While the Olympic Games capture global attention every four years, there’s another spectacular multi-sport event that brings together the world’s elite athletes in a different array of disciplines: The World Games. And in 2025, this incredible showcase is heading to Chengdu, China!
Often described as the “Olympics for non-Olympic sports,” The World Games shine a spotlight on diverse and thrilling sports that aren’t typically part of the Olympic program. It’s a chance for athletes to compete at the pinnacle of their careers and for fans to discover new passions.
What are The World Games?
The World Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years, in the year following the Summer Olympic Games. Governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), these games aim to:
- Develop the popularity of sports governed by its member federations.
- Improve their prominence through excellent sporting achievements.
- Conserve the traditional values of sport.
Unlike the Olympics, host cities for The World Games are encouraged to utilize existing infrastructure and venues, promoting sustainability and efficiency. The 2025 Games will also be the first to fully implement the IWGA’s new “Growth Beyond Excellence” strategy, focusing on innovation and modernization within the event.
Chengdu 2025: Key Details
The 12th edition of The World Games, officially known as Chengdu 2025, promises to be a vibrant and unforgettable event.
- When: August 7th to August 17th, 2025
- Where: Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Mascots: Meet Shubao, a giant panda, and Jinzai, a golden snub-nosed monkey! These adorable mascots reflect Chengdu’s unique wildlife and rich cultural heritage, adding a friendly face to the Games.
- Sports: Approximately 34 sports will be featured, comprising around 60 disciplines and 253 medal events. This diverse program includes:
- Acrobatic Gymnastics
- Archery (Field & Target)
- Beach Handball
- Billiard Sports (Carom, Pool, Snooker)
- Canoe Polo & Marathon
- Cheerleading (making its debut!)
- Dancesport (including Breaking)
- Duathlon
- Fistball
- Flag Football
- Floorball
- Flying Disc (Ultimate & Disc Golf)
- Ju-Jitsu
- Karate
- Kickboxing
- Korfball
- Lacrosse (Sixes)
- Lifesaving
- Muaythai
- Orienteering
- Parkour
- Powerboating (making its debut!)
- Powerlifting
- Racquetball
- Roller Sports (Inline Freestyle, Speed Skating, Inline Hockey)
- Sambo
- Softball
- Sport Climbing (Speed)
- Squash
- Tug of War
- Underwater Sports (Finswimming, Freediving)
- Waterski & Wakeboard
- Wushu
- For the first time, the Games will also include para freediving and para ju-jitsu, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity.
- Venues: Competitions will be held across 27 state-of-the-art venues, with 18 being existing facilities with upgrades and nine involving temporary structures. Key venues include:
- Dong’an Lake Sports Park Stadium: Hosting the Closing Ceremony (capacity 40,000). Its Gymnasium will host Cheerleading and Gymnastics (Acrobatic, Aerobic, Trampolining), while Qinglong Lake will host Archery.
- Tianfu International Convention Centre: Hosting the Opening Ceremony (capacity 9,000).
- Tianfu Park: Hosting outdoor events like Fistball and Sport Climbing.
- Xinglong Lake: Featuring Beach Handball, Beach Korfball, Canoe sports, Duathlon, and Parkour.
- Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre: Hosting Powerlifting, Wushu, Racquetball, and Squash.
- Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium: Hosting Kickboxing and Muaythai (capacity 7,000).
- Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre: Hosting Ju-jitsu, Karate, and Sambo (capacity 3,610-4,500).
Why it Matters
The World Games are more than just a competition; they are a celebration of athleticism, cultural exchange, and the sheer diversity of human sporting endeavor. For many athletes, becoming a World Games Champion is the highest achievement in their sport. For spectators, it’s an opportunity to witness incredible skill, passion, and sportsmanship in disciplines they might not encounter elsewhere.
Chengdu, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is poised to deliver an exceptional event, blending international standards with unique Chinese characteristics. Beyond the sporting action, visitors can expect cultural showcases and interactive exhibits throughout the Games.
Ticketing Information
Global ticket sales for The World Games 2025 officially launched on Monday, June 30, 2025. Tickets are categorized into four tiers, with prices ranging from 30 yuan (approximately $4.18 USD) to 880 yuan.
Sales are primarily available online. You can apply for tickets by registering with your real name on platforms such as:
- The official website of the World Games 2025 Chengdu.
- The official WeChat account.
- The Alipay mini app.
- The Chengdu2025 app.
- The IWGA website.
Those whose applications are accepted will receive confirmation via SMS or email and will have priority access during the pre-sale phase. Regular ticket sales are expected to continue throughout the summer.
How to Watch
For those unable to attend in person, The World Games is launching its first-ever official streaming platform in July 2025. This platform will provide free live and on-demand access to event coverage, highlights, and real-time results, ensuring fans worldwide can follow all the action.
Get ready to discover new heroes and incredible sports as the world gathers in Chengdu for The World Games 2025!
For more information and to access ticketing platforms, visit the official World Games website: www.theworldgames.org or the dedicated ticketing portal: tickets.theworldgames2025.com.
Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by Sports Tourist
