Sporting events have the power to unite millions, even billions, of fans worldwide, creating unforgettable moments of excitement and competition. From global tournaments to championship finals, these events have not only made history on the field but also shattered television ratings records. In this article, we explore the world’s most watched sporting events, highlighting their massive global appeal and the record-breaking numbers they’ve achieved.
Only a limited number of individuals get the opportunity to see the live action of the world’s main sporting events. For the majority of individuals, seeing television is the second most favorable choice. Due to the wide availability of thorough coverage, it has become a customary ritual for groups of friends and family worldwide to make arrangements to watch significant sporting events or other important occasions. Indeed, owing to their widespread popularity, large-scale sporting events typically attract the highest viewership ratings. To discover the most widely seen athletic events globally, please continue reading.
1. Tour De France – 3.5 Billion Viewers
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In the summer, France hosts the Tour de France, the pinnacle of the cycling world. Serious injuries are common among cyclists during the 23-day race, making it one of the most taxing feats in sports. Competitors race in eight-person teams with the goal of accumulating the fastest time as the course twists and turns through picturesque mountain roads in France, testing riders’ stamina, speed, and mental fortitude. With a history that begins in 1903 and continues to this day, the Tour de France is the most prestigious cycling race in the world, and it attracts an incredible 3.5 billion fans throughout the globe.
2. FIFA World Cup – 3.3 Billion Viewers
The FIFA World Cup, which is football’s biggest event, is, as you might expect, next on the list. The event is held every four years and has 32 qualifying teams from around the world. The teams are put into four groups, with the top two teams from each group moving on to the knockout rounds. The World Cup is a big deal because it’s watched all over the world. Football, or soccer, is the most famous sport in the world and is becoming even more popular. China and the USA, which haven’t been very good at football in the past, have started to put more money into the sport, which is usually controlled by teams from Europe and South America. When 199,854 people crammed into Rio’s Estadio do Maracana to watch Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1, it was the most people who had ever been to a sports event in a stadium. In terms of TV viewers, 3.3 billion people tuned in to watch the last event in 2018.
3. Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion Viewers
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Some people in North America might find this strange, but the Cricket World Cup is the next most-watched sports event in the world. Cricket is like faith for many people in many countries around the world, especially India, Pakistan, and Australia. This is almost unheard of in the United States. Ten countries are in the competition, which lasts six weeks and is played in One-Day cricket instead of the more common Test cricket, which can last up to five days. A huge 2.6 billion people watched the last Cricket World Cup, which was held in England and Wales. It was the most TV watchers of any sports event ever.
4. Olympic Games – 2 Billion Viewers
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The Olympics are, as you might guess, one of the most-watched sports events in the world. The Summer Games only happen every four years, just like the FIFA World Cup. This makes the event even more special. Many different sports from many different countries are played at the Games, which make it feel more like a festival than a fight. The Olympics are the best place for top athletes to show off their physical prowess, and every year they get an average of 2 billion viewers.
The Best Sports Documentaries Ever Made
Hugo Walker
Exceptional sports documentary filmmakers provide their viewers with a more profound comprehension of the subject matter they are documenting, surpassing the mere act of narrating a story. By showcasing the ‘how’ and the ‘why’, the sporting event is elevated to a higher level, providing an additional layer of understanding to the audience, including those who are already familiar with the narrative. Moreover, these highly praised documentaries skillfully guide their audience through an emotional experience, moving the storyline away from ordinary sports-related contests to a more profound and touching setting. These films are among the finest in the realm of sports.
1. Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo, the recipient of an Academy Award in 2018, chronicles the extraordinary expedition of American mountaineer Alex Honnold as he endeavors to be the inaugural individual to ascend El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. Honnold is not an ordinary climber; he specializes in free soloing, which involves ascending sheer rock walls without the use of any safety equipment. This activity is extremely difficult to understand, even for those who are highly enthusiastic about seeking adrenaline rushes. The fascinating aspect of Free Solo lies in the ever-present, genuine risk of its protagonist – or the film crew – plunging to their inevitable demise due to a single, unfortunate misstep. In addition to the already dramatic storyline, Honnold enters into a romantic relationship during the film, which adds an additional emotional intensity due to his girlfriend’s natural distress.
2. Senna (2010)
Asif Kapadia’s portrayal of Ayrton Senna’s life in his documentary raised the standard for sports documentaries upon its publication a decade ago. Through exclusive use of archival video and deliberate avoidance of interviews, the film intimately connects the audience with Senna, immersing them in both his public and private experiences as a Brazilian racing driver. Kapadia’s film is a captivating journey from beginning to end, effectively portraying the extraordinary yet ultimately sorrowful life of one of Formula 1’s beloved figures.
3. The Last Dance (2020)
Netflix’s time-traveling blockbuster that documents Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, and his overall career, is a tribute to the legendary number 23. The Last Dance skillfully portrays the unwavering drive, exceptional talent, and cultural significance of the greatest basketball player of all time as he strives to win a historic sixth NBA title in eight years. The video focuses on MJ, but it also delves into the lives of his teammates and staff people associated with the Bulls, adding intriguing complexity to the narrative. One notable figure is Dennis Rodman, a renowned defensive player and notorious troublemaker, who might easily be the subject of a separate documentary. In essence, The Last Dance is a profoundly inspiring creation that unequivocally showcases the journey of a modest second-year student from Wilmington, North Carolina, who surpassed the boundaries of the sport he excelled in and emerged as the most financially prosperous athlete in history.
4. Hillsborough (2016)
This documentary, which was awarded the Bafta, provides an in-depth analysis of the historic Hillsborough incident that occurred in 1989. This tragedy occurred when 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death during their team’s FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest. This disastrous mishandling by the police who were in charge of crowd control at the Sheffield stadium led to many inquests, which ultimately resulted in charges for individuals who were deemed guilty for the incident. It is largely considered to be the darkest day in the history of British sport. The documentary, which is at times challenging to watch, dives into the catastrophe and the terrible institutional cover-up that followed. Additionally, it provides a forum for some of the individuals who were present on that particular day to reflect on their experience. Viewing is not an easy task, but it is essential nonetheless.
The sheer magnitude of viewership for these sporting events demonstrates their unparalleled ability to captivate audiences across the globe. Whether it’s a thrilling final or a momentous international tournament, these broadcasts bring fans together in unprecedented numbers. As technology continues to evolve, we can only expect future sporting events to break even more records, reinforcing the power of sports to engage and unite people from all walks of life.