The FIFA World Cup in 2022, which was marked by Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup win with Argentina, has officially become the most-watched sporting event in history, gaining an incredible 5.4 billion viewers worldwide.
Coming in second is the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, with 4.7 billion viewers, according to statistics from The Sun, Los Angeles Times, and LenteDesportiva.
The numbers reflect a reality: sports today are more than games, they’re global moments of unity, passion, and spectacle.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 most-watched sporting events in history, from football and cycling to boxing and beyond:
1. FIFA World Cup 2022 – Qatar
Viewers: 5.4 billion
Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup in Qatar wasn’t just a football moment, it was history. The tournament was followed by over 5.4 billion viewers, with 1.5 billion tuning in for the final alone.
It cemented football’s place as the world’s most beloved sport.
2. Summer Olympics – Beijing 2008
Viewers: 4.7 billion
Beijing 2008 symbolized China’s global sports emergence. Nearly 5 billion people watched two weeks of record-breaking Olympic performances and dazzling ceremonies.
3. Tour de France 2024
Viewers: 3.5 billion
One of the longest annual sporting events in the world, the 23-day cycling race reached 3.5 billion viewers in 190 countries, maintaining its reputation as cycling’s ultimate showcase.
4. Winter Olympics – Turin 2006
Viewers: 2.1 billion
The most-watched Winter Olympics to date, Turin 2006 captivated over 2 billion people with its mix of elegance and adrenaline in events like figure skating and alpine skiing.
5. Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks – 1978
Viewers: 2 billion
Ali’s final world title win wasn’t just a boxing match—it was a cultural event. Over 2 billion people tuned in to witness a legend close out his career with grace and grit.
6. Cricket World Cup 2019
Viewers: 1.6 billion
Fueled by massive fanbases in India, Pakistan, England, and Australia, the 2019 tournament—and its dramatic final—reached 1.6 billion viewers, marking a high point for global cricket.
7. Asian Games 2022
Viewers: 986 million
Though less known in the West, the Asian Games are huge across the continent. With 45 countries participating, the 2022 edition drew close to 1 billion viewers worldwide.
8. Rugby World Cup Final 2019 – South Africa vs. England
Viewers: 857 million
South Africa’s dominant win over England captured hearts worldwide, with 857 million viewers, making it the most-watched event in the UK that year.
9. Super Bowl 2025 – Chiefs vs. Eagles
Viewers: 126 million
The 2025 Super Bowl shattered U.S. records, with 126 million viewers watching the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. The halftime show, led by Kendrick Lamar, added even more buzz.
10. Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson – 2024
Viewers: 65 million
It was Netflix’s first-ever live boxing stream. The 58-year-old Tyson returned to the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Despite falling short of expectations, the event drew 65 million viewers globally.
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