From golfing and grand slams to high-speed motorsports, these are the sporting events worth travelling for in 2025, writes Laura Barry.
A new travel trend has infiltrated the luxury space. Perched at the nexus where world-class sporting events and luxury travel intersect, sports tourism blends the thrill of heart-pounding races and nail-biting matches with bespoke experiences that cater to affluent travellers. From VIP access and exclusive packages to sports star meet-and-greets, the world’s most prestigious sporting events are now hotspots for travel connoisseurs.
The 2024 Global Travel Trends Report by American Express found that 37% of respondents made plans to travel for sporting events that year, while data from Skyscanner found that 28% of all Australian travellers plan to undertake domestic or international travel to see a sporting event in 2025. According to United Nations Tourism, sports constitute 10% of the world’s expenditure on travel, and it’s gaining rapid momentum within the luxury market.
Top-tier hospitality brands and cruise lines are now collaborating with athletes and creating specialised itineraries that cater to the luxury sports fan. Aman has partnered with tennis greats Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic to offer curated wellness retreats, while Joali Being engaged tennis pro Mischa Zverev to provide hands-on tennis experiences for guests. David Beckham serves as the face of The Londoner Hotel and curates the David Beckham Suites, and Kerzner International’s lifestyle brand SIRO works with British Olympian Adam Peaty to craft cutting-edge fitness facilities and wellness programs. Not to be left behind, Cunard hosted British Olympic swimmer Mark Foster as an Insight Speaker onboard its luxury ship, Queen Anne and Emerald Cruises is sailing a new ‘Monaco Grand Prix and the Italian Riviera’ itinerary in 2025, combining luxury yachting with F1 racing. Similarly, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team are collaborating on a new Spotlight Voyage sailing in the Mediterranean in the Summer of 2025, hosted by former Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa.
Discover new destinations and indulge your passion for sports by attending the world’s most prestigious sporting events in 2025.
What is the biggest sporting event in the world?
The Olympic Games – scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2028 – and the FIFA World Cup – scheduled for 2026 in North America – are regarded as the world’s biggest sporting events and are both held once every four years.
What is the biggest sporting event in Australia?
The AFL Grand Final is generally accepted as Australia’s biggest sporting event, with around 100,000 people crowding into the MCG each year, and more than three million viewers tuning in to watch it on TV.
Upcoming major sporting events
FIFA World Cup
Don’t miss the biggest event in the soccer schedule, planned to be held in North America in 2026.
Rugby World Cup
Occurring once every four years, the next cup is planned for October and November 2027 in Australia.
Cricket World Cup
This One Day International Cricket event will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia throughout October and November 2027.
The Olympic Games
The next big games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
Best sporting events 2025
Australian Open
6 – 26 January
Melbourne, Australia
One of four Grand Slam tournaments, this annual competition is known for its vibrant atmosphere and attracting the world’s top players. With cutting-edge facilities and scorching summer conditions, the tournament serves as a premier showcase of athleticism. The Australian Open also has a reputation for cool activities, food stalls and awesome fan zones with with interactive games, meet-and-greets and merch stores.
Super Bowl LIX
9 February
New Orleans, USA
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American football and is famed for its thrilling gameplay, star-studded halftime shows and high-profile commercials. Attended by celebrities, business leaders and influencers, it’s also an opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded individuals.
The Grand National
5 April
Aintree, UK
One of the most iconic horse races in the world, the Grand National attracts global attention and fierce competition. Steeped in history and tradition, the race embodies British sporting culture and prestige.
The Masters
10 – 13 April
Georgia, USA
Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is a prestigious tournament with an exclusive invitation format. Marked in the calendars of golf enthusiasts and professionals alike, The Masters’ iconic green jacket, pristine fairways and dramatic moments are universally beloved
Kentucky Derby
2 – 3 May
Kentucky, USA
America’s premier horse race is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Renowned as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’, the Kentucky Derby marks the start of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Expect lavish fashion and signature mint juleps.
PGA Championship
18 May
North Carolina, USA
One of the world’s four major golf tournaments, the PGA Championship takes place at the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. Known for its highly competitive field and challenging courses, spectators can follow their favourites around the course or enjoy prime seats at key holes.
Monaco Grand Prix
25 May
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of the F1 calendar. Each year, drivers take to the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, demonstrating exceptional skill through tight corners and narrow lanes. The compact circuit allows fans to enjoy close-up views of the cars and drivers.
UEFA Championships League Finals
31 May
Munich, Germany
The US has the Super Bowl, and European club football has the UEFA Champions League Final. Here, the continent’s finest teams vie for supremacy with a global audience.
French Open (Roland-Garros)
25 May – 8 June
Paris, France
Held at Roland Garros in Paris, the French Open is another of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments. With demanding clay courts, it tests the endurance and skill of the world’s top players. Some ticket classes grant access to players’ practice sessions and autographs, while attendees can check out tennis-themed activations throughout the grounds. Make the most of your trip by indulging in the food, art and shopping of Paris.
NBA Finals
5 – 22 June
TBC
There’s no greater pleasure for basketball fans than sitting courtside at the NBA Finals. Watch the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences compete for the coveted title, experience spectacular pre-game shows, halftime performances, and other unique entertainment elements.
Royal Ascot
17 – 21 June
Ascot, UK
When it comes to glamour, heritage and fashion, no other event can compete with the Royal Ascot. The world-renowned horse racing event is held annually in England and is attended by the British royal family. It’s a hallmark of British social and sporting life, so attendees can expect gourmet food, top-shelf beverages, live performances, post-racing celebrations and strict dress codes.
Wimbledon
25 June – 13 July
London, UK
No other tennis tournament is as famous – or as old – as Wimbledon. Dating back more than a century, the competition is held at the All England Club and known for its tradition, pristine grass courts and strict dress code. Players wear all-white ensembles, royals sit in the stands and nibble on Wimbledon’s signature treat, strawberries and cream, with a glass of Pimm’s in hand.
Tour de France
5 – 27 July (men)
26 July – 2 August (women)
France
The gruelling Tour de France cycling race is known by all, even those with no interest in the sport. Featuring demanding stages such as mountainous climbs and time trials, it tests endurance and strategy while passing through breathtaking landscapes, including the French Alps, Pyrenees, picturesque villages, and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The Open Championship
13 – 20 July
Antrim, Northern Ireland
Often referred to simply as The Open, golf’s oldest major tournament is held annually in the United Kingdom. Revered for its challenging links courses and unpredictable weather, The Open represents the peak of golfing achievement.
US Open
25 August – 7 September
New York, USA
New York hosts the US Open every year in August, with athletes taking to the hardcourts with dreams of taking home the title and improving their ranking on the global leaderboard. A member of the four major Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the sporting event has fan zones, merch stalls, practice courts, autograph stations and an array of quintessential New York culinary offerings.
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