Some boxing fans have been expressing on social media that the huge viewership of the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was due to the legendary Tyson stepping into the ring. Regardless of the outcome and the controversies surrounding the broadcast, one thing is certain—the event captured the attention of millions. According to British media outlet The Sun, Tyson-Paul’s match has entered the list of the most-watched sporting events in the world, based on viewers across both TV and digital platforms.
At the top of the list is the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Argentina’s World Cup win was watched by a staggering 540 million people, making it the most-watched sporting event ever. According to Statista, the global population as of December 2022 was 7.95 billion, meaning 67.5% of the world’s population tuned in to watch Messi and his team’s triumph. Here are the top 10 most-watched sporting events:
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: 65 Million
The Tyson-Paul fight had been eagerly anticipated since early November. Tyson, at 58 years old, was fighting his first professional match since 2005. Paul, a YouTuber turned professional boxer, won the 8-round bout via unanimous decision. Tyson only managed to land 18 punches, compared to Paul’s 78. Despite technical issues like buffering on Netflix, which could have reduced viewership, 65 million people still tuned in, knocking the 1978 World Series Baseball event out of the top ten list.
2024 Super Bowl: 124 Million
The 2024 Super Bowl saw the Kansas City Chiefs come back from a 24-13 deficit to win 38-35 against the Philadelphia Eagles. With 124 million viewers, it ranks ninth among the most-watched sporting events.
2019 Rugby World Cup Final: 857 Million
South Africa defeated England 32-12 to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, which became the most popular tournament in rugby history. It ranks eighth in the list of the most-watched sports events.
Asian Games: 986 Million
The 2018 Jakarta Asian Games made the list, despite being a surprise inclusion. The event was held in some of the most densely populated countries in the world, and 986 million people across 45 countries watched it on TV.
Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks: 2 Billion
In 1978, Muhammad Ali faced Leon Spinks in a rematch, which remains one of the most-watched boxing matches ever. With 2 billion viewers across 80 countries, this event was a defining moment in boxing history.
2006 Winter Olympics: 2.1 Billion
The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin attracted an astonishing 2.1 billion viewers globally, marking the highest-ever viewership for a Winter Olympics.
2019 Cricket World Cup: 2.6 Billion
The final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, which saw England defeat New Zealand in a dramatic match, was watched by 260 million people on TV and digital platforms. The entire tournament was viewed by 2.6 billion people, making it the most-watched cricket event.
Tour de France: 3.5 Billion
Not only is the Tour de France the most prestigious cycling race, but it also attracts the largest audience. According to organizers, 3.5 billion people across 190 countries watched the race on TV and digital platforms, with 12 million spectators lining the roads.
2008 Olympic Games: 4.7 Billion
The 2008 Beijing Olympics, dubbed ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ was watched by 4.7 billion people, with athletes from 206 countries competing in the games.
2022 FIFA World Cup: 5.4 Billion
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, in which Argentina triumphed over France in a penalty shootout, was watched by 540 million people globally on TV and digital platforms, making it the most-watched sporting event in history.
Here is a quick summary of the top sporting events by viewership (TV and digital platforms):
2022 FIFA World Cup – 5.4 Billion
2008 Olympic Games – 4.7 Billion
2024 Tour de France – 3.5 Billion
2019 Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion
2006 Winter Olympics – 2.1 Billion
Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks – 2 Billion
2018 Asian Games – 986 Million
2019 Rugby World Cup Final – 857 Million
2024 Super Bowl – 124 Million
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul – 65 Million
