Sport is one of the most popular pastimes on the planet with billions people taking part each and every day. Whether it is playing or watching, the year 2025 has seen the growth of a range of different sports. From having fun and enjoyment and looking after one’s fitness to tuning in to be entertained, different games appeal to different people.
This article will look at some of the fastest growing sports right now and you may be surprised to see some classic games still finding new players, fans and followers.
Padel
Padel was invented in Mexico back in 1969 and has enjoyed a rapid increase in popularity in recent years. Celebrities including Rafael Nadal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have been known to play the game and it has grown into the public consciousness.
The game is similar to tennis in the sense that the ball is played between opposing players or pairs on an enclosed court with a net. Using a padel racket, the game begins with an underhand serve that must bounce in the opposing service box. Hitting the ball back and forth, the ball must bounce once while the walls are used to return the ball.
The scoring system is such that players or pairs earn a point when the opposition fails to return the ball and games are played to six to seven points. Matches are then played in a best-of-three format.
Padel is perhaps the greatest growing sport currently with more than 30 million people enjoying a game worldwide last year.
Predicting Match Outcomes
While it isn’t a sport, it’s important to note that there are a growing number of people adding an extra thrill to the match action by placing bets on the outcome of games across a range of pastimes. Be it soccer, basketball or American Football, millions of fans will take to online apps to predict the final result.
If you are considering getting started in sports wagering, it’s a smart move to do a sportsbook comparison of the best online betting sites so that you can find the platform which best suits your preferences and needs when it comes to odds, security and bonuses.
Pickleball
Pickleball is another sport that’s on the rise and though similar to padel, it’s a different pastime. This game is played on a small court and uses a solid paddle and perforated plastic ball. Once the ball is served from behind the baseline to the opponent’s area, players must take turns to land the ball and games are often played to eleven points though players must win by at least two.
Like padel, many people are taking up pickleball as it is accessible and relatively easy to play with only a small amount of equipment and minimal space needed to get going.
Lawn Sports
Lawn sports like bowls have always been popular among older people due to their accessibility and ease to play. While games like basketball require plenty of movement, running and a high level of fitness, playing bowls allows players to remain more stationary and roll a ball from a standing position.
With this in mind, bowls has mass appeal as people of all ages look to stay fit and healthy by undertaking new sports. There are plenty of greens dotted around local communities making them a convenient venue for people to attend.
Soccer
Yes, really. Soccer may already be one of the most popular sports on the planet yet it still continues to new people each season. The biggest matches are watched by billions of fans in virtually every country and region and the appeal of competitions like the Champions League and the Premier League continues to attract new fans.
Then there are star names like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have moved to Inter Miami and Al-Nassr respectively meaning more supporters are being drawn to the game in the United States of America and Saudi Arabia.
Golf
Golf is another sport which is growing as it now appealing to a wider range of people. Once seen as an exclusive pastime where you had to be a member of a course, there has been a cultural shift and more clubs are allowing a greater number of members.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, there are plenty of courses available to play at if you are based in nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, countries that love their golf.
Overall, there a wide range of new and old sports to get involved with throughout 2025 and beyond. Whether you want to compete for prizes and glory or simply want to enjoy a pastime with friends and family, trying out a new hobby is always fun and it could become your regular workout routine.
Wrapping Up
If you are keen to explore a new sport this summer, there are plenty of relatively new pursuits to check out which have soared in popularity in recent times. From padel and pickeball to traditional lawn sports, it matters not your skill level and the accessibility of these games are part of their appeal.
Of course, the old classics like soccer will always remain huge but more and more people are eyeing other pursuits to improve their all-round fitness and enjoyment on the whole.
