Everyone knows that sports in general are something people all over the globe love to follow. This is not surprising when you consider how exciting games, races, and matches are to watch. Betting on sports has also helped to get even more people involved and explains why they are so widely followed globally.
While the sports betting market in the USA is a good example of this, many other nations around the planet also allow legal betting on sports. New Zealand is a case in point and has lots of safe places to place wagers online – bet365 NZ is a particularly good example and is one of the top sportsbooks for people in New Zealand to use.
While we might know sports, in general, are a key part of society, it also pays to dig deeper into which specific sports are most loved globally. But which are the most popular sports worldwide to know about?
Soccer
With more than 3.5 billion fans and a reach that stretches into all corners of the world, it is no surprise to see soccer in the number one spot. It has gained a massive following due to its fast-paced gameplay, exciting action, and star players. In modern times, top competitions such as the UEFA Champion’s League also help draw spectators in, as do top domestic leagues such as the MLS.
Cricket
Although this might surprise some sports fans who live in countries where cricket isn’t a big deal, it is a game with a huge global following overall. It is thought, for example, that around 2.5 billion people all over the planet take an interest in it!
First invented around the 13th century in England, people love cricket for its fast bowling, awesome fielding, strategic gameplay, and big-scoring shots. The UK still remains an international hub for the sport, but other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, India, and the West Indies also have a real passion for it.
Field Hockey
We all know how awesome ice hockey is but did you know that field hockey is actually more popular on a global scale? It is estimated that around two billion people all over the globe follow field hockey and love it for its competitive nature, frenetic pace, and powerful shooting. Particular hotspots for this sport include Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia.
Tennis
With around one billion loyal fans, the sport of tennis also deserves a place on our list. This is a popular example because of the big-name players it boasts and the top tournaments it has for spectators to catch (such as the US Open).
In addition, people love to follow tennis because of the big serves, hard-hitting baseline shots, and intricate volleys. This is also a year-round sport and one that does not take a seasonal break, which means there are always tournaments to enjoy.
World’s most popular sports revealed
If you’ve ever wondered which sports are most widely followed on a global basis, these are four of the best. While it might surprise you to not see football, baseball, or football mentioned here, they just can’t compete with the fanbase that soccer, cricket, field hockey, and tennis have globally.
