World Games Host Cities Legacy

Celebrating over four decades of international multi-sport excellence across the globe

12 HOST CITIES
44 YEARS OF HISTORY
118 MAX COUNTRIES
📍 Host Cities List 🔮 Future Games 📈 Growth Analysis 🏆 Selection Process 💰 Economic Impact ❓ FAQ

Every city that has hosted the World Games has helped to increase its worldwide visibility and elevate non-Olympic sports on the international scene, from Santa Clara's humble beginnings in the early 1980s to exciting stages throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

"The growth of The World Games, both as an event and as a community, is a testament to the power of unity, passion, and hard work."

— José Perurena, President, International World Games Association (IWGA, January 10, 2025)

Complete List of World Games Host Cities

Here is a comprehensive list of all host cities for the World Games, which have been held since the tournament's inception.

World Games Host Cities and Participation Statistics
Year Edition Location Athletes Countries
2029 13 Karlsruhe, Germany TBD TBD
2025 12 Chengdu, China 3,693 118
2022 11 Birmingham, Alabama, USA 3,457 99
2017 10 Wroclaw, Poland 3,214 102
2013 9 Cali, Colombia 2,982 103
2009 8 Kaohsiung, Taiwan 4,800 101
2005 7 Duisburg, Germany 3,200 93
2001 6 Akita, Japan 3,200 92
1997 5 Lahti, Finland 1,379 73
1993 4 The Hague, Netherlands 1,265 44
1989 3 Karlsruhe, West Germany 1,265 36
1985 2 London, UK 1,550 33
1981 1 Santa Clara, California, USA 1,400 58

Key Finding: The World Games have experienced remarkable growth, with athlete participation increasing by 206% from the inaugural event in 1981 to the peak participation of over 3,600 athletes in the last edition, at Chengdu, China.

Upcoming World Games

Karlsruhe, Germany, 2029.

Germany returns as host for the third time, with Karlsruhe becoming the first city to host the World Games twice (1989 and 2029).

Learn More →

Sports Featuring For The First Time

The 13th edition will feature Omniball and Equestrian vaulting as the two debuting sports in the World Games.

Learn More →

Beyond 2029

The bidding process for the 2033 World Games officially opened in December 2024, with the IWGA releasing the Bid Book and inviting cities worldwide to submit their host proposals.

Learn More →

Growth and Evolution of the World Games

Participation Growth At A Glance

First Games (1981): Around 1,400 athletes | Peak Participation (2025): 3,693 athletes | Growth Rate: 206%

Countries Growth: From 34 nations to 118 nations | Impact: Global recognition of non-Olympic sports

Host City Selection Process

The World Games have been staged in cities chosen through a careful bidding and selection process, and overseen by the International World Games Association (IWGA).

Candidate cities must pass a demanding quality assurance procedure that tests their organizational capabilities, state-of-the-art sporting facilities, financial stability, and community legacy plan before they can host the tournament.

Cities submit bids detailing how they will provide venues, athlete services, transportation, sustainability measures, and worldwide publicity for the Games, usually starting several years before the bidding process begins.

"Host city selection for the World Games requires careful evaluation of sporting infrastructure, accommodation capacity, and local government support. Cities must prove they can handle 3,500+ athletes competing across 30+ sports venues simultaneously."
— International World Games Association (2024)

Economic and Social Impact

Economic Impact Range

Host cities generate an estimate of $150-250 million in economic activity during the Games

Cities and regions benefit economically greatly from hosting the World Games. The Games have a long-lasting effect on infrastructure, worldwide recognition, and sports participation rates, in addition to their immediate financial impact.

Direct Economic Benefits

Economic Impact Categories
Category Estimated Range Primary Beneficiaries
Tourism Revenue $50-80 million Hotels, restaurants, retail
Infrastructure Investment $30-60 million Construction, transportation
Media & Broadcasting $20-40 million Media companies, tech services
Employment Generation 5,000-8,000 jobs Local workforce, volunteers

Long-term Legacy Benefits

Pro Tip: Cities that successfully host the World Games often see a 15-25% increase in sports participation rates in the featured non-Olympic sports, creating lasting health and social benefits for local communities.

Regional Distribution of Host Cities

Continent Number of Editions Percentage
Europe 6 46%
Asia 3 23%
North America 2 15%
South America 1 8%
TBD (Future) 1 8%

Notable World Games Moments and Records

Throughout its history, the World Games have produced numerous memorable moments and remarkable achievements that have elevated the profile of non-Olympic sports worldwide.

🏆 LARGEST GAMES

Chengdu 2025
China
Athletes: 3,693
Record participation from 118 countries

📍 FIRST GAMES

Santa Clara 1981
California, USA
Athletes: Around 1,400
Inaugural edition with 58 nations

🌏 FIRST ASIAN HOST

Akita 2001
Japan
Athletes: 3,200
Marked expansion into Asia

Sports Featured in the World Games

The World Games showcase approximately 30-35 sports that are not part of the Olympic program. These disciplines represent the diversity of global sporting culture, from traditional martial arts to modern urban sports.

Popular World Games Sports

Martial Arts: Karate, Ju-jitsu, Muay Thai | Precision Sports: Archery, Billiards, Bowling | Strength Sports: Powerlifting, Tug of War

Artistic Sports: Dance Sport, Gymnastics | Urban Sports: Parkour, Sport Climbing | Team Sports: Lacrosse, Flying Disc

Frequently Asked Questions

What city hosted the 2025 World Games?

Chengdu, China, was host to the 12th World Games in 2025. This marked the first time the World Games held in China, representing a significant milestone for the event's expansion into Asia.

How often are the World Games held?

The World Games are held every four years, typically one year after the Summer Olympic Games. The consistent timing helps athletes plan their training and competition schedules.

Which country has hosted the World Games the most?

Germany has hosted the World Games twice - in Karlsruhe (1989) and Duisburg (2005), and will host again in Karlsruhe in 2029.

What's the difference between the World Games and the Olympics?

The World Games feature sports that are not included in the Olympic program, such as bowling, dance sport, and tug of war. While the Olympics focus on traditional Olympic sports, the World Games showcase approximately 30-35 non-Olympic disciplines. Both events are recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

How are World Games host cities selected?

The International World Games Association (IWGA) selects host cities through a competitive bidding process. Cities must demonstrate adequate sporting venues, accommodation capacity, transportation infrastructure, and government support. The selection typically occurs 6-7 years before the Games to allow sufficient preparation time.

What is the economic impact of hosting the World Games?

Host cities generate an estimate of $150-250 million in economic activity during the Games. This includes tourism revenue, infrastructure investments, and job creation.