World university games 2025: NRW ready for the big sports event!

World university games 2025: NRW ready for the big sports event!

The anticipation for the World University Games 2025 grows in North Rhine-Westphalia, because the countdown for the sports event in the summer has begun. The competitions, which are also known as summer universities, take place in several cities from July 16 to 27, 2025, including Bochum, Duisburg, Hagen, Mülheim an der Ruhr and Essen. A highlight will be the opening ceremony in the MSV Duisburg stadium on July 16, followed by a final concert with the well-known band Deichkind on July 27th in the picturesque landscape park Duisburg-Nord.

A total of 18 sports are held, of which 15 compulsory sports such as athletics, basketball, swimming and judo include. In addition, election sports such as 3 × 3 basketball, beach volleyball and rowing are also on the program. Around 8,500 athletes and officials from over 150 countries are expected, including around 350 German athletes and a delegation of around 500 people.

inclusion and new sports

A remarkable feature of this year's games is the first participation of para sports enthusiasts, including 3 × 3 roller chair basketball players. This underlines the inclusive approach of the event. In addition, various cultural and entertainment programs are planned that will accompany the sporting events. These include concerts of Ski AGGU and crossbeat. The University of Duisburg-Essen is also an official partner of the games and promotes the torchy run, which leads through the four host cities Duisburg, Essen, Bochum and Mülheim. This spectacular event is supposed to symbolize unity and connection in sport.

The FISU World Conference, which takes place from July 17th to 19th, 2025 in the Century Hall in Bochum, will also be part of the program. The Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire, the fisu organizes these games and has one goal: The promotion of university sports on an internationally.

ticket information and outlook

Ticket prices for the events start at 13 euros for day tickets and 79 euros for a universal ticket that enables access to all competition days. Highlights are also the events in which, such as when archery in Essen, free admission is granted on certain days. These games are also said to serve as a "small trial run" for possible Olympic Games in the region, which also increases the importance of the event.

Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst describes North Rhine-Westphalia as a "perfect host" for such large-scale events and emphasizes the special importance of these games for the academic community and international university sports. Preparations are in full swing to offer the athletes and spectators an unforgettable experience.