View source for World Games

{{Short description|Recurring international multi-sport event}}
{{About|the international sports event|the video game|World Games (video game){{!}}''World Games'' (video game)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox sporting event organization
| name          = The World Games
| image         = World Games logo.svg
| image_upright = 1.1
| caption       = 
| abbreviation  = 
| motto         = 
| headquarters  = [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]]
| formation     = [[1981 World Games|1981]] – [[Santa Clara, California]], US
| recurrence    = 4 years
| last          = [[2025 World Games|2025]] – [[Chengdu]], China
| next          = [[2029 World Games|2029]] – [[Karlsruhe]], Germany
| purpose       = To conduct multi-sport events for sports and disciplines that are not contested in the [[Olympic Games]]
| website       = {{URL|https://www.theworldgames.org/|theworldgames.org}}
| remarks       = 
}}

The '''World Games''' are an international [[multi-sport event]] comprising [[sport]]s and sporting disciplines that are not contested in the [[Olympic Games]]. They are usually held every four years, one year after a [[Summer Olympic Games]], over the course of 11 days. The World Games are governed by the [[International World Games Association]], under the patronage of the [[International Olympic Committee]].

In the most recent editions, between 25 and 34 sports have been included in the official programme. Several sports or disciplines that were on the programme of The World Games have been discontinued because they are now included in the programme of the Olympic Games. Around 3,500 participants from around 100 nations take part.

The World Games differs from other multi-sport events, such as the Olympic Games, in that host cities are not required to construct new venues or facilities for the Games.<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|9}} The competitors are selected by the sports' [[List of international sports federations|international federations]], rather than by [[National Olympic Committee]]s or [[national governing bodies]]. In most disciplines, qualification is by a top ranking at the world championships or a qualification tournament. This is intended to ensure the top athletes in a sport compete at the Games.

[[1981 World Games|The first edition of The World Games]] was held in 1981 in [[Santa Clara, California]], United States, and [[2025 World Games|the twelfth edition]] was held in [[Chengdu]], China, from 7 to 17&nbsp;August 2025.

== History ==
===Inauguration===
The idea for a multi-sport event for non-Olympic sports came from the [[General Association of International Sports Federations]] (GAISF). Realising that there were few opportunities to become part of the Olympic programme, non-Olympic federations wanted to form their own showcase event to increase the publicity of their sports, which they called The World Games. These federations formed a steering group in early 1979 to decide on the structure and principles of the games and search for a venue.

In May 1979, the steering group announced that they had found a venue for the first event: Santa Clara, USA.<ref>{{cite web|title=World, Continental and Intercontinental Games|url=https://library.olympic.org/Default/basicfilesdownload.ashx?itemGuid=340D61C1-5091-46CA-9C5D-608F3B0FACAC|publisher=Olympic Studies Centre|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064818/https://library.olympic.org/Default/basicfilesdownload.ashx?itemGuid=340D61C1-5091-46CA-9C5D-608F3B0FACAC|url-status=live}}</ref>

The GAISF steering committee became the World Games Executive Council in October 1979, and the inaugural meeting of the World Games Council was held from 19 to 22&nbsp;May 1980, with a purpose of creating the concept of the Games.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Birth|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/contents/TWG-25/The-birt-1341|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717005523/https://www.theworldgames.org/contents/TWG-25/The-birt-1341|url-status=live}}</ref> The World Games Council was renamed the [[International World Games Association]], or IWGA in 1985.<ref>Proposals of the Exco for Changes of the WG Constitution, 1984, IWGA Archives</ref>

The first edition of The World Games was held in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], [[USA]], in 1981. It was opened by [[Kim Un-yong]], president of the World Games executive committee, at [[Buck Shaw Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/07/24/With-a-simple-ceremony-a-touch-of-pageantry-and/1139364795200/|title=With a simple ceremony, a touch of pageantry and...|first=Joe|last=Sargis|publisher=United Press International|date=24 July 1981|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404072844/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/07/24/With-a-simple-ceremony-a-touch-of-pageantry-and/1139364795200/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the opening ceremony, the athletes marched sorted by sport and not by nation.

The 15 sports at the inaugural games included [[badminton]], [[Casting (fishing)|casting]], [[racquetball]], and [[taekwondo]]. The first medals of the Games were awarded in the 640 kilo class of [[tug-of-war]], with the gold going to the team from England.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=TWG 1981 Santa Clara, USA|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Santa-Clara-USA-1981-5|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325041421/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Santa-Clara-USA-1981-5|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Twentieth century===

After the inaugural Games, the West Nally Group, which had provided financing for the Games in Santa Clara, became owners of the rights to the event, and took the second edition to their headquarters in [[London]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=London, GBR 1985|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/London-GBR-1985-6/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064820/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/London-GBR-1985-6/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

For the third Games in [[Karlsruhe]], [[1989 World Games|1989]], the West Nally Group still owned the commercial rights to the Games, but the host city was responsible for the staff and volunteers organising the event. After this, the IWGA bought back the commercial rights, and the organising committees of the host cities have been responsible for the organisation and financing since. This led to the organisers of The World Games in [[The Hague]] ([[1993 World Games|1993]]) asking the participants to pay accommodation costs.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Karlsruhe, GER 1989|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160422/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[1997 World Games|1997 edition]] of the Games was due to be held in [[Port Elizabeth]], [[South Africa]], but in August 1994, Port Elizabeth pulled out of hosting the Games due to the [[Negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa|political situation in the country]].<ref name="Lahti">{{cite web|title=TWG 1997 Lahti, FIN|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Lahti-FIN-1997-9|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref> [[Lahti]] in [[Finland]] volunteered to host instead and signed the host contract in January 1995. [[Air sports|Airsports]], [[dancesport]], [[Aerobic gymnastics|aerobics]] and [[jujitsu]] made their debut in Lahti and have been contested at the Games ever since.<ref name="Lahti"/>

Following the Games in Lahti, the [[IWGA]] and [[IOC]] agreed on a memorandum of understanding, which was signed in 2000<ref name="Lahti"/><ref>{{cite web|title=IOC and IWGA Sign Memorandum of Understanding|url=https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-and-iwga-sign-memorandum-of-understanding|publisher=International Olympic Committee|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=17 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017233629/https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-and-iwga-sign-memorandum-of-understanding|url-status=live}}</ref> Here, the IOC recognised the importance of The World Games and set out shared values, including the IOC providing patronage to Organising Committees, encouraging multi-sport national teams, and working together on anti-doping. It also set out that "disciplines/events of sport that are not on the Olympic Games programme could be included on the programme of the World Games".<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International World Games Association (IWGA)|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20WGA.pdf|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160426/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20WGA.pdf|archive-date=26 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> A further memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016.<ref name="MOU">{{cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International World Games Association (IWGA), 2016|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20IWGA%202016.pdf|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718112412/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/MoU%20IOC%20-%20IWGA%202016.pdf|archive-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Twenty-first century===

In [[2001 World Games|2001]], the Games were held in [[Akita (city)|Akita]], [[Japan]] – the first time it had been held outside of North America or Europe. Several competitions were delayed or moved to an alternative venue when a typhoon hit the city. For the first time, some National Olympic Committees organised hotel accommodation for their athletes, beyond the time they were hosted by the IWGA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akita, JAP 2021|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160422/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[2005 World Games|The World Games in 2005]], in [[Duisburg]], [[Germany]], were the first World Games where athletes paraded into the opening ceremony grouped by nation. Also several standards were set in place which continue to this day, such as the television production of all sports and sports grouped by category, such as ball sports and precision sports.<ref name="Duis">{{cite web|title=Duisburg, GER 2005|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Duisburg-GER-2005-11/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref>

The [[2013 World Games|2013 Games]] in [[Cali]], [[Colombia]], were particularly noted for the large numbers of spectators, estimated at 500,000. For example, the Bullfight Ring, which was the venue for dancesport, was 'packed' for the salsa dance finals.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=Cali, COL 2013|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064820/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/summary|url-status=live}}</ref> This edition of the Games saw the first time a competition was cancelled: due to concerns about temperature and air flow at the Del Pueblo Gymnasium, where the sport of rhythmic gymnastics was taking place, the ribbons event was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Root/ViewPdf/GR0000000_C67_Apparaus%20Ribbon%20cancelled_1.1.pdf|title=Cancelled event at Cali 2013|website=sportresult.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818152642/http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Root/ViewPdf/GR0000000_C67_Apparaus%20Ribbon%20cancelled_1.1.pdf|archive-date=18 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2017 World Games|2017 Games]] in [[Wrocław]], [[Poland]], were the first to be broadcast on the [[Olympic Channel]], to 130 countries. Both the [[Raffa (boules)|raffa]] and [[Bocce volo|lyonnaise]] disciplines of [[boules]] were cancelled after a storm destroyed the venue and it could not be repaired in time.<ref name="Wroclaw">{{cite web|title=Wrocław, POL 2017|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Wroclaw-POL-2017-4/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160425/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Wroclaw-POL-2017-4/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, it was announced that the [[2022 World Games|11th edition]] of The World Games was to be held in [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]], [[USA]] in 2021, beating bids from [[Lima]] in [[Peru]] and [[Ufa]] in [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham, AL (USA), to be host city of The World Games 2021|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/the-world-games-17/birmingham-usa-to-be-host-city-of-the-world-games-2021-1417|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160426/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/the-world-games-17/birmingham-usa-to-be-host-city-of-the-world-games-2021-1417|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2&nbsp;April 2020, the Games were postponed to 2022 so as not to clash with the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham 2021 World Games moved back a year following Tokyo 2020 postponement|date=2 April 2020 |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1092734/world-games-postponed-2022|publisher=Inside the Games|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1092734/world-games-postponed-2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World Games in Birmingham Postponed Until 2022|url=https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/world-games-birmingham-postponed-until-2022|publisher=International Handball Federation|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160419/https://www.ihf.info/media-center/news/world-games-birmingham-postponed-until-2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama Moves to July 2022|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064821/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

No [[parasports]] federations are currently part of the IWGA, but The World Games in Birmingham was the first edition to include parasports, with the inclusion of [[wheelchair rugby]]. Birmingham was also to include disabled athletes (one per gender) in [[archery]].<ref name="Birm">{{cite web|title=Birmingham, USA 2022|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064822/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/summary|url-status=live}}</ref> The IWGA is also aiming to secure a partnership with the [[International Paralympic Committee]] and include a quota for para-athletes.<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|1}}

In 2019, it was announced that The World Games in 2025 will take place in [[Chengdu]], [[China]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chengdu confirmed as host of 2025 World Games|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1078982/chengdu-confirmed-as-host-of-2025-world-games|publisher=Inside the Games|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064823/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1078982/chengdu-confirmed-as-host-of-2025-world-games|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Features==

===Venues===

In order for hosting to be sustainable, organisers of The World Games are not required to build any new venues or facilities.<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|9}}
For example, [[Sloss Furnaces]], a former pig iron-producing blast furnace now in public use, hosted the [[sport climbing]], [[breakdancing]], [[parkour]] and [[beach handball]] competitions in [[2022 World Games|Birmingham 2022]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Three further competition venues confirmed for World Games 2022|date=20 March 2021 |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1105666/world-games-three-competition-venues|publisher=Inside the Games|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514140807/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1105666/world-games-three-competition-venues|url-status=live}}</ref> Athletes stayed at the student accommodations of the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] (UAB), several of whose [[UAB Blazers|sports]] facilities were used for various events.<ref name="Birm"/>

Past venues have included the [[Lahti]] City Theatre ([[bodybuilding]]), [[Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord|Landschaftspark Nord]] (a former iron foundry in [[Duisburg]]), [[Wrocław Zoo]], and Wrocław's Philharmonic Hall, the [[National Forum of Music]].<ref name="Lahti"/><ref name="Duis"/><ref>{{cite web|title=GSI Event Study, The World Games 2017|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Sportcal%20GSI%20Event%20Study%20-%20The%20World%20Games%202017%20FINAL.pdf|publisher=Sportcal Global Communications Ltd|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219183421/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Sportcal%20GSI%20Event%20Study%20-%20The%20World%20Games%202017%20FINAL.pdf|archive-date=19 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Even though it is not required, some venues are constructed or renovated for The World Games. For instance, for the [[2017 World Games]] in [[Wrocław]], a new swimming pool and [[Inline speed skating|speed skating]] rink were built, and [[Olympic Stadium (Wrocław)|Olympic Stadium]], built in 1928, was renovated and is still used for [[American football]] and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]].<ref name="Wroclaw"/> Also, for the [[2009 World Games]], [[Kaohsiung]] built a [[National Stadium (Kaohsiung)|National Stadium]] – the first stadium in the world to use solar energy technology for its power.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|title=Kaohsiung, TPE 2009|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Kaohsiung-TPE-2009-12/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160430/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Kaohsiung-TPE-2009-12/summary|url-status=live}}</ref> Other editions used new facilities that were built for purposes other than the World Games; the main stadium of the 2022 edition, [[Protective Stadium]], was built for UAB's [[UAB Blazers football|American football team]].

===Athlete selection===

Athletes are selected to compete at The World Games by their sport's [[List of international sports federations|international federation]], as opposed to their sport's [[national governing body]] or [[National Olympic Committee]], as in other multi-sport events.<ref>{{cite web|title=IWGA Commitment|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/contents/The-IWGA-15/IWGA-Commitment-1051|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> The selections are intended to "achieve a satisfactory balance between competitors' positions on world ranking lists and the fair representation of as many as possible of its member nations".<ref name="Rules"/>{{rp|13}}

International federations are obliged to send their best athletes, with The World Games development agenda setting out that sports are only to be included if "the best athletes/teams in the world are present".<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|10}}

==International World Games Association==
{{Main|International World Games Association}}

The International World Games Association (IWGA) is the international association responsible for the direction and control of The World Games. Its headquarters are located in [[Lausanne]], Switzerland, and its official language is English.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution of the International World Games Association|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Constitution_IWGA_09_12_2020.pdf|page=8|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160425/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Constitution_IWGA_09_12_2020.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Its membership consists of 39 [[List of international sports federations|international sporting federations]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-Family-Grows-2136|title=The World Games Family Grows|date=27 May 2021|publisher=International World games Association|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603064751/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-Family-Grows-2136|url-status=live}}</ref> It also works very closely with the Local Organising Committees (LOCs), temporary committees responsible for the organisation of each World Games. LOCs are dissolved after each Games. The IWGA is officially recognised by the [[International Olympic Committee]].

==Ceremonies==

===Opening ceremony===

The opening ceremony marks the official start of The World Games. Until [[2005 World Games|Duisburg]] 2005, athletes paraded into the ceremony grouped by sport. From 2005, they were grouped by nation, and now march in alphabetical order, with the host country and then the judges last.<ref name="Duis"/><ref name="IF">{{cite web|title=IF Opening and Closing Ceremony Award Ceremony: Specifics & Protocols|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/IF%20Opening%2C%20Closing%20%26%20Medal%20Ceremonies%20-%20Specifics%20%26%20Protocols.pdf|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160421/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/IF%20Opening%2C%20Closing%20%26%20Medal%20Ceremonies%20-%20Specifics%20%26%20Protocols.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Athletes' Oath is taken by an athlete of the host nation, and the Judges' Oath is taken by the chairman of the Tournament Judges' Commission. Parading of flags, speeches and official opening also make up the required parts of the ceremony.<ref name="IF"/><ref name="final2017"/>{{rp|55}}
There is also often a musical and artistic aspect of the ceremony. For example, more than 400 artists took part in the opening ceremony of the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw.<ref name="final2017"/>{{rp|55}}

===Athlete party===
 
Since 1993 at The Hague, an athlete party has been held in the middle of the competition.<ref name="final2017"/>{{rp|270}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Athletes' Night|url=https://twg2022.com/athletes-night/|publisher=The World Games 2022 Birmingham, USA|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603135427/https://twg2022.com/athletes-night/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was intended to allow all athletes to participate in at least one ceremony (opening, athlete party, or closing) during the competition.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|title=The Hague, NED 1993|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8/summary|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004002100/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8/summary|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Closing ceremony===

The closing ceremony ends The World Games and follows the last awards ceremony.<ref name="IF"/> Official aspects include speeches, a presentation by the next host city and a handing of the flag of the Games to the representatives of the next host city. In Wroclaw, the second part of the ceremony was a concert performed by local artists.<ref name="final2017">{{cite web|title=Final Report: The World Games 2017|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2017/2017-12-29%20WOC%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf|publisher=The World Games, Wroclaw 2017|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526160418/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2017/2017-12-29%20WOC%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf|archive-date=26 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|56}}

==Editions==
{{location map+|Earth
|float = left
|width = 950
|caption = Host cities of The World Games
|places = 
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=37.354497|long=-121.954852|label='''[[Santa Clara, California|1981]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=left|lat=51.506797|long=-0.120917|label='''[[London|1985]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=bottom|lat=49.006502|long=8.403037|label='''[[Karlsruhe|1989]], [[Karlsruhe|''2029'']]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=top|lat=52.069039|long=4.302309|label='''[[The Hague|1993]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=60.980348|long=25.665367|label='''[[Lahti|1997]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=39.723296|long=140.111314|label='''[[Akita (city)|2001]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=51.435861|long=6.762987|label='''[[Duisburg|2005]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=22.638585|long=120.332424|label='''[[Kaohsiung|2009]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=3.449888|long=-76.530481|label='''[[Cali|2013]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=51.106054|long=17.034412|label='''[[Wrocław|2017]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=33.525396|long=-87.816566|label='''[[Birmingham, Alabama|2022]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=29.638585|long=106.332424|label='''[[Chengdu|2025]]'''}}
}}

{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sortable sticky-table-row1 sticky-table-col1 defaultcenter col3left col4left col9left" style="font-size:100%;"
|+ Overview of The World Games Editions
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Year
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Edition
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Host
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Opened by
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Official<br/>Sports
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Invitational<br/>Sports
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Medal<br/>Events
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Nations
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Date
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Athletes
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Officials
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Top nation
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Top medalist
|-
! scope="row" | 1981
| [[1981 World Games|1]]
| {{USA}}, [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]]
| [[Kim Un-yong]]
| 15
| 1<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 1981, Santa Clara (USA) summary {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Santa-Clara-USA-1981-5/summary |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>{{refn|group=a|An invitational sport programme did not exist for the 1981 World Games. Press coverage did not refer to water polo as an invitational sport. An agreement was reached with [[FINA]] in the lead-up to the games not to allow women's water polo athletes to march in the opening ceremony, to assuage the displeasure of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its being included in the programme.<ref name=NYT/>}}
| 104
| 58
| 25 July – 2 August 1981
|nowrap| 1,400 (est)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/03/For-the-real-sports-fan-the-name-of-the/7757365659200/|title=For the real sports fan, the name of the...|first=Joe|last=Sargis|publisher=United Press International|date=3 August 1981|access-date=29 May 2021|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902051400/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/03/For-the-real-sports-fan-the-name-of-the/7757365659200/|url-status=live}}</ref> or 1,546<ref name=":9" />|| 293
|nowrap|{{USA}}
|nowrap|{{USA}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1985
| [[1985 World Games|2]]
| {{GBR}}, [[London]]
| [[Charles Palmer (judoka)|Charles Palmer]]
| 20 || 1<ref name=":1" />|| 134 || 51
|nowrap| 25 July – 4 August 1985
| 1,410 || 333
||{{ITA}}
||{{ITA}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1989
| [[1989 World Games|3]]
| {{FRG}}, [[Karlsruhe]]
|nowrap| [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]]
| 18 || 2<ref name=":2" />|| 103 || 50
| 20–30 July 1989
| 1,359 || 285
||{{ITA}}
||{{FRG}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1993
| [[1993 World Games|4]]
| {{NED}}, [[The Hague]]
| [[Kevan Gosper]]
| 21 || 4<ref name=":5" />|| 160 || 67
| 21 July – 1 August 1993
| 2,026 || 418
||{{GER}}
||{{GER}}
|-
! scope="row" | 1997
| [[1997 World Games|5]]
| {{FIN}}, [[Lahti]]
| [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]]
| 20 || 6<ref name=":6" />|| 164 || 70<ref name=":6" />
| 7–11 August 1997
| 2,016 || 430
||{{USA}}
||{{USA}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2001
|| [[2001 World Games|6]]
| {{JPN}}, [[Akita (city)|Akita]]
| [[Toyama Atsuko]]
| 22 || 5<ref name=":10" />|| 170 || 80
| 16–26 August 2001
| 2,380 || 591
||{{RUS}}
||{{RUS}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2005
| [[2005 World Games|7]]
| {{GER}}, [[Duisburg]]
| [[Otto Schily]]
| 26 || 6<ref name="Duis" />|| 178 || 93
| 14–24 July 2005
| 3,149 || 638
||{{RUS}}
||{{RUS}}<br />{{GER}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2009
| [[2009 World Games|8]]
|nowrap| {{TPE}}{{refn|group=a|The {{flagicon|ROC}} [[Republic of China (Taiwan)]] is designated [[Chinese Taipei]] by [[International World Games Association]] and the majority of international organisations it participates in due to political considerations and [[Cross-Strait relations]] with the [[People's Republic of China]].}}, [[Kaohsiung]]
| [[Ma Ying-jeou]]
| 25 || 5<ref name=":4" />|| 155 || 84
|align=left| 16–26 July 2009
| 2,908 || 636
||{{RUS}}
||{{RUS}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2013
| [[2013 World Games|9]]
| {{COL}}, [[Cali]]
| [[Angelino Garzón]]
| 26 || 4 or 5{{refn|group=a|A summary article at the TWG website cites "Roller Sports - Road" as an invitational sport.<ref name=":3" /> However, at the TWG results history look-up website, medals awarded for "Roller Sports - Speed Skating Road" events are included, unlike four 2013 invitational sports,<ref name="results"/> and the medals are included in the main Medal Tally on the website of the 2013 TWG Full Official Results, not the Invitational Medal Tally.<ref name="2013 results"/> In either case, the number of official sports is not affected since the Roller Sports are already included in the number of official sports because of other disciplines.}}|| 194 || 91
|align=left| 25 July – 4 August 2013
| 3,103 || 682
||{{ITA}}
||{{RUS}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2017
| [[2017 World Games|10]]
| {{POL}}, [[Wrocław]]
| [[Thomas Bach]]
| 27 || 4<ref name="Wroclaw" />|| 219 || 102
| 20–30 July 2017
| 3,430 || 856
||{{RUS}}
||{{RUS}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2022
| [[2022 World Games|11]]
| {{USA}}, [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]]
| [[Randall Woodfin]]
| 30
| 5<ref name="invite"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2022/TWG%202022%20-%20Quantum%20Event%20Evaluation%20Report.pdf |title=Quantum Event Evaluation Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221124404/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/wg2022/TWG%202022%20-%20Quantum%20Event%20Evaluation%20Report.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2024 |work=The World Games 2022 |page=8 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{refn|group=a|José Perurena, IWGA President, stated, "In Birmingham, for the first time, invitational sports were no longer presented separately but were also part of the official programme."<ref name="host">{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/Interview-of-the-Month-2411|title=Interview of the Month {{!}} IWGA |date=22 December 2022|access-date=25 February 2024|website=The World Games}}</ref> This is now TWG policy.}}
| 223<ref>{{Cite web|title=Detailed sports programme published|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/Detailed-Sports-Programme-published-2034|access-date=7 July 2020|website=TheWorldGames.org|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210801/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/Detailed-Sports-Programme-published-2034|url-status=live}}Note: This document states 207 official events, which, however, includes men's lacrosse, an invitational event.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World Games 2022 Birmingham Partners with NFL, Adds Flag Football|website=twg2022.com|url=https://twg2022.com/2020/flagfootball-nfl/|date=15 July 2020|access-date=6 August 2020|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227182621/https://twg2022.com/2020/flagfootball-nfl/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iwrf.com/?page=about_our_sport|title=Introduction to Wheelchair Rugby|publisher=International Wheelchair Rugby Federation|quote=Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female quadriplegic athletes. ... Men and women compete on the same teams and in the same competitions.|website=iwrf.com|access-date=31 May 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728133140/https://www.iwrf.com/?page=about_our_sport|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Meet Duathlon – the little sibling of Triathlon|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/Meet-Duathlon-the-little-sibling-of-Triathlon-2064|date=27 November 2020|access-date=31 May 2021|website=theworldgames.org|publisher=International World Games Association|quote=At The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 40 female and 40 male Duathlon athletes will compete in individual competitions as well as in Mixed Relay.|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211122854/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/Meet-Duathlon-the-little-sibling-of-Triathlon-2064|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wushu Included as an Invitational Sport in The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, USA|url=http://www.iwuf.org/2020/09/22/wushu-included-as-an-invitational-sport-in-the-world-games-2022-in-birmingham-usa/|date=22 Sep 2020|access-date=29 May 2021|website=iwuf.org|publisher=International Wushu Federation|archive-date=5 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005084628/http://www.iwuf.org/2020/09/22/wushu-included-as-an-invitational-sport-in-the-world-games-2022-in-birmingham-usa/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 99<ref name="theworldgames.org">{{cite web|title=Full results from the official results provider |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/infosystem#//swog2022.sportresult.com/hide/hide/|date=3 November 2022|access-date=3 November 2022|website=theworldgames.org|publisher=International World Games Association|archive-date=14 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714215231/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Birmingham-USA-2022-13/infosystem#//swog2022.sportresult.com/hide/hide/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 7–17 July 2022
|3,457<ref name="theworldgames.org"/>
| 868
||{{GER}}
||{{ITA}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2025
| [[2025 World Games|12]]
| {{CHN}}, [[Chengdu]]
| [[Shen Yiqin]]
|35 || {{N/A}} || 256 || 118
|align=left| 7–17 August 2025
|3,693
|
||{{CHN}}
||{{CHN}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2029
| [[2029 World Games|13]]
| {{GER}}, [[Karlsruhe]]
| 
| || {{N/A}} ||  || 
| 19–29 July 2029
| 
|| 
||
||
|}
{{reflist|group=a}}

==Sports==

===Official sports===
For The World Games in 2017 and before, official sports were selected solely by the [[IWGA]]. Only sports whose [[List of international sports federations|international federations]] were members of the IWGA could be selected.<ref name="Rules">{{cite web|title=Rules of TWG: IWGA The World Games|url=https://library.olympic.org/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/209286/rules-of-twg-iwga-the-world-games-international-world-games-association|publisher=International World Games Association|date=21 July 2018|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=30 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065320/https://library.olympics.com/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/209286/rules-of-twg-iwga-the-world-games-international-world-games-association|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|13–14}} From 2022, the official sports are selected by both the IWGA and host city and can include some sports whose federations are not part of the IWGA.<ref name="Growth">{{cite web|title=The World Games – Growth Beyond Excellence|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Agenda%20for%20Development%20of%20TWG%20and%20IWGA%20(Strategy%20Paper).pdf|publisher=International World Games Association|date=13 January 2020|access-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121142236/https://www.theworldgames.org/files/Governing_Documents/Agenda%20for%20Development%20of%20TWG%20and%20IWGA%20(Strategy%20Paper).pdf|archive-date=21 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|10–11}}

As formalised in the memorandum of understanding, "only events that are not on the programme of the Olympic Games can be included in the programme of The World Games".<ref name="MOU"/> For example, [[canoe polo]] is a discipline at The World Games, while [[canoe sprint]] and [[canoe slalom]] are disciplines at the [[Olympic Games]], despite all three being governed by the [[International Canoe Federation]].

Sports that depend on the availability of [[snow]] or [[ice]] for competitions are ineligible for inclusion in The World Games.<ref name="Rules"/>{{rp|14}}

Sports which have been contested at all editions of The World Games are [[finswimming]], [[Trampolining|trampoline]] and [[Tumbling (gymnastics)|tumbling]] disciplines of [[gymnastics]], [[karate]], [[powerlifting]], [[roller sports]], and [[tug of war]].

===Invitational sports===
In addition to the official sports, the host city, in coordination with the IWGA, has been allowed to invite sports to participate in the individual programme. These sports optionally are permitted to include international sports federations that were not members of the IWGA.<ref name="Rules"/>{{rp|13–14}} Before Birmingham 2022, these were deemed "invitational sports".

Starting in Birmingham 2022, there is no distinction between official and invitational sports. Host cities are still able to select up to five optional sports, but they are designated "official" sports, rather than invitational. In addition, the host city will be able to designate "display sports".<ref name="Growth"/>{{rp|10–11}} José Perurena, IWGA President, stated, "In Birmingham, for the first time, invitational sports were no longer presented separately but were also part of the official programme."<ref name="host"/> For example, the Birmingham Organising Committee selected [[men's lacrosse]] (women's being selected by the IWGA), [[duathlon]], [[flag football]] and [[Wushu (sport)|wushu]]. For the first time ever, a paralympic sport was part of the programme as a [[wheelchair rugby]] tournament was held.<ref name="invite">{{cite web|url=https://twg2022.com/2020/five-invitational-sports/|date=15 Sep 2020|title=Five Invitational Sports in The World Games 2022|publisher=TWG 2022 Birmingham|website=twg2022.com|access-date=30 May 2021|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227164430/https://twg2022.com/2020/five-invitational-sports/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some sports or disciplines started in The World Games as invitational sports and then became official, often as their international federations became part of the IWGA. These include the [[Bocce volo|lyonnaise]] discipline of [[Boules|boules sports]], [[beach handball]], [[sumo]], and indoor [[tug of war]].

===Olympic sports===
Sports or disciplines which have been part of The World Games and the Olympics include [[badminton]], [[baseball]] and [[softball]], [[karate]], [[Rugby sevens|rugby]], [[sport climbing]], [[taekwondo]], [[target archery]], [[Rhythmic gymnastics|rhythmic]] and [[trampoline gymnastics]], [[triathlon]], [[beach volleyball]] and [[water polo]]. Target archery and trampolining gymnastics are currently on the programme of both, but The World Games only holds events in divisions that are not contested in the Olympics.

=== Other sports presented ===
In addition to official and invitational sports, other sports have been presented during The World Games, including through "The World Games Garden". Among such sports are: Rhönrad ([[wheel gymnastics]]),<ref name=":8" /> Karlsruhe-based [[ring tennis]],<ref name=":8" /> [[skateboarding]],<ref name=":8" /> [[baton twirling]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} World Baton Twirling Federation |url=https://www.wbtf.org/history |access-date=18 June 2022 |website=wbtf.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065825/https://www.wbtf.org/history |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|group=b|IWGA does not mention Baton twirling among the invitational or other sports.}} and others.

===Table of sports===
{{Main|World Games sports}}
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders sticky-header"
|-
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | Sport
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" | {{tooltip|Current?|In the 2025 World Games?}}
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" class="unsortable" | Official
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" class="unsortable" | Invitational{{refn|group=b|José Perurena, IWGA President, stated, "In Birmingham, for the first time, invitational sports were no longer presented separately but were also part of the official programme."<ref name="host"/> This is now TWG policy.}}
! scope="col" style="background:#3EB489; color:white;" class="unsortable" | Olympic
|-
! scope="row" |[[Aikido]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aikido {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Aikido-47 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Aikido-47 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}} || || 1993–2005 (no medals awarded) ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Air sports at the World Games|Air sports]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Sports {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Air-Sports-29 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Air-Sports-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| {{flatlist|1=
* Skydiving: 1997–2022
* Paragliding: 2013
* Aerobatics: 2017
* Paramotoring: 2017
* Drone racing: 2022–
}}
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[American football at the World Games|American football]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Football {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/American-Football-74 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| [[Flag football]] (women): 2025
| {{flatlist|1=
* 2005,<ref name="Duis" /> 2017
* Flag football: [[Flag football at the 2022 World Games|2022]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flag Football – the non-contact American Football {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2022-32/Flag-Football-the-non-contact-American-Football-2071 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
}}
|Demonstration: [[American football at the 1932 Summer Olympics|1932]] <br/>Flag football: 2028<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/flag-football/ |title=Flag Football |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101041119/https://olympics.com/en/sports/flag-football/ |archive-date=1 November 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Archery]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archery {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Archery-64 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=theworldgames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229104243/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Archery-64 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| {{flatlist|1=
* [[Field archery at the World Games|Field]]: 1985–
* Target: 2017–{{refn|group=b|Target archery is part of the Olympic Games programme, but only in what that sport calls the "open recurve" division, allowing stabilizers and sights to be attached to bows. The World Games programme in target archery features compound bow and "barebow" divisions, with the latter restricted to recurve bows without sights or stabilizers.}}
}}
| ||
|-
! scope="row" | [[Badminton at the World Games|Badminton]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Result history of The World Games {{!}} IWGA - Badminton (press "Search") |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/results#edition=0&sport=65&discipline=184&category=&country= |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=theworldgames.org |archive-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225194028/http://www.theworldgames.org/the-world-games/results-history#edition=0&sport=65&discipline=184&category=&country= |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
| 1981
|
| Demonstration: 1972. <br/>Official: 1992–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/badminton/ |title=Badminton |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720092449/https://olympics.com/en/sports/badminton/ |archive-date=20 July 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Baseball]] – [[Softball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baseball - Softball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Baseball-Softball-40 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082352/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Baseball-Softball-40 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Softball<br/>only}}
| {{plainlist|1=
* Baseball: 1981, Softball (men): 1981, 2025
* Softball (women): 1981–85, 2022–
}}
| Softball: 2009–2013
| Baseball: 1992–2008, 2020, 2028<br/>Softball: 1996–2008, 2020, 2028<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/baseball-softball/ |title=Baseball Softball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117014150/https://olympics.com/en/sports/baseball-softball/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Billiards sports]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billiards Sports {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Billiards-Sports-43 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082343/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Billiards-Sports-43 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Carom billiards, Pool, Snooker: 2001–
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Boomerang]]
| {{No}} ||
| 1989 (demonstration)<ref name="hist">{{cite web |date=26 July 2019 |title=The World Games continue to grow! |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-continue-to-grow-1950 |access-date=14 July 2021 |website=TheWorldGames.org |publisher=IWGA |quote=(In 1989) Aikido and Minigolf were presented as invitational sports, and Triathlon, Boomerang and Flying Disc were among the demonstration sports. This was the first time there were sports demonstrations at The World Games. |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422043813/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/The-World-Games-continue-to-grow-1950 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 1989, Karlsruhe (GER) {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229104930/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Karlsruhe-GER-1989-7 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Boules sports at the World Games|Boules sports]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boules Sports {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Boules-Sports-24 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082347/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Boules-Sports-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Petanque: 1985–, Lyonnaise: 2001– <br/> Raffa: 2009–2017
| Lyonnaise: 1997<ref name="Lahti" />
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Bowling at the World Games|Bowling]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bowling {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Bowling-25 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229114743/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Bowling-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
| Ten pin: 1981–2022, Nine pin: 2005
|
| Demonstration: [[Bowling at the Summer Olympics|1988]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Canoe polo at the World Games|Canoe]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canoe {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Canoe-62 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082344/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Canoe-62 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Canoe polo: 2005–, Marathon: 2022–, Dragon boat: 2025
| Marathon: 2013 <br/>Dragon boat: 2005–2009{{refn|group=b|Dragon Boat was cited as a separate sport in the summaries of the 2005<ref name="Duis" /> and 2009<ref name=":4" /> Games. It is now considered a discipline of canoe.}}
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Casting at the World Games|Casting]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Casting {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Casting-46 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082351/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Casting-46 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
| {{flatlist|1=
* Allround: 1981,{{refn|group=b|Medals were awarded for "casting allround", but it was not separately contested. It was a combination of athletes’ results in all three disciplines.}}
* Fly: 1981–1985, 1993–2005
* Multiplier: 1981–1985, 1993–2001
* Spinning: 1981–1985, 1993–1997
}}
| ||
|-
! scope="row" | [[Cheerleading]]
|{{Yes}}
|Pom: 2025<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 2025, Chengdu (CHN) {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Chengdu-CHN-2025-14 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629013748/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Chengdu-CHN-2025-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Cycle sport|Cycling]]
| {{No}}
| [[Artistic cycling|Artistic]]: 1989, [[Cycle ball]]: 1989<ref name=":2" />
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Dancesport at the World Games|Dancesport]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=DanceSport {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/DanceSport-9 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082350/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/DanceSport-9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| {{flatlist|1=* Latin: 1997–
* Standard: 1997–
* Rock 'n' roll: 2005–2009, 2017–2022
* Salsa: 2013–2017
* Breaking: 2022–}}
|
| [[Breakdancing|Breaking]]: 2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/breaking/ |title=Breaking |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228075245/https://olympics.com/en/sports/breaking/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Equestrian vaulting|Equestrian]]
| {{No}}
|
| Vaulting: 1993<ref name="World Games 1993">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 1993, The Hague (NED) {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329045830/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/The-Hague-NED-1993-8 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| Vaulting: 1920<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/antwerp-1920/results/equestrian-vaulting |title=Antwerp 1920 – Equestrian Vaulting Results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618223554/https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/antwerp-1920/results/equestrian-vaulting |archive-date=18 June 2022 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Fistball at the World Games|Fistball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fistball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Fistball-15 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || Outdoor: 1985– || ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Bodybuilding at the World Games|Fitness and Bodybuilding]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fitness and Bodybuilding {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Fitness-and-Bodybuilding-45 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082352/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Fitness-and-Bodybuilding-45 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
|[[Bodybuilding at the World Games|Bodybuilding]]: 1981–2009
|
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Floorball at the World Games|Floorball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floorball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Floorball-56 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=22 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422205550/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Floorball-56 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || Indoor: 2017– || Indoor: 1997 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Flying disc at the World Games|Flying disc]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flying Disc {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Flying-Disc-31 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Ultimate: 2001–, Disc golf: 2001, 2025
| Ultimate: 1989 (demonstration)<ref name="hist" /><ref name=":8" />
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Gateball]]
| {{No}} ||
| 2001<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 2001, Akita (JPN) summary {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129043412/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Akita-JPN-2001-10/summary |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Gymnastics at the World Games|Gymnastics]]{{refn|group=b|Gymnastics disciplines at The World Games are not those contested at the Olympics.}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gymnastics {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Gymnastics-59 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509155940/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Gymnastics-59 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|All except Rhythmic}}
| Trampoline: 1981–, Tumbling: 1981–, Acrobatic: 1993–, Aerobic: 1997–, Rhythmic: 2001–2022, Parkour: 2022–
|
| Trampoline: 2000–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/trampoline-gymnastics/ |title=Trampoline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228085123/https://olympics.com/en/sports/trampoline-gymnastics/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Beach handball at the World Games|Handball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Handball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Handball-13 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064858/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Handball-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Beach only}}
| Beach: 2013–
| Beach: 2001–2009 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Indoor hockey at the World Games|Hockey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hockey {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Hockey-76 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065030/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Hockey-76 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}} || || Field, indoor: 2005 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Jujitsu]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ju-Jitsu {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Ju-Jitsu-21 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229110336/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Ju-Jitsu-21 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Duo: 1997–, Fighting: 1997–, Ne-waza: 2013–, Duo for athletes with impairment: 2025
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Karate at the World Games|Karate]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karate {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Karate-22 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064909/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Karate-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Kata: 1981– , Kumite: 1981–
|
| 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/karate/ |title=Karate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228084636/https://olympics.com/en/sports/karate/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Kickboxing at the 2017 World Games|Kickboxing]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kickboxing {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Kickboxing-57 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082356/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Kickboxing-57 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| K1 style: 2022–, Point Fighting: 2025
| K1 style: 2017 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Korfball at the World Games|Korfball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Korfball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Korfball-17 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730064914/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Korfball-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Indoor: 1985–, Beach: 2025
|
|Demonstrations: [[Korfball at the 1920 Summer Olympics|1920]], [[Korfball at the 1928 Summer Olympics|1928]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Lacrosse]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lacrosse {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Lacrosse-54 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028040956/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Lacrosse-54 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Women's: 2017, Women's Sixes: 2022–
| Men's Sixes: 2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Men's Lacrosse joins the Games {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/2022-32/Men-s-Lacrosse-joins-the-Games-2073 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
| Demonstrations (men's): 1928, 1932, 1948<br/>Official: Sixes: 2028<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/lacrosse/ |title=Lacrosse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101034554/https://olympics.com/en/sports/lacrosse/ |archive-date=1 November 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Lifesaving at the World Games|Lifesaving]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life Saving {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Life-Saving-33 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602224818/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Life-Saving-33 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Pool only}}
| {{hlist|Pool: 1985–|Beach: 2001–2009|Combined team races: 2001–2009}}
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Military pentathlon]]
| {{No}}
|
| 1997<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 1997, Lahti (FIN) summary {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Lahti-FIN-1997-9/summary |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082342/https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Lahti-FIN-1997-9/summary |url-status=live }}</ref>
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Minigolf]]
| {{No}} || || 1989<ref name=":2" />||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Motorcycle sport|Motorcycling]]
| {{No}}
|
| Motocross: 1985,<ref name=":1" /> Speedway:<br/>1985,<ref name=":1" /> 2017,<ref name="Wroclaw" /> Indoor trial: 2005<ref name="Duis" />
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Muay Thai at the 2017 World Games|Muaythai]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muaythai {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Muaythai-55 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114143911/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Muaythai-55 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| 2017–
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Netball at the World Games|Netball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Netball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Netball-49 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082349/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Netball-49 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
| 1985–1993
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Orienteering at the World Games|Orienteering]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orienteering {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Orienteering-34 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421095434/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Orienteering-34 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| 2001–
| ||
|-
! scope="row" | [[Pesäpallo]]
| {{No}} || || 1997<ref name=":6" />||Demonstration: [[Pesäpallo at the 1952 Summer Olympics|1952]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Motorboat#Racing|Powerboating]]
|{{Yes}}
|MotoSurf (biofuel/electric): 2025<ref name=":7" />
|
|
|-
! scope="row" |[[Powerlifting at the World Games|Powerlifting]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powerlifting {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Powerlifting-27 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329045830/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Powerlifting-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| Equipped: 1981–, Classic: 2025
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Racquetball at the World Games|Racquetball]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Racquetball {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Racquetball-18 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082354/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Racquetball-18 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| 1981–85, 1993, 2009–2013, 2022–
| ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Roller sports]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roller Sports {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Roller-Sports-60 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229120520/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Roller-Sports-60 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}}
| {{Flatlist|1=
* Artistic: 1981–2022, [[Roller hockey at the World Games|Roller Hockey]]: 1981–1993, 2001, [[Inline hockey at the World Games|Inline Hockey]]: 2005–
* Speed Skating Track: 1981–
* Speed Skating Road: 1981,{{refn|group=b|[[Road speed skating at the 1981 World Games|Road speed skating]] was held at the 1981 Games, with the men's marathon and women's half-marathon being contested in international competition for the first time.<ref name="upi25">{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/01/Running-26-miles-the-classic-marathon-distance/5668365486400/|title=Running 26 miles -- the classic marathon distance --...|first=Joe|last=Sargis|publisher=United Press International|date=1 August 1981|access-date=25 February 2024|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805183326/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/08/01/Running-26-miles-the-classic-marathon-distance/5668365486400/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A big wheel of World Games adds third win|first=Peter|last=Finch |page=5E|work=San Jose Mercury-News|date=2 August 1981|location=San Jose, California}}</ref> But at the TWG results history look-up website, it is not indicated as a separate discipline for Roller Sports, but rather as part of track speed skating.}} 2013–{{refn|group=b|A summary article at the TWG website cites "Roller Sports - Road" as an invitational sport.<ref name=":3" /> However, at the TWG results history look-up website, medals awarded for "Roller Sports - Speed Skating Road" events are included, unlike four 2013 invitational sports,<ref name="results">{{Cite web |title=Result history of The World Games {{!}} IWGA - Roller Sports - Speed Skating Road |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/results#edition=3&sport=60&discipline=162&category=&country=0 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225194028/http://www.theworldgames.org/the-world-games/results-history#edition=3&sport=60&discipline=162&category=&country=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the medals are included in the main Medal Tally on the website of the 2013 TWG Full Official Results, not the Invitational Medal Tally.<ref name="2013 results">{{Cite web |title=The World Games 2013, Cali (COL) info system {{!}} Full Results from the Official Results Provider (Swiss Timing) |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/editions/Cali-COL-2013-3/infosystem |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>}}
* Freestyle Inline Skating: 2025
}}
|
|Roller hockey: Demonstration: [[Roller hockey at the 1992 Summer Olympics|1992]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Rowing (sport)|Rowing]]
| {{No}} || || [[Indoor rower#Sport|Indoor]]: 2017<ref name="Wroclaw" />||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Rugby sevens at the World Games|Rugby]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rugby {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Rugby-19 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065004/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Rugby-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{No}}
| Sevens: 2001–2013
|
| Rugby Union: 1900, 1908, 1920–1924 <br/>Sevens: 2016–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/rugby-sevens/ |title=Rugby Sevens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408163653/https://olympics.com/en/sports/rugby-sevens/ |archive-date=8 April 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sambo {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sambo-67 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082344/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sambo-67 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || 1985, 1993, 2025 || ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Sport climbing at the World Games|Sport climbing]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sport Climbing {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sport-Climbing-36 |access-date=19 June 2022 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619234830/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sport-Climbing-36 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Speed only}}
| {{hlist|Lead: 2005–2022|Speed: 2005–|Boulder: 2017–2022}}
|
| 2020–<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/sport-climbing/#discipline-history-of |title=IOC - Sport Climbing |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065833/https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/sport-climbing#discipline-history-of |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Squash at the World Games|Squash]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Squash {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Squash-20 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082357/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Squash-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || 1997, 2005– || || 2028 
|-
! scope="row" |[[Sumo at the World Games|Sumo]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sumo {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Sumo-23 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org}}</ref>
| {{No}} || 2005–2022 || 2001 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Taekwondo]]
| {{No}}
| 1981–1993<ref name="World Games 1993" />
|
| Demonstration: 1988. <br/>Official: 2000–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/taekwondo/ |title=Taekwondo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516022310/http://olympics.com/en/sports/taekwondo/ |archive-date=16 May 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Tchoukball]]
| {{No}} || || 2009<ref name=":4" />||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Triathlon]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Triathlon {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Triathlon-39 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=6 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006085145/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Triathlon-39 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Invitational<br/>sport}}
| 1993<ref name=":5" />
| {{plainlist|1=
* 1989 (demonstration),<ref name="hist" /><ref name=":8" />
* Duathlon: 2013,<ref name=":3" /> [[Duathlon at the 2022 World Games|2022]]<ref name="Birm" />–
}}
| Triathlon: 2000–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/triathlon/ |title=Triathlon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228074514/https://olympics.com/en/sports/triathlon/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Tug of war at the World Games|Tug of war]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tug of War {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Tug-of-War-28 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082353/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Tug-of-War-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Outdoor<br/>only}}
| Outdoor: 1981–, Indoor: 2005–2017 || Indoor: 1993–2001 || [[Tug of war at the Summer Olympics|1900–1920]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Underwater sports]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Underwater Sports {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Underwater-Sports-30 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082346/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Underwater-Sports-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || [[Finswimming at the World Games|Finswimming]]: 1981– , Freediving: 2025 || ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Volleyball]]
| {{No}}
| Beach: 1993<ref name=":5" />
|
| Beach: Demonstration: 1992. Official: 1996–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/beach-volleyball/ |title=Beach Volleyball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730065829/https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/beach-volleyball |archive-date=30 July 2024 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Water polo]]
| {{No}}
|
| Women's: 1981<ref name=":9" />{{refn|group=b|An invitational sport programme did not exist for the 1981 World Games. Press coverage did not refer to water polo as an invitational sport. An agreement was reached with [[FINA]] in the lead-up to the games not to allow women's water polo athletes to march in the opening ceremony, to assuage the displeasure of the International Olympic Committee for its being included in the programme.<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/28/sports/unheralded-sports-exert-a-pull-too.html|access-date=25 October 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 July 1981|first=Ira|last=Berkow|title=Unheralded Sports Exert a Pull, Too|archive-date=27 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227193229/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/28/sports/unheralded-sports-exert-a-pull-too.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Five days before the opening ceremony, Canada had become the newly-crowned [[FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup|World Cup champion]] in Brisbane, Australia, in a competition that included the same three teams that medaled in these Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fina.org/sites/default/files/histofina_wp_2018_final_0.pdf|title=HistoFINA Water Polo Medallists and Statistics|year=2017|location=Lausanne, Switzerland|publisher=FINA|page=66|access-date=23 February 2024|archive-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528143003/https://www.fina.org/sites/default/files/histofina_wp_2018_final_0.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.todor66.com/Water_Polo/World_Cup/Women_1981.html|title=Women Water Polo 3rd World Cup 1981 Brisbane (AUS) - 12-19.07 Winner Canada|first=Todor |last=Krastev |access-date= 30 July 2019}}</ref>}}|| Women's: 2000–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/water-polo/ |title=Water Polo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228074358/https://olympics.com/en/sports/water-polo/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Water skiing at the World Games|Waterski & Wakeboard]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waterski & Wakeboard {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Waterski-Wakeboard-37 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229114907/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Waterski-Wakeboard-37 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|All except<br/> waterski and<br/> barefoot}}
| {{hlist|Waterski: 1981–2022|Barefoot: 1997–2009|Wakeboard: 2001–|Cable wakeboard: 2005, 2025|Wake Surf: 2025}}
| Barefoot: 1993<ref name=":5" />
|Demonstration: [[Water skiing at the 1972 Summer Olympics|1972]]
|-
! scope="row" |[[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]
| {{No}}
| Women's: 1997<ref name=":6" />
|
| Women's: 2000–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/sports/weightlifting/ |title=Weightlifting |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507075716/https://olympics.com/en/sports/weightlifting/ |archive-date=7 May 2022 |website=Olympics.com |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Wheelchair rugby at the 2022 World Games|Wheelchair rugby]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wheelchair Rugby {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wheelchair-Rugby-77 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221082356/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wheelchair-Rugby-77 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes-No|Low point only}} ||  || Low point: 2022 ||
|-
! scope="row" |[[Wushu (sport)|Wushu]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wushu {{!}} IWGA |url=https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wushu-41 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=TheWorldGames.org |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114143915/https://www.theworldgames.org/sports/Wushu-41 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| {{Yes}} || Taolu: 2025, Sanda: 2025 || Sanda: 2009–2013<br/> Taolu: 2009–2013, 2022 ||
|-
|}
{{reflist|group=b}}

==Medal tables==

===All-time nation medal table===

{{Main|All-time World Games medal table}}
Last updated after the [[2022 World Games]]
<!--- This table has been meticulously researched and checked for accuracy. Its medal counts are at variance with those published on the World Games website, in which there are known errors and omissions. Please do not change the medal counts below to match that source. Please discuss contemplated changes on the Talk page first to give others the opportunity to comment. An exception would be the updating of results from Chengdu 2025.--->
{{Medals table
 | caption        = Top ten total medal ranking<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldgames.org/the-world-games/results-history#edition=0&category=0&country=0|title=Results of the World Games|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=5 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105150610/http://www.theworldgames.org/the-world-games/results-history#edition=0&category=0&country=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/2009-kaohsiung--doping-violations-518|title=2009 Kaohsiung: Doping Violations|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113527/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/2009-kaohsiung--doping-violations-518|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifs-sumo.org/ifs-w-games2009.html|publisher=International Sumo Federation|title=The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002072246/http://www.ifs-sumo.org/ifs-w-games2009.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Medal/Medals?sport=00&medalKind=DefaultSports|title=The World Games 2013 Cali Medal Tally|publisher=sportresult.com|access-date=26 October 2015|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104120644/http://worldgames2013.sportresult.com/NH/en/300/Medal/Medals?sport=00&medalKind=DefaultSports|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=International Sumo Federation – World Games|url=http://www.ifs-sumo.org/ifs-w-games2013.html|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-date=5 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605001854/http://www.ifs-sumo.org/ifs-w-games2013.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/07/29/World-Games-I-Results/2896365227200/|title=World Games I Results|date=29 July 1981 |publisher=United Press International}}</ref>
 | host           = 
 | flag_template  = flagcountry
 | event          = 
 | team           = 
 | gold_ITA = 166 | silver_ITA = 171 | bronze_ITA = 153 | note_ITA = {{efn|name=fn4|The results from the 2001 World Games are from the archived website of the Akita, Japan, organizing committee.<ref name="akita">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618112426/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/index.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/index.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Results/|archive-date=18 June 2007|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215140901/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1735.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1735.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Karate/Sparring/Open weight/Men August 18-19 / Tenno Town Gymnasium, Tenno Town, Japan|archive-date=15 December 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415202144/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1755.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1755.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Karate/Sparring/-60kg/Women/ August 18-19 / Tenno Town Gymnasium, Tenno Town, Japan|archive-date=15 April 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050920104842/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1909.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1909.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Point Race/|archive-date=20 September 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051102141935/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1965.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1965.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Surf/Rescue Bord Rescue Race|archive-date=2 November 2005|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051107120812/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1960.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1960.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Surf/Rescue Tube Rescue Race|archive-date=7 November 2005|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415173116/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1921.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1921.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Pool/4x50m Obstacle Relay|archive-date=15 April 2005|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050415174817/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1923.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1923.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Pool/4x25m Manikin Relay|archive-date=15 April 2005|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050914082703/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1925.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re1925.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Life Saving/Pool/4x50m Rescue Tube Relay|archive-date=14 September 2005|access-date=4 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050910142437/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re0340.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re0340.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Sport Boules/Petanque/Women/Doubles/ August 17-19 / World Games Plaza, Akita City, Japan|archive-date=10 September 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050908144543/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re3131.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re3131.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Water Ski/Tournament/Men/ August 23-25 / Ogata Water Ski Course, Ogata Village, Japan|archive-date=8 September 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwsf.com/WorldGamesAkita/WORLDGAMESSunday.htm|title=World Games, Akita, Japan|date=26 August 2001|access-date=3 February 2018|archive-date=16 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716130437/http://www.iwsf.com/WorldGamesAkita/WORLDGAMESSunday.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050914185043/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re2337.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re2337.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Roller Skating/Speed/Point+elimination 15,000m/Men/ August 24-26 / Akita Prefectural Skating Rink, Akita City, Japan|archive-date=14 September 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050909123818/http://www.pref.akita.jp/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re2339.html|url=http://www.pref.akita.jp:80/tiiki/wg2001/result_/eng/re2339.html|title=The 6th World Games 2001.8.16-26 Roller Skating/Speed/Elimination 20,000m/Men/ August 24-26 / Akita Prefectural Skating Rink, Akita City, Japan|archive-date=9 September 2005|access-date=3 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
 | gold_USA = 161 | silver_USA = 137 | bronze_USA = 115 | note_USA = {{efn|name=fn7|The 1997 bronze medalists in aerobics mixed pair were from Great Britain, not United States as stated in IWGA source.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dybo.co.uk/members/steve-benton/|title=DYBO Health & Fitness|access-date=16 October 2019|quote=... multi British Sports Aerobics champions Helen Carpenter-Waters and Alastair Rates who became GB's only ever medallists at World level|archive-date=16 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016181416/http://dybo.co.uk/members/steve-benton/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
 | gold_GER = 162 | silver_GER = 118 | bronze_GER = 156| note_GER = {{efn|name=fn8|In 2017, Germany was stripped of a gold medal in women's bowling for doping. This table reflects the reallocation of medals for that event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1067082/bowling-kickboxer-and-indoor-rower-stripped-of-world-games-medals-for-doping|title=Bowler, kickboxer and indoor rower stripped of World Games medals for doping|publisher=Dunsar Media Company Limited|work=Inside the Games|first=Nick|last=Butler|date=5 July 2018|access-date=22 October 2019|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716094135/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1067082/bowling-kickboxer-and-indoor-rower-stripped-of-world-games-medals-for-doping|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
 | gold_RUS = 136 | silver_RUS = 110 | bronze_RUS = 72 | note_RUS = {{efn|name=fn1|The Soviet Union, which won 36 total medals in 1989, is counted separately from its all successor states, including Russia. This is consistent with the separate counting of medals for other states that sub-divided into their constituent successor states following their initial participation in the World Games. These include Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic and Slovakia) and FR Yugoslavia (2001) and Serbia and Montenegro in (2005).}}
 | gold_FRA = 114 | silver_FRA = 116 | bronze_FRA = 121
 | gold_CHN = 78 | silver_CHN = 59 | bronze_CHN = 29
 | gold_GBR = 65 | silver_GBR = 65 | bronze_GBR = 95 | note_GBR = {{efn|name=fn7}}{{efn|name=fn2|The 1981 mixed badminton title was won by a pair of players from Sweden and Great Britain. Both nations are counted as having won a gold medal.}}
 | gold_JPN = 65 | silver_JPN = 49 | bronze_JPN = 65
 | gold_UKR = 58 | silver_UKR = 59 | bronze_UKR = 54 | note_UKR = {{efn|name=fn3|In 2009, Ukraine was stripped of two gold medals in bodybuilding for doping, and Qatar and Brazil were each stripped of a silver medal. This table does not include those stripped medals, and neither does it include possible reallocation of those medals, as the results at the World Games website do not reflect a reallocation.<ref name="2009doping">{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/2009-kaohsiung--doping-violations-518|title=2009 Kaohsiung: Doping Violations|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113527/https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-17/2009-kaohsiung--doping-violations-518|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
 | gold_ESP = 47 | silver_ESP = 49 | bronze_ESP = 49
}}
{{Notelist}}

===All-time athlete medal table===
Top ten medal table for athletes<ref>{{cite web|title=TWG most successful athletes|url=https://www.theworldgames.org/athletes/most-successful|publisher=International World Games Association|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509171156/https://www.theworldgames.org/athletes/most-successful|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{sticky header}}{{table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header defaultcenter col2left col3left"
|-
! scope="col"|Rank
! scope="col" style="width:7.8em;"|Athlete
! scope="col" style="width:8.2em;"|Nation
! scope="col" style="width:5.6em;"|Sport
! scope="col"| Years Active
! scope="col" style="background-color:gold; width:3.5em; font-weight:bold;"| Gold
! scope="col" style="background-color:silver; width:3.5em; font-weight:bold;"|Silver
! scope="col" style="background-color:#cc9966; width:3.5em; font-weight:bold;"|Bronze
! scope="col" style="width:3.5em;"|Total
|-
! scope="row"| 1
| Jurgen Kolenda || {{flagIOC|GER}} || [[Finswimming at the World Games|Finswimming]] || 1981–1985 || 11 || 0 || 0 || 11
|-
! scope="row"| 2
| Steve Rajeff || {{flagIOC|USA}} || [[Casting at the World Games|Casting]] || 1981–2005 || 8 || 4 || 3 || 15
|-
! scope="row"| 3
| Serguei Akhapov || {{flagIOC|RUS}} || [[Finswimming at the World Games|Finswimming]] || 1989–2005 || 8 || 4 || 1 || 13
|-
! scope="row"| 4
| [[Bart Swings]] || {{flagIOC|BEL}} || [[Inline speed skating|Speed skating]] || 2013–2022 || 8 || 2 || 2 || 12
|-
! scope="row"|5
| Danny Wieck || {{flagIOC|GER}} || [[Lifesaving at the World Games|Life saving]] || 2013–2022 || 6 || 1 || 2 || 9
|-
! scope="row"| 6
| Magali Rousseau || {{flagIOC|FRA}} || [[Lifesaving at the World Games|Life saving]] || 2013–2022 || 6 || 1 || 1 || 8
|-
! scope="row"| 6
| [[:fr:Patrice_Martin_(sportif)|Patrice Martin]]|| {{flagIOC|FRA}} || [[Waterski]]|| 1981–2001 || 6 || 1 || 1 || 8
|-
! scope="row"| 8
| [[Anna Poliakova]]|| {{flagIOC|RUS}} || [[Sumo at the World Games|Sumo]]|| 2009–2017 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 6
|-
! scope="row"| 9
| Marcello Saporiti || {{flagIOC|ITA}} || [[Lifesaving at the World Games|Life saving]] || 1989–1993 || 5 || 2 || 2 || 9
|-
! scope="row"| 10
| Vasilisa Kravchuk || {{flagIOC|RUS}} || [[Finswimming at the World Games|Finswimming]] || 2005–2013 || 5 || 2 || 1 || 8
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.theworldgames.org/}}

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