Sports is the language of love that brings people together without color, religion, and region.
I have been a sports lover since the college era when I used to play Soccer in college team. Soccer was my passion but I also love to watch other sports and events like FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Super Bowl and the ICC Cricket World Cup. Watching these games, I realized how each sport captivates millions, if not billions, of fans worldwide.
The sheer energy of a packed stadium during a World Cup final or the dramatic intensity of a Super Bowl halftime show made it clear why these events dominate global viewership.
So, do you what are top sports that attract millions of fans? If not don’t worry, In this guide, I have enlisted the most watched sports in the world.
Most Watched Sports in the World
There are hundreds of games played in the world, but not all have gained much popularity in the world. Some games are most famous and watched in one region but other regions are not aware of these games. Some games like Soccer, Basketball, and cricket are well-known in every corner of the world.
Here is a list of the most watched sports in the world.
| Sport | Global Viewership (Approx.) | Popular in Regions | Game Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer (Football) | 4+ billion | Europe, South America, Africa, Asia | 90 minutes + extra time |
| Basketball | 2+ billion | USA, Canada, China, Philippines, Europe | ~2 hours (48 min playtime) |
| Field Hockey | 2+ billion | Europe, Asia, Australia | 60 minutes |
| Cricket | 2.5+ billion | India, UK, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa | T20: ~3 hours, ODI: ~8 hours, Test: 5 days |
| Tennis | 1+ billion | Europe, USA, Australia, Asia | Varies (1.5 to 5+ hours) |
| Volleyball | 900+ million | Brazil, Russia, USA, Japan, Europe | ~1.5 hours |
| Baseball | 500+ million | USA, Japan, Latin America | ~3 hours |
| American Football (NFL) | 400+ million | USA, Canada | ~3 hours |
| Golf | 450+ million | USA, UK, Europe | Varies (4-5 hours per round) |
| Rugby | 400+ million | UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa | 80 minutes |
1 – Soccer (Football)
Soccer is one of the top sports in the world with a large audience and fan base. Soccer is also called football in some regions like Asia, and Europe. If you are an enthusiast of interesting and thrilling games then are going to love this game. One of the biggest reasons for its fame is the simplicity of its rules: two teams compete to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team’s net.
The game’s major events, like the FIFA World Cup held every four years, capture the world’s attention with thrilling matches and intense rivalries between national teams. Other major events include continental championships like the UEFA European Championship and Copa America.
2 – Basketball
Basketball is another famous sport to watch. It is also popular in Western countries like America, South America, Europe, and Africa. The goal is to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent’s hoop while also defending their own.
Every year, billions of people tune in to watch basketball games, from local leagues to international championships like the NBA. Basketball requires skill, teamwork, and quick thinking, making it fun to watch and play.
Many people enjoy the game because of its fast movement, high-scoring action, and amazing plays like dunks and three-pointers. Whether indoors or outdoors, basketball brings people together and inspires athletes of all ages.
3 – Field Hockey
Millions of sports fans love to watch field hockey due to its thrilling and exciting gameplay. It is a team sport where players play the game on grass and turf fields. Two teams of 11 players use curved sticks to hit a small, hard ball and try to score goals in the opponent’s net.
Field hockey is popular worldwide, especially in countries like India, the Netherlands, Australia, and Argentina. It is played at all levels, from schools to international tournaments like the Olympics and the Hockey World Cup. The sport’s exciting gameplay and strategy make it enjoyable for both players and fans.
4 – Cricket
Cricket is one of the most watched sports in the world. There are millions of fans who loves to watch cricket as an entertainment source. Cricket is played between two players each team contains 11 players on each side.
The International Cricket Council ICC holds the cricket events in the world and the ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the major events held after four years. ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup and private leagues like IPL, BBL, PSL, and T10 leagues are other most watched events.
5 – Tennis
Tennis has also grabbed a large fan following around the world as a major sport. In this game, players use rackets to hit a ball over a net. It can be played as a singles match (two players) or a doubles match (four players). The goal is to hit the ball so that your opponent cannot return it.
There are many legendary players in tennis like Sarena Walliams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal who are recognized worldwide for their talent. The four major tennis tournaments the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open are world wide popular with millions viewership.
6 – Volleyball
Volleyball is a very popular sport around the world. It’s known for its exciting rallies, strategic gameplay, and powerful spikes. One of the interesting things it has more professional leagues than any other sports.
Also, it is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages.
Although, volleyball is watched around the world but it is more famous in Europe, South America, and Asia. Some countries with strong volleyball cultures are Brazil, Italy, Russia, and Japan.
7 – Baseball
Baseball is a well-known sport in the United States and other parts of the world. This game has been part of American life and culture since mid 19th. But it is now recognized beyond America as more and more people are involved in this sport.
Baseball is most commonly played in parts of South and Central America, the Caribbean, and East Asia. South Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese also love to play with passion. This shows baseball has been adopted internationally, with growing influence from Asian and Latin American leagues and players.
8 – American Football (NFL)
American football NFL is such an energetic sport which is different from Soccer (Football). As it is mostly played in America but now it has gained popularity in other countries of the world. Millions of people are fans of the NFL as there are many legendary players who made this game more popular.
The most popular names of NFL players are Larry Alen, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes. The NFL’s championship game, the Super Bowl, is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
9 – Golf
Golf is a very popular sport around the world. It’s a summer favorite and is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Unlike other sports, it is not an energetic or thrilling game but it is best exercise game for all ages.
However, the modern game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. However, the game’s ancient origins are unclear and debated. United States is a top country for golf, with many famous golfers and courses. It is also popular in Ireland, Canada, and the UK.
10 – Rugby
Rugby is a popular sport in the world with millions of fans and players. However, it has not yet gained as much popularity as Soccer or Basketball has. Rugby World Cup is most most-watched event of Rugby games which millions of people watch live and online.
According to Statistica, Rugby is the most popular in South Africa with 51% of people following it, Australia is the second country with the most Rugby fans. This shows how popular is Rugby in different countries and regions.
Sum Up
Well, these are details about the most watched sports in the world with billions and millions of fans and viewership. Soccer (Football) is the most followed and watched sport in the world. However, beyond Soccer, there are many other games that are most popular and watched by sports enthusiasts.
However, the viewership depends on the major events and gameplay. For example, the Soccer FIFA World Cup has more viewership than private leagues. Same as the ICC World Cup has more viewership than a Test match. Further, some legendary player also attracts millions of fans by their unique style and game techniques.