The World Games 2025, set for August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, China, is a thrilling multi-sport event showcasing non-Olympic disciplines. With a Betwinner casino promo code, fans can engage more with the excitement. Over 4,000 athletes from 110+ nations will compete, making Chengdu a global hub for elite competition across diverse sports.
What Are the World Games?
The World Games convene elite athletes in sports absent from the Olympic program, such as those enjoyed by Bet winner Egypt enthusiasts. Organized quadrennially under the International World Games Association, it showcases disciplines from air sports to wushu. The event emphasizes global participation, technical excellence, and cultural exchange within competitive frameworks beyond mainstream Olympic recognition.
History and Purpose of the World Games
Initiated in 1981 in Santa Clara, USA, the World Games emerged to support sports not contested at the Olympics. Its foundational objective centers on promoting global visibility, standardized competition, and institutional legitimacy for these disciplines. The event rotates among host cities, reinforcing inclusivity and athletic diversity across continents.
How the World Games Differ from the Olympics
The Olympics feature sports governed by International Federations recognized by the IOC. In contrast, the World Games spotlight non-Olympic sports, like those highlighted in Lanka Premier League: Sri Lanka’s T20 Cricket Powerhouse 2025 – SociallyKeeda, governed by IWGA-affiliated federations. Participation is by invitation, with athlete quotas strictly regulated. Though smaller in scale, the competitive intensity remains high across niche and emerging athletic domains.
International World Games Association (IWGA) and Its Role
The IWGA governs the World Games, sanctioning sports, selecting hosts, and enforcing regulatory standards. It collaborates with over 40 international federations to curate the event program. The association ensures competitive integrity, coordinates logistics, and promotes athlete eligibility protocols. Its oversight guarantees alignment with global anti-doping and fair play mandates.
World Games 2025 Host City and Dates
The 2025 World Games will take place from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, China. This marks the first time the event is hosted in mainland China. The 11-day competition will span multiple purpose-upgraded venues across the city, accommodating over 4,000 athletes and officials.
Where Will the 2025 World Games Be Held?
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, has been confirmed as the host city for the 2025 World Games. Located in southwestern China, it is a major economic and cultural center. The city was selected for its modern infrastructure, transport connectivity, and prior experience hosting international multisport events.
Key Venues and Infrastructure Plans
Chengdu has allocated and upgraded several venues to meet international competition standards. Key locations include:
- Chengdu Dong’an Lake Sports Park: Main hub for opening and closing ceremonies; hosts gymnastics and track cycling.
- Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium: Venue for futsal and korfball.
- Jinjiang Academy of Fine Arts Arena: Hosts dancesport and parkour.
- Chengdu Sports Centre Stadium: Designated for lacrosse and flag football.
- Longxing Football Complex: Supports competition in sport climbing and lifesaving.
- Xindu District Aquatic Centre: Venue for finswimming and water skiing.
Transport corridors, athlete accommodations, and media facilities are integrated within a centralized zone to ensure operational efficiency.
Full Event Schedule and Opening Ceremony Details
| Date | Event | Venue |
| Aug 7 | Opening Ceremony | Chengdu Dong’an Lake Sports Park |
| Aug 8 | Gymnastics, Finswimming | Dong’an Lake, Xindu Aquatic |
| Aug 9 | Parkour, Dancesport | Jinjiang Arena |
| Aug 10 | Lacrosse, Flag Football | Chengdu Sports Centre |
| Aug 11 | Sport Climbing, Lifesaving | Longxing Complex |
| Aug 12 | Air Sports (indoor), Boules | Dong’an Lake Annex |
| Aug 13 | Canoe Polo, Karate | Sichuan University Aquatic, Gymnasium |
| Aug 14 | Squash, Tug of War | Chengdu Olympic Sports Centre |
| Aug 15 | Muaythai, Wushu | Sichuan Provincial Stadium |
| Aug 16 | Beach Handball, Sumo | Coastal Recreation Zone |
| Aug 17 | Closing Ceremony, Medal Count Finalization | Dong’an Lake Sports Park |
Sports and Disciplines at World Games 2025
The 2025 program features 34 official sports, categorized into precision, combat, artistic, and dynamic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on non-Olympic events with global federations. Competitions are structured across individual and team formats, with standardized scoring systems monitored by IWGA technical delegates.
Official List of Sports in World Games 2025
- Air Sports
- Archery
- Boules
- Bowling
- Canoe Polo
- DanceSport
- Finswimming
- Flag Football
- Flying Disc
- Gymnastics
- Karate
- Korfball
- Lacrosse
- Lifesaving
- Muaythai
- Powerlifting
- Racquetball
- Roller Sports
- Softball
- Squash
- Sumo
- Sport Climbing
- Sport Acrobatics
- Tug of War
- Underwater Hockey
- Water Skiing
- Wushu
New and Returning Non-Olympic Sports
- Parkour – debut discipline; urban freestyle racing and freestyle performance.
- Flag Football – newly elevated to core status; replaces American Football.
- Beach Handball – returns after absence; fast-paced variant with acrobatic scoring.
- Muaythai – reinstated following governance standardization.
- Korfball – reintroduced with mixed-gender team format compliance.
Extreme, Martial Arts, and Artistic Events Highlights
Parkour introduces speed and freestyle categories, judged on technical execution and flow. Sport Climbing features lead, bouldering, and speed formats. Martial arts include Muaythai, Karate, and Sumo, each with weight-class divisions. Artistic disciplines encompass Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline, and DanceSport, emphasizing choreographic precision and synchronization under adjudicated scoring systems.
Top Athletes and Nations to Watch
The 2025 edition will feature elite competitors from nations with dominant records in non-Olympic disciplines. Powerhouses in karate, finswimming, and boules are expected to lead medal tallies. Emerging athletes in parkour and flag football will challenge established champions across multiple weight and team categories.
Star Competitors and Medal Favorites
| Athlete | Nation | Sport | Notable Achievements |
| Anastasiia Krapiva | Ukraine | Aerobic Gymnastics | 3x World Champion (2022, 2023, 2024) |
| Arthur Zanetti | Brazil | Acrobatic Gymnastics | Olympic medalist, 2024 World Games qualifier |
| Anna Basta | Italy | Rhythmic Gymnastics | 2023 World Games silver medalist |
| Christian McNeil | Australia | Finswimming | World record holder (surface 400m) |
| Miyuki Maeda | Japan | Karate | 2024 Asian Games gold medalist |
Countries with Strong Traditions in World Games Sports
France excels in sport climbing and boules. Italy dominates rhythmic gymnastics and korfball. The United States leads in flag football, flying disc, and powerlifting. Russia and Ukraine hold supremacy in acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics. Australia and South Africa are powerhouses in lifesaving and finswimming events.
Rising Stars in Niche Sports
| Athlete | Nation | Sport | Potential Breakout Event |
| Tariq Hamedi | Saudi Arabia | Karate | Men’s +84kg Kumite |
| Freya Egan | Great Britain | Parkour | Women’s Speed Run |
| Jaden Elesin | Canada | Flag Football | Open Division Quarterback |
| Saki Niizoe | Japan | Sumo | Women’s Heavyweight |
| Luka Potočnik | Slovenia | Sport Climbing | Bouldering Combined |
How to Watch the World Games 2025 Live
Live coverage of the 2025 World Games will be available through official broadcasters and digital platforms. Events will stream in high definition with multi-language commentary. Geo-restricted access will apply; regional partners provide localized transmissions across television and online services.
Streaming Services and Global Broadcast Info
- Olympic Channel: Global live streaming with on-demand replays.
- Eurovision Sport: Free access for European public broadcasters.
- DAZN: Exclusive rights in Germany, Austria, Japan, and Canada.
- CBS Sports Digital: Primary U.S. digital platform for select events.
- Tencent Sports: Official mainland China streaming partner.
- World Games Official App: Real-time updates, live scores, and partial event streams.
Event Coverage by Region (US, Europe, Asia)
| Region | Broadcaster | Language | Access Method |
| United States | CBS Sports Network, Peacock | English | Cable, Streaming Subscription |
| Western Europe | ARD, RAI, France Télévisions | German, Italian, French | Free-to-air, Eurovision Sport |
| East Asia | CCTV-5, Tencent Sports | Mandarin | Satellite, Mobile App |
| Southeast Asia | One Sports, SPOTV | English, Korean | Cable, OTT Platforms |
| Oceania | SBS On Demand | English | Free Streaming |
Social Media Highlights and Fan Engagement
Official accounts on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will deliver real-time clips, athlete interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Hashtag campaigns and interactive polls will drive viewer participation. Live Q&A sessions with competitors and fan voting for “Best Trick” awards will enhance digital immersion.
Why the World Games 2025 Matter
The 2025 edition amplifies visibility for non-Olympic sports, providing elite competition platforms and global media exposure. It drives investment in grassroots programs, validates federations, and fosters cross-national collaboration. Chengdu’s hosting underscores the event’s expanding geopolitical and cultural footprint.
Promoting Lesser-Known Sports Globally
The Games serve as the premier stage for disciplines lacking Olympic inclusion. Broadcast reach elevates sports like boules, korfball, and underwater hockey to new audiences. Federations leverage the platform for sponsorship and development. As IWGA President Gaetano Adamo stated, “These sports deserve the spotlight — talent exists where recognition is given.”
Opportunities for Amateur Athletes
Qualification pathways include regional championships and world rankings, enabling non-professional competitors to participate. Many athletes represent national federations without full-time funding. The event validates years of training outside mainstream systems. U.S. parkour athlete Freya Egan noted, “This is proof that niche doesn’t mean insignificant — dedication opens doors.”
Cultural Exchange and International Cooperation
Athletes, officials, and fans converge in a shared environment of mutual respect. Host cities integrate local traditions into ceremonies and fan zones. Bilateral agreements between federations emerge from sideline dialogues. As Chengdu Organizing Committee lead Li Wei remarked, “Sport bridges differences — here, every uniform tells a story beyond the medal.”
Economic and Cultural Impact on Host City
Chengdu anticipates a surge in international visitors, boosting hospitality and retail sectors. The event accelerates urban renewal and positions the city as a global sports destination. Cultural programs coincide with the Games, promoting Sichuan heritage and fostering civic pride through large-scale public engagement.
Tourism, Jobs, and Local Infrastructure
Over 100,000 visitors are projected, generating significant revenue for hotels and transportation networks. Temporary and permanent event staffing created approximately 15,000 job opportunities. Venue upgrades and expanded transit links improve long-term urban functionality. Infrastructure investments exceed 1.2 billion CNY, with lasting public utility.
Community Engagement and Legacy Projects
Youth clinics, school outreach programs, and amateur tournaments are integrated into the event calendar. Post-Games, competition venues will transition to community sports centers. Scholarships for local athletes in non-Olympic disciplines have been established. These initiatives ensure sustained participation beyond the 11-day event.
Environmental and Sustainability Goals
- Zero single-use plastic in all competition zones.
- 100% renewable energy powering main venues via solar grid integration.
- Carbon offset program for international athlete and official travel.
- Sustainable materials used in construction and temporary structures.
- Waste segregation and recycling enforced across all sites with real-time monitoring.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 World Games represent a convergence of athletic diversity, cultural exchange, and global visibility for non-Olympic sports. Chengdu’s hosting sets a benchmark for infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusivity. The event solidifies its role as a vital pillar in the international sports ecosystem.
What to Expect from World Games 2025
- Debut of parkour as a fully medalized sport.
- Record participation with 4,200+ athletes from 110+ countries.
- Enhanced digital coverage with 360-degree live streams for select events.
- Introduction of real-time biometric athlete data displays.
- Expanded fan zones featuring interactive sport trials and cultural exhibits.
How to Get Involved as a Fan, Volunteer, or Sponsor
Spectator tickets are available through the official World Games 2025 portal. Volunteer applications were open until December 2024 via the Chengdu Organizing Committee website. Sponsorship opportunities remain for global partners in technology, transport, and hospitality sectors through IWGA-accredited channels.
The Future of the World Games
The 2029 host city selection process is underway, emphasizing geographic rotation and emerging markets. The IWGA plans to integrate augmented reality viewing and expand adaptive sports categories. Future editions will prioritize low-carbon footprints and digital athlete passports for streamlined global competition access.
