The Most Popular Sports in the World

Most people have some sort of interest in a sport or another. Nearly everyone has a favorite sport. For some people, sports are purely for entertainment and fun. For other people, however, sports are a passion. 

According to Wikipedia, there are around 8000 sports in total. Most of you will only be able to name about 50. In this article, we will introduce you to 5 of the most followed sports in the world. Measured by the number of fans.

1. Soccer – 3.5 Billion Fans

Despite the popularity of soccer, it has never become the most lucrative sport in the United States. Although soccer has many fans in the United States – immigrants from different countries have played it – the sport has roots much earlier than the modern game. People kick things instinctively and it is possible that Stone Age man kicked rocks and bones with his foot. That doesn’t mean that soccer has no other origins in the world, though.

While many people associate soccer with football, it is a much simpler sport. It can be played anywhere, including the floor. You don’t need special equipment to play soccer, although you can mark soccer goals with coats. If you’re looking for a game to play with friends, make sure to find a nearby park that allows spectators to watch the action. Soccer is so popular that you can bet that someone in your city will be watching it.

2. Cricket – 2.5 Billion Fans

Two teams consisting of eleven players play the game of cricket. It is more popular in Europe and former British colonies than in North America, where it does not have nearly the same following as other sports. Cricket games are played with a bat and a large field, with the aim of scoring runs. Cricket’s main differences from baseball are its long rectangular pitch in the center of the field and the absence of a mound.

Tennis is the most popular individual sport in the world, played by 60 million people. It is also the most popular doubles sport in the world.

3. Basketball – 2.4 Billion Fans

With 2.2 billion fans worldwide, basketball is the third most popular sport in the world. The objective of the game is to score points by shooting the ball through the hoop, which measures 18 inches in diameter and is ten feet high. During regular play, a player is awarded two points for touching the basket and three points if he or she is behind the hoop. The team with the most points wins. 

4. Hockey – 2 Billion Fans

There are about 2 billion fans of hockey around the world. This includes fans of both field hockey and ice hockey. Both have similar rules and the goal is to pass a ball or puck into the opposing team’s goal. Players use hockey sticks to reach the goal. Ice hockey is most popular in the United States and Canada and has moderate popularity in many countries. Almost half a billion people watch the sport on TV.

Among the sports played in the world, hockey is the most popular. Despite its lack of social media popularity, the sport has a dedicated on-demand audience. In the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, 3.2 million people tuned in to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the Montreal Canadiens.

5. Tennis – 1 Billion Fans

Though tennis isn’t as popular as soccer or basketball, it is considered one of the most prestigious sports in the world. In recent years, the sport has gained enormous popularity and is played by millions of people around the world. This sport has an extensive following and is popular in developed and developing nations alike. Major tournaments attract more than 400 million viewers.

Why Are Sports Popular?

Sports are one of the world’s most popular hobbies and a great way to connect with others. People also enjoy sports for their connection with community and sense of belonging. Many people join teams and feel a sense of belonging, whether it is in a professional or amateur setting. One of the undeniable reasons why sports are so popular is betting. Nowadays, you can bet anytime, anywhere thanks to online and bitcoin casinos, where you can bet even with virtual currencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Sporting events have a profound effect on people’s lives. In many countries, sports have helped build thriving economies. For instance, in the United States, professional sports generate over one percent of GDP.