to a whole new level.

806 extraordinary facts and feats that paved the way for Tour de France Femmes

5. The only Australian Tour de France winner

WATCH on SBS On Demand

Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour S2020 Ep1 - Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour Part 1 Le Grand Depart

Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour S2020 Ep2 - Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour, Part 2 First Big Test, The Pyrenees

Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour S2020 Ep3 - Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour, Part 3 Attacking Giants, The Alps

Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour S2020 Ep4 - Cadel Evans Conquering Le Tour, Part 4 La Route De Paris

6. Margin of victory

7. Controversy

8. performance-enhancing drugs.

9. Started as a way to sell newspapers

10. What's next for the list at the 111th edition of the Tour de France in 2024?

Hindley: A humble Western Australian lad challenging for Tour de France honours

Hindley fulfils childhood dream on 'epic' day in yellow

Hindley's 'ultimate dream' to join Cadel Evans as Tour de France winner

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Breaking Ratings Records: These Are The World's Most Watched Sporting Events

1. tour de france – 3.5 billion viewers.

2. FIFA World Cup – 3.3 Billion Viewers

3. Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion Viewers

4. Olympic Games – 2 Billion Viewers

2024 Tour de France begins June 29 and includes historic firsts. Everything to know

The Paris Olympics and Paralympics will not be the only prestigious international sporting event held in France this summer. 

The Tour de France, the preeminent event on the men’s cycling calendar, will return for its 111th edition from June 29 to July 21. During the three-week ride, 176 cyclists, representing 22 teams of eight, will complete 21 stages across hilly, flat and mountainous terrain. The course includes a grueling 52,230 meters (over 170,000 feet) of elevation gain and is 3,492 kilometers (2,170 miles) long. The taxing schedule includes only two rest days. 

This year’s race will start in Florence, Italy, and conclude at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France. It will be the first time the finish line is not in or near Paris because the city will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And the first time since 1975 the race will not finish on the Champs-Élysées.

The final stage will also break from tradition as it will be one of two time trial stages, which means the leader could be determined in the final leg. The last time the Tour de France ended with a time trial was in 1989.

In addition to Italy and France, the route passes through San Marino and Monaco. The route is famous for its picturesque scenery, from quaint rural villages to the towering Alps. 

Each stage is timed, and the rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wins the acclaimed maillot jaune, or yellow jersey, to signify the general classification winner. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard, 27, hopes to seek a coveted three-peat but is still working his way back from a serious crash that hospitalized him for 12 days in April. If he does race, he will face fierce competition from a talented field that includes 2020 and 2021 winner Tadej Pogača of Slovenia.

Separate awards are also given to the best sprinter, climber and young cyclist. 

Sepp Kuss, who finished as the top American in 12th place at last year’s Tour de France, is also set to return. Like last year, he will race on the same team as Vingegaard. 

How to watch the 2024 Tour de France live

All stages of the Tour de France, as well as pre- and post-race coverage, will be available to stream live on Peacock. USA Network will also stream some of the stages. 

NBC will simultaneously broadcast select stages of the event. 

Stage 1 will begin June 29 at 6 a.m. ET. The rest of the stages typically start between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. ET. 

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Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

I watched all 320 minutes of Netflix's Tour de France: Unchained season two, and it's thrilling must-see

I t opens, as it did last year, with hyperbole. "Everybody should kill somebody to win a stage," Patrick Lefevere says, in quite bad taste. "Accidents happen, you'd better get used to it," Jasper Philipsen adds. There is the footage of crashes, of near misses. We are told that the Tour de France is the toughest thing ever, that it is everything, that it means more.

Welcome to season two of Tour de France: Unchained , from Netflix. So far, so similar to the first year . I liked the first season, without being blown away. It was an interesting watch, without feeling like something that had to be seen. However, season two builds on a solid format and turns it into something I really think all cycling fans and beyond should watch. It is gripping.

Having watched all eight episodes this week, I feel like I understand the 2023 Tour more than I did last year - and I was at the race every day. It's emotional as well as thrilling, with the (then-recent) death of Gino Mäder very much hanging over the whole programme; hence why Lefevere's opening quotes are so poor.

Despite that opening salvo of hyperbole, the series does not continue to patronise the expert cycling fan, but also brings the newbie along at the same time. You do not need to know the intricacies of bike racing, or even any idea about what happened at last year's Tour to follow. In fact, it might be better if you don't.

To cram 21 stages and all the stories from the Tour requires quite a lot of editing, but Unchained's creators manage to do this deftly, with most of the things of note covered.

The editing is helped by the fact that Netflix only has access to 10 of the 18 teams at the race - with the addition of UAE Team Emirates and Tadej Pogačar and Astana Qazaqstan and Mark Cavendish elevating the whole thing - so moments which do not involve the filmed teams are essentially removed. However, given these 10 teams won 17 of the 21 stages on offer, plus the overall, there is a lot to fit in.

The best thing about the documentary is the level of access afforded to the cameras. While fans and journalists can attempt to form a picture of what is going on inside teams, it is never the full account, which this appears to do better. There are moments which I had either missed or forgotten, and recaps of entire stages which I missed because I was in a car driving from a stage start to a finish. This is the insight that makes it really worth it.

Also, any footage of cyclists away from the race is great to see. It really humanises them, and adds to what we know of them as people. We see Ben O'Connor (AG2R Citroën) training, as well as Pogačar at home in Monaco, and it's a fresh insight. If only Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) would permit the same, we might understand him more.

A few things to note. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is painted very much as a kind of villain in a few of the episodes. The Belgian, and his team, are painted as a ruthless winning machine, with much made of complaints about his sprinting style. There are also narratives around intra-team beef in both AG2R Citroën and Ineos Grenadiers, with O'Connor temporarily falling out with his squad, and Tom Pidcock also briefly getting annoyed at his situation.

Visma-Lease a Bike and Vingegaard are also interesting, with the Dane's victory very much covered, but then quickly overshadowed by doping questions , which are answered. Cycling can't get away from its past, but the doc's makers have put it front and centre. Richard Plugge's cameo as a supervillain is also odd, but a good narrative, I suppose.

I'm not sure about the timeline, with the episodes not coming in chronological order; while it is difficult to cover all the different storylines at the same time, it feels odd to jump ahead one episode on the GC battle, only to go back in time for sprints or whatever later.

Also, many minor characters go unexplained. This must be a time-saving measure, but Ant McCrossan and Nicolas Roche (voices of the Tour's international feed) feature a lot, and are never referenced by name. Dave Brailsford is a big character in the episode that concentrates on Ineos Grenadiers, but to the uninitiated, isn't properly justified. I also don't love how the tenses work throughout, with some suspension of disbelief required to make it work.  These are small grumbles, though.

It is a really beautiful piece of television, with Netflix's cameras capturing the racing in much better quality than the live feed, understandably, so it gives you a second chance to watch some of the best bike riders in the prettiest places. 

My favourite bit is the silence that comes on some stages, away from the fans. Without commentary over the top, on the Puy de Dôme and elsewhere, the riders are in complete silence, just them and their bike. It's delightful.

The Tour de France, also possible for mortals? A comparison of a recreational and a World Tour cyclist

Affiliations.

• 1 Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
• 2 Faculty of Sport Sciences, Human Performance and Sports Science Laboratory, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
• 3 Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States.
• 4 Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States.
• 5 Physical Activity and Health Research Group ('PaHerg'), Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
• 6 Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
• PMID: 38174376
• DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00798.2023

Cycling Grand Tours are arguably the epitome of strenuous endurance exercise, and they have been reported to represent the ceiling of sustained energy expenditure for humans. It remains unknown, however, if an average recreational athlete could endure such an event. Through the analysis of power output (PO), we compared data from the 2023 Tour de France (21 stages, total distance = 3,405 km, elevation gain = 51,815 m) in a recreational (male, age = 58 yr; height = 191 cm; body mass = 96.1 kg; estimated maximum oxygen uptake = 45.4 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ) and a sex-matched professional (World-Tour) cyclist (28 yr; 180 cm; 67.0 kg; 80.5 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ). The recreational and professional cyclist completed the event in 191 and 87 h, respectively (average PO of 1.50 and 3.45 W·kg -1 ), with the latter spending a greater proportion of time in high-intensity zones. The recreational cyclist showed an estimated total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) of 35.9 MJ [or 8,580 kcal, or ∼4.3× his daily basal metabolic rate (BMR)], whereas lower absolute values were estimated for the professional cyclist (29.7 MJ, 7,098 kcal, ∼3.8× his BMR). Despite such high TDEE values, both individuals lost minimal body mass during the event (0-2 kg). The present report therefore suggests that, partly due to differences in exercise intensity and duration, not only professional cyclists but also recreational athletes can reach currently known ceilings of TDEE for humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This case report indicates that a recreationally trained 58-year-old man can reach similar or even higher values of energy expenditure (∼4 times their basal metabolic rate) than professional cyclists, who are likely near the ceiling of sustained energy expenditure for humans. This was possible owing to a total longer exercise time coupled with a lower absolute and relative intensity in the recreational athlete.

Keywords: cycling; endurance; energy expenditure; exercise.

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2023 U.S. Open averages most viewers since 2019: What drew fans to this year’s tournament?

The 2023 U.S. Open was the most-watched edition of the event since 2019, NBC Sports said in a media release Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:

• The entire event averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 3.4 million viewers on NBC, Peacock and USA Network, the best since the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and up 27 percent from last year.
• Sunday’s final round on NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Digital averaged 8.8 million viewers in prime time and peaked at 10.2 million viewers from 9:30-9:45 p.m. ET. Full final-round coverage on NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports Digital (between 1 p.m. and 10:09 p.m. ET) averaged 6.2 million viewers, the most since 2019.
• Wyndham Clark won the 2023 U.S. Open with a -10 for the tournament, edging out Rory McIlroy by one shot.

https://t.co/ZgU1hPQuV1 pic.twitter.com/Q44fFJagQC — NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) June 20, 2023

The Athletic ’s instant analysis:

What drew fans to this year’s tournament?

Primetime golf. That is something the sport doesn’t get often, but this West Coast major meant the leaders were teeing off around 6 p.m. ET. Golf has also been in the middle of a moment ever since the pandemic led to the greatest increase of people playing golf in history, but this week especially hit a perfect convergence of storylines that likely brought in viewers.

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First, you have the news that the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are joining forces , ending the golf war with LIV. Then you have a fascinating, secretive U.S. Open venue in Los Angeles Country Club that nobody had seen and so many golf fans were psyched to watch. And then you finish with a near-perfect leaderboard of superstar Rory McIlroy one shot off the lead, fan favorite Rickie Fowler rediscovering his game and entering Sunday as co-leader and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lurking three shots back. Add in the heartwarming story of Clark nearly quitting golf and winning in honor of his late mother? It was as juicy of an overall Sunday night as golf could ask for. — Miller

What to make of the ratings

Golf viewership on television always gets a boost when the final round is tight — especially at a major — and NBC got the benefit of a competitive Sunday, featuring popular players such as McIlroy in contention. Then there was the primetime element: The telecast peaked at 10.2 million viewers from 9:30-9:45 p.m. ET as Clark was busy holding off McIlroy to win his first major championship. It was the most-watched U.S. Open final round since 2019 at Pebble Beach (where Tiger Woods finished T-21).

There was also a nice momentum play here as well as second-round coverage on USA Network was the most watched U.S. Open second round on cable since 2013 (1.76 million viewers). I don’t anticipate a viewership carryover over the next couple of weeks because I think this number was specific to this event but the PGA Tour, which has endless bad publicity, will take it. They had an excellent weekend. — Deitsch 

Required reading

• Inside Wyndham Clark’s U.S. Open triumph
• Who is Wyndham Clark? The most surprising U.S. Open contender has a story to tell
• Rory McIlroy and another long walk to nowhere

(Photo: Michael Madrid / USA Today)

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