For any given list of popular sports, you can be sure that the vast majority are enjoyed by millions of spectators and fans worldwide. In fact, sports viewership is at an all-time high nowadays, and the most popular sporting events are broadcast extensively by various networks through numerous mediums. Broadcasting sports events is certified big business in its own right, and millions of dollars trade hands in the business of feeding the global demand for sports access. Add to that the revenue generated by endorsements and advertising, and you can begin to appreciate the sheer immensity of the sports industry.
Even among the most popular sports in the world, there are some hugely popular sports that are simply more fervently followed than others. Many of the most popular sports routinely pull in crowds of millions of avid fans from several countries around the world, and the attraction that they garner almost approaches religious fervor. Some of the most popular sports in the world can even command the attention of the global majority every time they are on. Below is a top ten list of popular sports that are considered the most watched, most enjoyed, and most played by people from all over the world.
10
Volleyball
Although the international volleyball league has yet to be taken to all corners of the world, it can’t be denied that this game is the one closest to the heart of millions of people. This action-packed game is played by both men and women, with the FIVB hailed as its most important league.
9
Golf
All thanks to Tiger Woods, this game has gotten so popular than it used to. Golf used to be a rich man’s game, with its players usually 40 years old and above. But with the entry of the young champion Woods, golf suddenly became very interesting.
8
Hockey
Hockey is not played in every country in the world but where it does, it creates great waves. Field hockey is very popular in England, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Argentina, China, South Korea, Pakistan, and Malaysia. It has another version,called the Ice Hockey, which has its own set of fans.
7
Table Tennis
Tagged as the ultimate game of speed, table tennis is quite popular in Japan, China, Korea, and many other countries. This sport is a battle of the reflexes as well.
6
Rugby
Rugby is played very much like football, only different in a few aspects. But it has got a few things in common with each other – thrill, action, and excitement. Rugby is played by many teams from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia. A rugby craze is definitely starting elsewhere.
5
Baseball
Baseball is America’s most-loved game. As a matter of fact, it is their national game. And their love for baseball has reached other countries such as Canada and Japan, successfully creating more than 500 million fans combined.
4
Cricket
Cricket is a game strongly played not just in England where it all started but in almost all continents of the world. In Asia, it is very popular in India and Pakistan. Australia is a huge follower of this sport as well.
3
Basketball
Basketball is popular because it is one of the few sports where countries from all over the world have their own local teams. International games are also held annually. This game successfully created prominent names like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
2
Tennis
One of the most followed individual/dual sport is tennis. The annual championships for both the men and the women’s league are watched in the world over. Championships usually are sponsored by the country that started it, like the French Open and Wimbledon, among others.
1
Soccer
Soccer is the ultimate type of football. Teams from all over the world participate in the FIFA, with all of them wishing to bring home the World Cup trophy. Arenas are always filled up to its reamsat the start of the championship series up to its very end.
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