FULL LIST: 10 world’s most-watched sporting moments in history

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Sport has an unparalleled ability to unite people, transcending borders, languages, and cultures.

From thrilling football matches to breathtaking Olympic spectacles, sporting events captivate audiences worldwide, creating moments of shared excitement and wonder.

Whether during the chill of January or the vibrant summer months, the global calendar is filled with events that keep fans glued to their screens.

While viewing figures alone may not fully reflect an event’s cultural significance, they undeniably highlight its magnetic appeal.

Drawing from The Sun’s in-depth analysis on Sunday, this list ranks the 10 most-watched sporting events of all time based on viewership statistics.

From Jake Paul’s electrifying showdown with Mike Tyson, which drew 65 million viewers, to the record-shattering 2022 Qatar World Cup, watched by an astounding 5.4 billion people, these moments showcase the enduring power of sport to bring the world together.

Here are the 10 most-viewed sporting events:

1. Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson, 2024
Viewing figures: 65 million

Mike Tyson’s long-awaited return to the ring, after 19 years of retirement, ended in a loss by unanimous decision to social media star Jake Paul.

The eight-two-minute round bout streamed live on Netflix, marked a historic moment for the platform, attracting 65 million viewers.

It became Netflix’s most-watched sporting event to date and the second-most-watched boxing match in history.

2. Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers—2024 Super Bowl
Viewing figures: 124 million

The 2024 Super Bowl saw the Kansas City Chiefs mount a thrilling comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22.

With quarterback Patrick Mahomes starring in the gripping finale and a halftime show featuring iconic musical acts, the event set a record for Super Bowl viewership and ranked as the ninth-most-watched sporting event globally.

3. South Africa vs England—2019 Rugby World Cup Final
Viewing figures: 857 million

Rugby’s global appeal was evident in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final when South Africa claimed a decisive 32-12 victory over England.

Watched by 857 million viewers, the match cemented the Springboks’ dominance, securing their third World Cup title.

4. Asian Games
Viewing figures: 986 million

The Asian Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event featuring 45 nations, consistently draws an average of 986 million viewers. Its vast appeal across Asia highlights its enduring popularity.

5. 2019 Cricket World Cup Final
Viewing figures: 1.6 billion

The 2019 Cricket World Cup final, where England narrowly defeated New Zealand at Lord’s, was a spectacle witnessed by 1.6 billion people globally.

The event underscored cricket’s deep-rooted following in nations like India, Pakistan, and England.

6. Muhammad Ali vs Leon Spinks, 1978
Viewing figures: 2 billion

Muhammad Ali’s rematch with Leon Spinks remains the most-watched boxing event in history. Ali’s unanimous decision victory, watched by 2 billion viewers, marked the last win of his legendary career.

7. 2006 Winter Olympics (Torino, Italy)
Viewing figures: 2.1 billion

The Torino 2006 Winter Olympics attracted 2.1 billion viewers, showcasing winter sports to a global audience and cementing their place in the sporting calendar.

8. 2024 Tour de France
Viewing figures: 3.5 billion

The Tour de France, spanning 23 days, amassed a viewership of 3.5 billion across 190 countries. The legendary cycling race remains one of the world’s most-followed annual sporting events.

9. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Viewing figures: 4.7 billion

The 2008 Beijing Olympics captivated 4.7 billion viewers worldwide, driven by its diverse events and exceptional performances. China’s dominance in the medal tally made it an unforgettable showcase.