BY ADEKOLA BOLUWAJI NIFEMI
After twelve intense days full of sport, culture and international exchange, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games have come to a successful end. The final press conference impressively highlighted what many had long felt: Rhine-Ruhr 2025 was a complete success for sports, for the region, for Germany and for the people.
What distinguished these games was the extraordinary atmosphere, supported by hundreds of thousands of fans, the warm hospitality throughout the region and sporting excellence at the international top level. Already over 23,000 spectators celebrated the start of the Games together with athletes from all over the world at the Opening Ceremony at Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. With around 1.2 million visitors until the end, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games have created an impressive overall response. This number reflects the great appeal of the event across all venues. From the 23 sports venues to the many festival, cultural and hangout spots throughout the region and Berlin. As expected, the event developed continuously: visitor interest increased significantly from day to day. Several sold-out venues, especially in beach volleyball, water polo, basketball and rowing, made the great interest until the last hours of competition clear.
Sporting standards were set
In total, there were 234 medal events. Japan took first place in the medal table with 79 medals, including 34 golds. In the end, the German team was ranked six and celebrated one of the most successful performances in its history with 40 medals, including 11 in gold. And the team has made history: The first gold medal in the women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball competition in the history of the FISU Games went to Germany. In addition, there were 28 new FISU records, which are proof of the outstanding level of competitions. The swimming competitions in Berlin in particular stood out: 17 records were broken there alone. This was also thanks to the optimal conditions in the venue, the Schwimm- und Sprunghalle im Europasportpark (SSE). The decision to integrate Berlin into the concept as the sixth Host City proved to be the right choice, both from an organisation and sport standpoint.
Festival atmosphere at its best
In addition to 18 sports and numerous medal decisions, the event was complemented by an equally versatile scientific and cultural programme. The participants were excited about conferences, workshops and hands-on activities, such as the Sports Diploma, which was issued to children and young people more than 24,000 times. Concerts with artists such as Deichkind, Ski Aggu, Querbeat, Alle Farben and Michael Schulte attracted thousands of visitors to the festival stages: The completely sold-out Deichkind concert alone for the closing event is a thrilling finale, Ski Aggu counted 8,500, and further concerts each attracted around 6,500 guests. The festival formats impressively showed how sport and culture can grow together in the heart of the region in a way that is accessible for everyone. Another fantastic addition was the FISU World Conference. The three-day conference dealt with the topics of (mental) health in sport and sustainability. 429 abstracts from 29 nations had been submitted on these topics in advance. On average, 150 participants attended the conference over the three days.
A large community celebrates the Games
In addition to the sport, it was the community spirit that shaped these games. The region of North Rhine-Westphalia made an impression as a host with a strong community spirit and an open-minded, sports-loving population. The cities and municipalities of the region made the event an experience that went far beyond sporting competition and raised university sport to a new, international stage. From volunteers to the people in the cities who helped, cheered and celebrated. Germany can host major international multisport events.
Testimonials from the press conference
Dr. Christiane Schenderlein, Minister of State for Volunteering and Sport:
“The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games have shown how much power sport can unfold. I was impressed by the great performances of the athletes. A big thank you goes to our German team: you represented Germany well. I am sure that the FISU Games will leave a legacy beyond sport: in the minds of all fans, the athletes, the many volunteers, on the Rhine and Ruhr as well as on the Spree. I shout to our guests from all over the world: Carry the message of how great the World University Games in Germany were to your countries. I am particularly proud of how reliable, professional and kind Germany was as a host. The FISU Games make you look forward to more. It remains our goal to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Germany. Many thanks for the good and trusting cooperation go to the Organising Committee, the German University Sports Association and the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin. Together we have created something that will last.”
Bernhard Schwank, Head of Department for Sport and Volunteering of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia:
“North Rhine-Westphalia is excited about 12 breathtaking competition and festival days. The impressive performances of the athletes, the atmosphere in the iconic sports venues and the atmosphere among the visitors have once again shown that Germany’s No.1 region for sport can host major international sporting events. Many thanks to the organising committee, the host cities, the many volunteers, the people of North Rhine-Westphalia and the guests from all over the world. They all have contributed to the successful implementation of this milestone in the history of Sportland NRW.”
Leonz Eder, President of FISU:
“The games in Rhine-Ruhr and Berlin were of a high sporting level and will be remembered as a sustainable, inclusive event. The connection between university sports and science, the cultural programs for the public and the friendliness and helpfulness of the volunteers have shaped these wonderful games.”
Matthias Remund, CEO of FISU:
“The OC under the operational management of Niklas Börger has done an outstanding job under difficult circumstances. A new generation of sports organisers have grown up here, which is promising for the future and can be put to effective use everywhere. The same must be said of the volunteers, helpful everywhere – always with a smile: Best advertising for Sportland NRW.”
Jörg Förster, Chairman of the Board of adh:
“As adh, we are proud to have been the initiator and companion of this development. The legacy of the Games extends far beyond the sporting successes of Team Studi: it provides important impetus for the strengthening of parasports at universities and makes a valuable contribution to questions of sustainability in sport. With the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, we have succeeded in giving university sport the stage and visibility it deserves – a success that is not only impressive in terms of sport, but also emotionally. In the six host cities, this was filled with life at the highest level. I would like to thank the organising committee and the numerous volunteers for their outstanding commitment.”
Niklas Börger, CEO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH:
“These games have sparked a special flame that goes far beyond sport. That has always been the goal. We wanted to create an experience, a positive, vibrant, and loud attitude to life, and we succeeded. The numerous stakeholders, people in the cities and sports venues not only co-organised, but they also lived the event. You could feel how much the atmosphere, the sporting records and peaceful coexistence moved people everywhere. It was a pleasure and an honour for the entire team to be responsible for these special games.”
Anna Monta Olek, Gold Medal Judo (in class up to 78 kg)
“It was just an awesome tournament. The atmosphere in the hall was incredible. My family, friends and many judo fans cheered me on and that totally carried me. I am so happy that I have finally won the title after winning the European Championship and World Cup silver.”
Aaron Jen, Judo Team USA
“This was my first major international sporting event, and it was truly amazing. The venues were impressive, and it was a unique experience to have the chance to meet so many different athletes from all over.”
Nels Hawkinson, Deputy Head of Delegation Team USA
“The atmosphere was fantastic. That 3×3-Wheelchair Basketball venue in particular was specificerar incredible. I felt like I was in the streets of Philadelphia. It is truely amazing.”
Further figures for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games
- 890 employees
- 10,533 volunteers from 114 nations
- 913 Accredited Journalists
- 36 sponsors and partners
- 6 million homepage visits (only during games time)
- 673 hours of TV broadcasting (FISU TV and ARD/WDR TV)
- 678 employees in production
- 222 Cameras
- 75,000 overnight stays booked
- 121.784 meals (lunch & dinner) for Volunteers, workforce, and Technical Officials
- 78.088 meals (lunch & dinner) für athletes and delegations
