Finding out which games are the most played sports in the world is not simple because millions of people play sports casually in parks, streets, homes, and schools without registration. Many players are not officially counted, so exact numbers are difficult to measure. That is why this list focuses mainly on organised participation, such as players registered in clubs, leagues, teams, and official competitions. These numbers come from international sports bodies and research studies that track participation across countries.
Participation in sports keeps changing as games grow in new regions and more people start playing them. Even then, some sports have consistently high numbers of players and are widely accepted as the most played sports in the world.
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List of 10 Most Played Sports in the World
10. Golf
Golf is played in many countries and attracts people of different age groups. More than 60 million people are estimated to play golf regularly. It is calm, social, and does not always need strong physical strength, so older players enjoy it as well.
Golf courses are common in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South Africa. Many people like golf not only for competition but also for fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and social time. Because of these reasons, golf is counted among the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | Around 60–66 million |
| Regions with most players | North America, Europe, Japan |
| Type of sport | Individual |
| Olympic status | Yes (since 2016 return) |
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9. Baseball
Baseball is strongly connected with the United States, where it is known as “America’s pastime.” Today it is also popular in Japan, South Korea, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The WBSC reports that tens of millions play baseball and softball in more than 100 countries.
Baseball is the national game in several countries, and Major League Baseball is one of the richest professional leagues. Because of its wide reach, baseball is often grouped among the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | Around 60–65 million (including softball) |
| Countries where played | 130+ |
| Most popular regions | USA, Japan, Caribbean, Latin America |
| Olympic status | Yes (varies by year) |
8. Table Tennis
Table tennis, or ping pong, is a very quick racket sport that can be played indoors in small spaces. This makes it affordable and easy for schools, clubs, and homes. China leads the sport globally, with large numbers of players.
Millions across Asia, Europe, and Africa enjoy the game both casually and professionally. Because it is simple to start and very enjoyable, table tennis is counted among the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | 300+ million |
| Most dominant region | Asia |
| Olympic status | Yes |
| Playing environment | Mostly indoor |
7. Cricket
Cricket is hugely followed and played, especially in countries once influenced by the British Empire. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa are major cricket nations.
The ICC says more than 120 countries play organised cricket. With T20 leagues growing worldwide, participation continues to rise, making cricket one of the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Countries playing cricket | 120+ |
| Estimated players worldwide | 30+ million registered |
| Major regions | South Asia, Australia, England, Africa |
| Formats | Test, ODI, T20 |
6. Tennis
Tennis is a major individual sport played by both men and women on different court surfaces. Millions participate through clubs, schools, and academies.
Grand Slam events attract attention worldwide, helping tennis become one of the most played sports in the world. The sport is also growing rapidly in Asia and other developing regions.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | Around 80–90 million |
| Playing surfaces | Grass, clay, hard |
| Gender participation | Very high among both genders |
| Olympic status | Yes |
5. Basketball
Basketball is fast, exciting, and easy to begin since players mainly need a ball and a hoop. The NBA is the best-known league, but the sport is highly popular in China, the Philippines, Europe, Canada, and Africa.
Millions of young players join school and community competitions. This huge participation makes basketball one of the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | 400+ million |
| Largest professional league | NBA |
| Strong regions | USA, Europe, China, Philippines |
| Team size | 5 players per side on court |
4. Volleyball
Volleyball is played indoors and outdoors and is also popular on beaches. It requires simple equipment and medium team sizes, making it very accessible.
From schools to international tournaments, participation is massive. Because of this wide reach, volleyball is easily listed among the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | 900+ million (recreational and organised) |
| Variants | Indoor, beach |
| Governing body | FIVB |
| Olympic status | Yes (indoor and beach) |
3. Field Hockey
Field hockey is a fast game played with sticks and a small ball on turf or grass. It has strong popularity in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
It has been part of the Olympics for many years and has millions of registered players worldwide. This places field hockey firmly among the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Countries playing | 100+ |
| Olympic status | Yes |
| Major nations | India, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Argentina |
| Playing surface | Grass or artificial turf |
2. Badminton
Badminton may seem surprising in second place, but its participation numbers are extremely high. It is especially popular across Asia and Europe.
It is quick, indoor-friendly, and suitable for schools and small areas. Because millions play it for fitness and competition, badminton is clearly one of the most played sports in the world.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated players worldwide | 200+ million |
| Most popular regions | Asia and Europe |
| Olympic status | Yes |
| Type of sport | Racket sport |
1. Football
Soccer, or football, is the leading sport globally. It is simple to start, needing only a ball, and is played everywhere from streets to stadiums.
There are hundreds of millions of registered players and billions of fans. For this reason, soccer is the number one among the most played sports in the world, and it is also the most watched sport on Earth.
| Category | Details |
| Estimated registered players worldwide | 250+ million |
| Global reach | Almost every country |
| Largest tournaments | FIFA World Cup, major leagues |
| Team size | 11 players per side |
FAQs
1. What are the most played sports in the world?
The most played sports in the world include soccer, badminton, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, cricket, table tennis, baseball, and golf. These sports have millions of registered and recreational players across many countries.
2. How are the most played sports in the world calculated?
They are usually calculated based on the number of registered players in clubs, leagues, and sports bodies. Casual players are difficult to count, but surveys and international reports help estimate total participation.
3. Why is soccer the number one among the most played sports in the world?
Soccer is easy to play, needs only a ball, and can be played almost anywhere. It has strong club systems, international tournaments, and the biggest fan base, which makes it the top sport globally.
4. Can sports popularity change over time?
Yes. Participation can increase or decrease based on media coverage, investment, school programs, and professional leagues. New countries adopting a sport can also change rankings in the list of the most played sports in the world.