Top 10 Most Watched Sports Events of All Time

People all over the world come together for the love of sports it brings chilled moments with friends and family, whether watching it at home or viewing centres you’d surely be entertained. 

However, some sports have generated so many spectacular views and have captivated millions of people.

Drawing on viewership data analysed by The Sun, here are the 10 most watched sporting events of all time. 

10. Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, 2024

Viewers: 65 million  

Boxing fans worldwide tuned in to witness Mike Tyson’s much-anticipated return to the ring after 19 years of retirement. In an eight-round fight streamed live on Netflix, Tyson faced off against social media sensation Jake Paul. Paul claimed victory by unanimous decision, making this Netflix’s most-watched sports event and the second-most-watched boxing match in history.  

9. 2024 Super Bowl: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers 

Viewers: 124 million  

A thrilling showdown saw the Kansas City Chiefs rally to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 25-22, in the 2024 Super Bowl. The game featured star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a blockbuster halftime show, breaking records for Super Bowl viewership and securing a place among the most-watched global sporting events.  

8. South Africa vs. England – 2019 Rugby World Cup Final 

Viewers: 857 million  

In one of rugby’s most iconic moments, South Africa dominated England with a 32-12 victory to win their third Rugby World Cup title. The match showcased rugby’s growing global fanbase, drawing 857 million viewers.  

7. Asian Games

Viewers: 986 million  

Held every four years, the Asian Games bring together athletes from 45 nations, consistently drawing close to a billion viewers. Its enduring popularity highlights the event’s importance across Asia.  

6. 2019 Cricket World Cup Final

Viewers: 1.6 billion  

England’s nail-biting victory over New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s was watched by 1.6 billion fans globally. The dramatic match showcased cricket’s passionate following in nations such as India, Pakistan, and England.  

5. Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks, 1978  

Viewers: 2 billion  

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s rematch with Leon Spinks remains the most-watched fight in history. Ali’s unanimous victory, watched by 2 billion people, marked the final win of his illustrious career.  

4. 2006 Winter Olympics (Torino, Italy)  

Viewers: 2.1 billion  

The Torino Winter Olympics attracted 2.1 billion viewers, showcasing a dazzling array of winter sports and cementing their place in the global sports calendar.  

3. 2024 Tour de France

Viewers: 3.5 billion  

Cycling’s premier event spanned 23 days, drawing 3.5 billion viewers across 190 countries. The Tour de France remains one of the most-followed annual sporting spectacles.  

2. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Viewers: 4.7 billion  

The Beijing Olympics captivated 4.7 billion people with stunning performances and a diverse array of events. China’s triumph in the medal tally made it an unforgettable global event.  

1. 2022 Qatar World Cup  

Viewers: 5.4 billion  

The 2022 Qatar World Cup shattered records, with 5.4 billion viewers watching the tournament. Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France, led by Lionel Messi, delivered one of football’s greatest moments and cemented its place as the most-watched sporting event in history.