Top 10 Most Popular Sports In The World
Sports are everywhere, and many people around the world dedicate significant amounts of time in their life to them. It doesn't matter if they are a fan or an athlete: almost everyone loves sports. But why are some sports more popular than others? Which are the most fun to watch, and which are the most fun to play? Below, we provide a list and breakdown of the top 10 most popular sports in the world.
What Are the Most Popular Sports in the World?
1. Soccer (Football)
Soccer (known across most of the world as football) is played and viewed by an estimated four billion people. It is easily the most popular sport in the entire world. It was first invented in London, England, in 1863, but earlier forms of the game have existed since ancient times. It is most popular in Europe and South America but generally has a massive global following despite not being very popular in the United States. Every four years, the World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the entire world. Every country has its own leagues that draw in fans from all over the place and unite different cities. Notable players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the most popular athletes in the entire world.
2. Cricket
Cricket is played and viewed by an estimated 2.5 billion people. Cricket is not very popular in the United States, but it is one of the primary sports in countries such as India and Australia. The first reference to cricket being played was from 1611, but there is no proof as to when it was actually invented. It has similar aspects to baseball but was invented 200 years earlier. Its main country, India, is one of the most populated places in the world and is the main reason why cricket is so popular. The Cricket World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the world. It is, statistically, the third most-watched sporting event every year.
3. Basketball
Basketball is played and viewed by an estimated 2.5 billion people around the world. The sport strives for popularity globally and has recently had a boom in worldwide growth. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most popular basketball league in the world. The sport has grown because of the rise of multiple international stars. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic are some of the biggest stars in the world and are all non-American. Basketball was invented in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by James Naismith. The sport has spread all over Europe and Asia and is practically played everywhere.
4. Field Hockey
Field Hockey is played and viewed by an estimated two billion people. It was invented in 1849 in India; however, the first game was played in England. It has a large following in Australia, India, and multiple European countries. The sport is also played in the United States and is a very popular women’s sport. It is also a sport in the Summer Olympic Games. There is a Men’s and Women’s World Cup and an NCAA Division I Tournament in field hockey every year as well. Dhyan Chand is known as the greatest men’s field hockey player of all time, and Luciana Paula Aymar is the greatest women’s player of all time.
5. Tennis
Tennis is played and viewed by an estimated one billion people. Tennis is one of the oldest sports, and there is evidence of it being invented in Ancient Egypt in 1300, but also a belief that it was invented by French monks sometime in the 12th century. It is very popular all over the world. Wimbledon is the biggest Tennis tournament in the world and is the 16th-most-watched sporting event. The US, Australian, and French Opens are also amongst the biggest tennis tournaments. It is also an Olympic sport. Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal are some of the biggest names in the sport.
6. Volleyball
Volleyball is played and viewed by an estimated 900 million people. It was invented in 1895 in Massachusetts as an alternative to basketball. It is most popular in Brazil and other South and Central American countries, but it is played all over the world. It can be played in a gym or on a beach. Both versions involve two different styles, as beach volleyball is primarily a two-on-two sport, and indoor (gym) volleyball is a six-on-six sport. Both versions are also Olympic sports played by both men and women. Karch Kiraly and Kerri Walsh Jennings are highly regarded as the best volleyball players of all time.
7. Table Tennis
Table tennis (also known as ping pong) is viewed and played by an estimated 850 million people all over the world. It was invented sometime in the 1880s in England. It is played professionally all over the world but is particularly popular in China and Japan. Many people have a table in their basement, and the game can be easily played by anybody. The World Table Tennis Championships is the most popular table tennis tournament and helps decide who the best table tennis player in the world is each year. Ma Long is the number-one table tennis player in the world and has held the number-one ranking for almost six years.
8. Baseball
Baseball is played and enjoyed by an estimated 500 million people. It was invented in Cooperstown, New York, in 1839. The sport has grown and become extremely popular throughout America and is even regarded as “America’s Pastime.” It is also played in multiple Latin American and Asian countries. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most popular baseball league in the world. It takes place in the United States but is filled with players from all over the world. Mike Trout and Aaron Judge are some of the biggest names in baseball today.
9. Rugby
Rugby is played and enjoyed by an estimated 410 million people. It was invented in 1823 in England in an attempt to disregard the rules of football and create a fun alternative. It is a high-contact sport with limited padding. It is most popular in Australia, New Zealand, and almost everywhere else around the world. Rugby is not that popular a sport in the United States, but it has become a very popular club sport at most colleges. Every four years, the best countries in the world will compete in the Rugby World Cup. Richie McCaw is commonly regarded as the greatest and most popular rugby player of all time.
10. Golf
Golf is viewed and played by an estimated 390 million people. The sport itself was invented sometime in the 15th century in Scotland, but the first 18-hole course was played in 1764. Golf is popular all over the world and is played everywhere. It is played professionally and casually. There are thousands of courses all around the world that anybody can play at. There is also the PGA and LIV Golf Tours, which are the primary professional leagues in the world. The sport has expanded over the past few decades and can be fun for all ages, even if you only play mini golf. Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer are two of the biggest names the sport has ever seen.
Honorable Mentions
FAQ
What is the most popular sport of all time?
Soccer (football) is the most popular sport of all time. It is enjoyed by an estimated four billion people. It is most popular in Asia, South America, and Europe, but it is played and viewed all over the world. Every four years, countries are given the opportunity to compete in the FIFA World Cup, which is the most-watched sporting event in the world. Its global popularity makes it a very hard sport to be the best in.
What is the most popular up and coming sport?
Lacrosse is one of the most popular up and coming sports. The sport is popular amongst men and women and is commonly played at many colleges and high schools around the United States. It is mainly popular in the United States but is played and viewed by an estimated four million people. This number grows every year, and the sport becomes more and more popular.