World Games Sports Program

Showcasing the best of non-Olympic international sports since 1981

30+ OFFICIAL SPORTS
207 EVENTS
54 DISCIPLINES
🏆 2025 Sports ✨ New Additions 📉 Dropped Sports 📚 Past Sports 🥇 Olympic Graduates ❓ FAQs 

What Are The World Games

The World Games are an international multi-sport festival that shines a spotlight on disciplines not typically found in the Olympic program. The first edition took place in 1981. Sports such as tug of war, sumo wrestling, or even sailing find their stage here, giving athletes in these fields the chance to perform at the highest level of global competition.

Like the Olympics, the World Games are held every four years, but they take place one year after the Summer Olympics, which helps maintain worldwide sporting excitement and ensures athletes from non-Olympic sports receive recognition on a grand stage.

2029 World Games Updates

The 13th edition of the World Games is expected to feature unique events like Omniball and Equestrian vaulting as new sports in the tournament.

IOC's Involvement with the World Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) supports the International World Games Association (IWGA), which organizes the competition. In November 2020, the IWGA adopted the "Growth Beyond Excellence" strategy paper, which was applied for the first time during TWG 2025. The multi-sport event was a guest in Asia for the third time since 1981. 

Beyond medals, the World Games serve as a source of inspiration, providing a stage for athletes and non-Olympic sports to develop, become well-known, and interact with audiences around the world.  As a proud auxiliary to the Olympic movement, the World Games have evolved into a contemporary celebration of athletic variety.

Complete List of 2025 World Games Sports

What's New for 2029

The 2029 World Games, which is the next edition, will return to Karlsruhe, Germany, marking the city’s second time hosting the event since 1989. The edition is set to be larger than ever, with around 4,000 athletes from over 100 nations and regions expected to participate. Major changes are expected for the World Games sports list of the tournament; however, the official selection will be confirmed in 2027.

Apart from changes to the sports lists, fans can expect to get closer to the action than ever before, as organizers are setting up contemporary venues with digital ticketing systems, eco-friendly infrastructure, and interactive fan experiences. This is to promote Germany's sustainibility and inovation goals for Karlsruhe city.

New Additions

Omniball and Equestrian vaulting make their official World Games debut in 2029, expanding the program's diversity.

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Continuing Sports

Wushu, billiards, and roller skating continue in the World Games program after a brief rumour of absence.

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E-Sports Showcase

E-Sports will be featured as a demonstration event, though not part of the official competitive program.

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Past Sports

Some of these sports are no longer part of the World Games program as they have been included into the Olympic Games.

Sports That Graduated to the Olympics

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Complete List of Past World Games Sports

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sports were in the 2025 World Games?

The 2025 World Games featured 35 official sports.

What sports were dropped from the World Games 2025?

Bowling, water-skiing (though wakeboarding remains), and artistic roller skating. Sumo was also removed from the program.

What new sports will feature in the 2029 World Games?

Omniball and Equestrian vaulting will make their official debut in 2029.

Why do some sports leave the World Games?

Sports typically leave the World Games when they gain Olympic status, as the Games focuses on non-Olympic sports. Sports like rugby sevens, surfing, and sport climbing all graduated from the World Games to the Olympics.

What's the difference between official and invitational sports?

Official sports are part of the main competitive program with medals awarded. Invitational sports were previously showcased separately, but since 2022, all sports are now part of the unified official program.