From the adrenaline-pumping descents of Alpine Skiing to the elegance of figure skaters, winter sports are beloved by billions of people. Which activity has the most fans, though? Read about the top-8 most watched winter sports competitions in history to learn the answer.
Most watched winter sports competitions
While some people perceive winter as a bad-weather time, it means the launch of various winter sports competitions for numerous athletes and sports enthusiasts. Winter becomes their busiest season, affecting the popularity of winter sports and particular events. If you have always been wondering what sports and tournaments people watch in winter, here’s your answer.
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Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics is one of the most watched winter sports competitions globally. It takes place every four years and features a wide range of activities on snow and ice. Some of the most popular sports included in the Winter Olympics are Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Figure Skating, Ski Jumping, and Snowboarding.
While many people watch the Winter Olympics, the 2022 series of competitions in Beijing are considered the most-watched Olympic Games, with over 2 billion viewers on TV and digital platforms.
Men’s FIH World Cup in Ice Hockey
The Ice Hockey World Cup, organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation, attracts significant viewership, especially in countries with a strong ice hockey tradition (Canada, the United States, Norway, Finland, Russia.) As the most watched hockey event in the world, the Men’s World Cup attracts over 1 billion viewers on a permanent basis.
FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
Alpine skiing events, including the World Cup races and the World Championships, gain substantial viewership year by year. Athletes compete in various disciplines like slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. Although the full viewership statistic is not available for the FIS World Cup, it supposedly reaches 1.3 billion on all platforms.
Winter X Games
As one of the most watched winter sports competitions, the Winter X Games is watched by half a million people in the US only. The championship features extreme sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and snowmobiling. Following the stats, the Winter X Games permanently attract a younger audience, meaning its viewership may grow in the following years.
NHL Winter Classic
The NHL Winter Classic is an annual outdoor ice hockey game played on New Year’s Day. It showcases top NHL teams in iconic outdoor venues and has gained popularity for its unique setting. The 2021/22 game currently hold the record for the most watched NHL Winter Classic with 1.3 million viewers.
Biathlon World Championships
Biathlon is a popular winter activity with hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe. Its main event, the Biathlon World Championships, combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting performed by top athletes. The event daily attracts around 20–40 viewers interested in the combination of endurance and precision, while its total viewership varies from one country to another.
Four Hills Tournament
The Four Hills Tournament is one of the most watched winter sports competitions in ski jumping and one of the most prestigious events in the sport. It takes place annually in Germany and Austria, attracting a substantial audience. Each round glues around 10 million spectators to their screens.
Tour de Ski
Finally, there’s the Tour de Ski, which is a cross-country skiing competition held annually and is part of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup. It features multiple stages and is popular among winter sports enthusiasts. For the past years, it gathered a live audience of nearly 100 million people, which makes it one of the most watched winter sports competitions.
