First held: 1930 · Ultimate honour in football

The pinnacle of international football, bringing together 32 (soon 48) nations in a month-long celebration of the beautiful game.

First held: 1955 · €2.03 billion prize pool

Europe's elite club competition, featuring the continent's best teams competing for the most prestigious club trophy in football.

First held: 1916 · Continental glory

The oldest international football tournament, contested by South American nations. Argentina and Uruguay are the most decorated.

First held: 1960 · Continental glory

The premier international tournament for European nations. Germany and Spain have won it most with three titles each.

First held: 1950 · World Championship

The global championship for national teams, contested by 32 nations with USA, Yugoslavia (Serbia), and Spain as the most decorated nations.

First held: 1936 · Olympic Gold Medal

Basketball has been an Olympic sport since 1936. The USA's 1992 Dream Team (Jordan, Magic, Bird) is considered the greatest team ever assembled.

First held: 1947 · NBA Championship Trophy

The annual championship series of the NBA, a best-of-seven series between the Eastern and Western Conference champions.

First held: 1975 · $4 million prize

The 50-over World Cup, the pinnacle of ODI cricket. Australia hold the record with 6 titles.

First held: 1882 · Cricket's oldest trophy — a tiny urn

The oldest international cricket rivalry between England and Australia. Played alternately in each country over 5 Test matches.

First held: 2007 · $2.45 million prize

The Twenty20 World Championship, the fastest-growing cricket tournament. West Indies are the only two-time champions.

First held: 2019 · WTC Mace

The championship for Test cricket, with teams earning points over a two-year cycle. Australia won the inaugural WTC final.

First held: 1877 · £50 million prize fund

The oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam, played on grass courts in London. The only Grand Slam where players must wear white.

First held: 1891 · €53.5 million prize fund

The only Grand Slam on clay, held in Paris. Rafael Nadal's 14 titles there make him statistically the greatest ever on a single surface.

First held: 1881 · $65 million prize fund

The final Grand Slam of the year, held in Flushing Meadows, New York. Known for night sessions and the loudest, most energetic crowds.

First held: 1905 · AU$86.5 million prize fund

The first Grand Slam of the year, played in Melbourne on hard courts. Known as the "Happy Slam" for its festive atmosphere.

First held: 1929 · The Jewel in the Crown

The most prestigious race in motorsport, held on the streets of Monte Carlo. The narrow circuit makes overtaking nearly impossible — qualifying and strategy are everything.

First held: 1921 · Historic prestige

The Temple of Speed — Monza's high-speed circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar. The passionate Tifosi (Ferrari fans) make this one of the most atmospheric events.

First held: 1950 · Home of F1

The home race for many top teams based in Silverstone's vicinity, and the opening race of the first World Championship. Passionate partisan crowds.

First held: 1967 · Vince Lombardi Trophy

The NFL Championship game and the world's most-watched annual sporting event. Held in a neutral stadium each February, it's as much cultural phenomenon as sporting contest.

First held: 2014 · National Championship

The 12-team playoff system determining the national college football champion, replacing the controversial BCS system. Generates $500M+ annually.