The world of sports has undergone dramatic changes over the past century, with some of today’s most popular sports only being founded in the second half of the 20th century.
Traditional sports like baseball and hockey remain but were joined by new favorites like soccer and basketball.
In this article, we look at the top 10 most watched sports in the world in 2022, focusing on the most popular sport for each continent and breaking down which sport rises to dominance in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Ice Hockey
One of the most popular sports in the world, Ice Hockey, is played on an ice rink. Teams usually consist of six players each, including a goaltender. The game’s object is to maneuver a hockey puck into the opposing team’s goal by passing it among the players or shooting it with a stick into the net.
Volleyball
This sport is among the most popular worldwide, with an estimated 4.5 billion people participating. It can be played indoors or outdoors and is considered a fast-paced game that requires quick reactions.
In the late 1890s and early 1900s, volleyball was developed as a physical education activity for girls in U.S colleges. It became an Olympic sport in 1964.
Basketball
This is a trendy sport and is often called the king of all sports. Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, who wanted a game that was less physically demanding for older members of his church congregation.
It’s played with two teams of five players on either end of a court, using baskets as goals at opposite ends. The objective is to get the ball through your opponent’s goal while preventing them from getting it through yours. It’s also among the top 10 most watched sports in the world.
Cricket
A new cricket league was recently announced in the UAE. This is just another instance of a sport that is gaining traction worldwide, and with good reason. It’s among the most popular sports in the world.
With a small net for practice, a large field, and no offside rules, cricket requires more skill than many other sports.
To be successful, players must strategize how to use their team’s batting order best to score runs and thus win the game.
Golf
Despite the many changes to the game, golf has remained one of the world’s most popular sports. Golf is a sport that requires both mental focus and physical endurance. It’s no wonder why it’s so popular among spectators.
Tennis
One of the top 10 most watched sports in the world, tennis, is played by both men and women. It is a sport that can be played on any surface and in any location. Players typically have to play six games, which last up to an hour each.
The players are ranked based on their tournament performance, with the number one player being called the king or queen of the court. As such, it’s no wonder this sport is so popular worldwide.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular sport worldwide, and it’s not uncommon to see competitive swimmers in many countries.
It’s one of the most popular sports for kids to take up, and it can also be an excellent way for people with health issues, such as arthritis or obesity, to get exercise without putting too much strain on their joints.
This makes it a good choice for people who want to stay active but have limitations on what they can do.
Athletics (Track & Field)
Track and field include running, jumping, hurdling, high and long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. Over the last decade or two, it has become one of the most popular sports in the world.
Track and field is an event that can be participated by anyone who wishes to do so, as there are no age restrictions. It is also a relatively inexpensive sport with little equipment required for participation.
soccer football
Soccer, or football as it is known in some countries, is in the list of top 10 most watched sports in the world. It has been broadcast on TV for over fifty years and shows no signs of slowing down. That said, it is unsurprising that soccer ranks number one in popularity.
According to a list compiled by FIFA, the governing body of soccer, over 265 million people watch soccer each year.
American Football American or Baseball
American Football and Baseball are the most watched sports in the world, but with more and more people watching other sports, it is hard to say what will be the top sport. With that many viewers, soccer will quickly become America’s favorite sport, surpassing football and baseball.
You can also read about the Top 10 most popular sports in the UK.