In certain sports, fans are lucky because several world-class events take place yearly. However, a few of the most prestigious competitions occur on a two or four-year cycle, which means the anticipation levels are at a fever pitch. 2022 is one of those special years where several sporting events happen within months and weeks of each other.
With so much action on the calendar, it can be hard to know when to sit down and turn on the TV and what to tune into. If you’re searching for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. These are the four biggest sporting events of 2022 that any self-respecting sports fan can’t miss.
The Winter Olympics
It doesn’t get any bigger than the Olympics. The Winter Olympics are set to arrive in Beijing in 2022, which is controversial in its own right. Of course, China did an excellent job of hosting the Summer Olympics in 2008, so there’s no reason to believe the action won’t be as compelling. Plus, the athletes are in peak physical condition and records are expected to be broken.
The IOC has also sanctioned new events to take place for the first time in a long while, aiming to promote participation among minority groups. Therefore, we can expect to see seven new medal events, meaning there is a total program of 109. From that perspective alone, the 2022 Winter Olympics will be the biggest in the modern era.
ICC T20 World Cup
T20 cricket has experienced a lot of ups and downs in the last two years. In 2021, the UAE hosted a delayed version of the T20 World Cup, with Australia upsetting the odds to beat England and India to the title. Only a year later, the champions will attempt to retain their crown in their backyard, with the format traveling Down Under.
With the narratives from the previous tournament still ringing in everyone’s ears, cricket fans will be desperate to see round two, particularly regarding India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s victory was the first time the nations had met in ages, and it didn’t disappoint as the Pakistanis blew away their rivals thanks to a sustained spell of incredibly hostile bowling. When they meet again in the opening round of the Super 12s, it should be another game for the ages.
NBA Finals
American sports are exciting because the worst teams are allowed to improve their squads. The 2022 NBA Draft, for example, awards the number one pick to the franchise with the worst regular season record from the previous year. As a result, the post-season is often packed with drama and different talking points every time.
As arguably the most prestigious basketball tournament in the whole world, NBA playoffs games are almost guaranteed to leave you wanting more. After all, the way the NBA basketball playoffs work is via an elimination format, meaning one bad performance will leave the favorites on the sidelines. Thanks to Steph Curry, Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2022 NBA Finals will be must-watch viewing.
Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton had a record-breaking eighth Formula One World Championship in his hands before a very questionable decision left him on old tires with a flying Max Verstappen a car-length behind. The Dutchman duly overtook him on the last lap and claimed his first world title.
Of course, the fallout has been raging on for months because it wasn’t the way most viewers wanted to watch the greatest-ever F1 season to end. As a result, all eyes will be on Bahrain. Will Verstappen double down and prove his worth? Will Mercedes come back stronger? Will Hamilton return to the grid?
There’s only one way to find out!