Top 10 Fastest Growing Sports In The World 2025

As culture, technology, and global trends all continue to grow, sports change along with them. In 2025, we are going to witness some thrilling transformations. The sports that are experiencing the quickest growth are attracting the attention of people all over the world, and they range from community-based games that are easily accessible to high-stakes championships and virtual stadiums. Based on the number of participants, the audience size, and the global reach, here is a list of the top ten sports that have had the greatest increase in popularity this year.

List Of Top 10 Fastest Growing Sports In The World 2025

1. Pickleball

Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is still growing quickly. It’s played with paddles and a ball with holes in it on a court that looks like a badminton court. Its simplicity and low physical barrier make it fun for people of all ages. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, there are now pickleball courts all over the world. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 36 million players. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and its participation in multi-sport events are making it more popular. People in cities love it because it’s social and the court size is small. Countries like Canada, Australia, and India have quickly adopted it.

2. Paddle

People commonly mix up paddle, or padel, with pickleball, but they are different. Paddle is played in a court with glass walls and a scoring system like tennis. It is growing quite quickly, notably in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The International Padel Federation says that in 2025, there will be more than 25 million players in 90 countries. The sport is easy to get into because it doesn’t need as much room as tennis and is mostly played in doubles. The World Padel Tour is growing quickly, with new facilities coming in Asia and North America. Soccer players like Lionel Messi are now endorsing it, which is helping it grow.

3. Golf

Golf is coming back to life thanks to younger players and new formats. In 2025, more people throughout the world are playing golf. The R&A says that since 2020, the number of golfers has climbed by 15%, reaching 66 million worldwide. Technology, like as Topgolf’s interactive locations and simulator-based play, has made the sport easier to get into. LIV Golf’s contentious but interesting format, combined with more established events like the PGA Tour, keeps golf in the news. Its popularity to younger people through social media influencers and liberal dress codes at clubs is growing, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

4. Mixed Martial Arts

The UFC is at the top of the list of MMA organizations that dominate combat sports. According to Nielsen Sports, more than 700 million people throughout the world will watch events in 2025. A wide range of people are interested in the sport since it combines boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and other disciplines. Regional promotions like ONE Championship in Asia and PFL’s new formats are helping it grow. More and more training gyms are opening up, notably in Brazil, Russia, and Southeast Asia. This is because people who want to be fighters or become fit love how intense MMA is. Its rise is also fueled by its presence in mainstream media and sponsorships from celebrities.

5. Trail Running & Ultra Running

More and more individuals are getting into trail running and ultra running because they want to be outside and push themselves to the limit. The International Trail Running Association says that the number of people running in races goes rising by 20% every year. By 2025, there will be more than 10 million runners around the world. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and other long trail events draw thousands of people, while shorter trail races are great for beginners. The sport is popular because it’s easy to get into (you don’t need much gear) and it challenges both your mind and body. Social media shows off beautiful vistas, which makes runners in places like South America, Africa, and Europe want to join the trend.

6. E-Sports

E-sports is no longer just a small group of people; it’s a worldwide thing. Newzoo says that in 2025, the sector will have 650 million fans and make more than $2 billion. Games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Fortnite get a lot of people to watch, just like regular sports. Big events like The International and ESL Pro League fill arenas, and streaming sites like Twitch help them reach more people. E-sports is a huge success since anyone with a gadget can play and it appeals to younger people. South Korea, China, and the U.S. are the leaders, but Africa and South Asia are growing markets.

7. Climbing

Climbing, whether inside or outside, is reaching new heights. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and the Paris 2024 Olympics were its first big events, and the International Federation of Sport Climbing said there were 44 million climbers around the world in 2025. There are more and more bouldering gyms in cities, and many are cheap for beginners to get into. People from all walks of life are drawn to the sport because it combines physical activity, problem-solving, and a sense of community. Europe, North America, and Japan are the most important regions, although climbing is growing quickly in India and South America, thanks to cheap access to gyms and natural rock formations.

8. Cricket

Cricket’s global reach is expanding beyond traditional strongholds like India, Australia, and England. The International Cricket Council reports 1.5 billion fans in 2025, with T20 formats like the Indian Premier League driving viewership. The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is sparking interest in the U.S., while leagues in Africa and the Caribbean gain traction. Grassroots programs and shorter formats make cricket more accessible, with participation rising in countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, and the Netherlands. Social media and streaming platforms are key to its modern appeal.

9. Surfing

Surfing is riding a wave of popularity thanks to its Olympic status and cultural cachet. The World Surf League says that by 2025, there will be 35 million surfers around the world, with the most increase happening in coastal areas like Indonesia, Brazil, and Australia. Wavegarden’s artificial wave pools make the activity possible in places that aren’t near the ocean, which means it can reach more people in Europe and North America. Younger people are drawn to surfing because of its lifestyle appeal, which is boosted by eco-friendly businesses and social media. Women’s surfing is also becoming more popular, and major contests with equal prize money are helping to make sport more inclusive.

10. 3×3 Basketball

3×3 basketball, a fast-paced, half-court variant, is thriving as an urban sport. Its inclusion in the Olympics since Tokyo 2020 has fueled growth, with FIBA reporting 20 million players globally in 2025. Played on smaller courts with three players per team, it’s accessible in cities where full courts are scarce. Events like the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and grassroots tournaments in Asia, Europe, and Africa are driving participation. Its high-energy pace and streetball vibe resonate with younger players, while professional leagues offer pathways for talent.