It's Not All About The Super Bowl
While you may be disappointed that the Super Bowl is going to be over very soon, there are tons of other exciting sporting events you can look out for during the rest of the year. You might think Super Bowl hype simply can't be matched thanks to all those watch parties, big musical performances, and massive crowds, but in reality, there are plenty around the world that match this energy. Here are 20 amazing global sporting events that are as big as the Super Bowl.
Governor Tom Wolf from Harrisburg, PA on Wikimedia
1. The Winter Olympics
Held every four years, the Winter Olympics garners millions of viewers from around the globe tuning in to watch their country perform. From ice skating to curling and snowboarding, there's an endless list of cold weather sports that fans can enjoy. It's a wonderful celebration of countries coming together to participate in this worldwide event that reaches every home.
2. FIFA World Cup
Soccer fans are truly unlike anything else we've ever seen. These are some of the most passionate people in the world, which easily makes the FIFA World Cup one of the largest, most beloved sporting events in history. It's not just millions, it's billions of people tuning in or attending from all over the world, watching their favorite players compete in this sport that has no boundaries. The energy and excitement is simply electrifying each and every time.
3. Wimbledon
The Wimbledon Championship is arguably one of the most prestigious tennis events all year round. There's even a dress code that all attendees most follow: you can only wear white! It's the third of four Grand Slam tournaments held throughout the year, with big names like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray all having played intense matches here before.
4. The Masters Tournament
For fans of golf, we know you wait all year long for the Masters Tournament which is always held for the first full week of April in the very same location. It's one of four major golf events, meaning you can always catch the hottest professional players in action here. Famous names like Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Gary Player have all won before.
5. 24 Hours of Le Mans
It's all in the name with this one! The 24 Hours of Le Mans is exactly how it sounds; it's an endurance sports car race that focuses on cars making the most distance within a 24 hour period. It's a bit different from your traditional race, but it's also one of the most prestigious in the sport. Trying to balance speed with endurance and mechanical failures is a tricky tightrope that shouldn't be underestimated.
6. Kentucky Derby
Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is a Grade I Stakes race (raced by thoroughbred horses) that traditionally occurs every year on the first Saturday in May. Although the race lasts just a mere two minutes long, it's been able to captivate audiences for decades. It may go by quickly but it might just be the most thrilling and exhilarating 120 seconds of your life! This is by far the most-watched horse racing event in the United States.
7. The NBA Finals
Though the NBA is only in the United States, the hype this sport generates is unparalleled. Basketball is beloved across the world, meaning fans of the sport will try to tune in if they can. The crowds are always energized, and the court is filled with A-list players recognized across the country. Even people who don't know the sport too well can find enjoyment watching these finals!
8. Daytona 500
For fans who love an adrenaline rush, the Daytona 500 is the perfect sporting event to get you up and out of your seat. This NASCAR race features a 500-mile-long track that has competitors speeding down at top speeds for a chance at the championship title. It's sometimes even referred to as "The Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing."
9. Tour de France
The Tour de France is the cream of the crop for male cyclists looking to compete for the number one title. It is one of the oldest bike tours still around and usually lasts across 20 daylong stages. Covering a whopping 3,500 miles, fans watch in anticipation to see which team can outperform the rest. Just watching them cycle makes us feel exhausted.
10. Cricket World Cup
No, cricket isn't an outdated sport! It's actually one of the most popular sports around the world, beloved by many countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia. You may then be surprised to learn that the Cricket World Cup is also one of the most viewed sporting events worldwide, reaching millions of viewers.
11. The Grand National
Over in England, the Grand National has been held annually since 1839. It's a National Hunt (or Jump Racing) horse race that gathers large crowds every single year. It's a sport important to British culture and is now one of the most famous horse events in the world. Hundreds of millions of people tune in to watch these incredible animals do their thing.
2011_Grand_National.jpg: RacingKel
derivative work: Tbmurray (talk) on Wikimedia
12. Polo at Palermo
This polo tournament held in Argentina has been around since 1893 and is still going strong today. If you don't know what polo is, it's a traditional team field sport played on horseback and is one of the oldest in history. This event held in Argentina is the biggest in the world, drawing in fans of the sport from all corners of the globe. Many say it's one of the best experiences to have in Buenos Aires!
13. March Madness
You know basketball is a huge sport in the United States when they've got March Madness, a massive competition featuring the NCAA Division I men's basketball teams. Even at the college level, Americans are tuned in to see who wins this single-elimination style tournament. Players who perform well have a great shot at going pro, meaning everything is on the line for audiences to see.
14. UEFA Champions League Final
Second to the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League Final is the second most-watched soccer event in the world. You know how crazy Europeans are about "football," meaning this is likely the equivalent of the Super Bowl for them. You can expect unified fan chants, street parades, and so much more excitement during the period this tournament is held.
Börkur Sigurbjörnsson from Barcelona on Wikimedia
15. Stanley Cup Finals
Hockey fans, aside from the Winter Olympics, the biggest event for you all to enjoy is the Stanley Cup Finals. Teams from Canada and America compete in the tournament until they finally get a shot at the big trophy. The crowds are always incredibly hyped up, and audiences at home can feel the energy through the screen. Just pray it doesn't go to overtime! That always gets our hearts racing.
16. Monaco Grand Prix
Every year around late May or early June, the Monaco Grand Prix is held at the Circuit de Monaco. This Formula One race is another highly regarded racing event that's known for its challenging track filled with elevation changes, tight corners, and overall high difficulty level. It certainly leaves viewers catching their breath as they wait in anticipation to see who crosses that finish line first.
17. The Open Championship
Also known as the British Open, the Open Championship is the oldest existing golf tournament in history. It was founded way back in 1860 and has continued to maintain its popularity all these years. The title has incredible meaning too; it's called the "open" championship because players of all kinds, amateur and professional, are welcomed by invite or qualification to compete. It sure makes for an engaging competition!
18. Rugby World Cup
No, rugby is not football. And just because it's not popular in the States doesn't mean it isn't elsewhere! Commonly played in countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, the Rugby World Cup consists of both a men's and women's tournament, garnering millions of viewers all over. Just like the Olympics and FIFA, it's held every four years so make sure you tune in when it's around!
19. French Open
If Federer is remembered as the King of the Court at Wimbledon, the French Open will forever be Nadal's corner. With its bright reddish-orange clay court, this tournament (also known as Roland-Garros) is another Grand Slam that brings the best of the best to France every year. Winning this one will mark your name alongside all the other champions before you, so players always come with their best A-game. It makes every match incredible to watch.
Photographed by flickr user, Nawal on Wikimedia
20. The Summer Olympics
What better way to close off this list than with the counterpart to the Winter Olympics? The Summer Olympics is just as popular to watch but features an entirely different set of sports. From surfing to volleyball and gymnastics, viewers get to enjoy a whole new team of athletes who all have their eyes on that gold medal.
