In our list of top 10 most popular sports in America, American Football is the most popular and most watched sport of all the other sports. It is also the 9th most popular sport in the whole sport world.
The biggest competition of American football is organized by National Football League (NFL). American football is more popular in southern parts of USA, like Texas, California and Florida.
The Americans are not just watching the football at homes. They are coming by thousands to watch the game on football stadiums. In 2012, the NFL had an average attendance of 67,604 at each game of football, which is more than any other sports event in the world.
With the charm of money and fame, American football has achieved the place of most popular sport in America.
In 2012, nearly 1.1 million American high school athletes and over 70,000 college athletes played American football in USA. The NFL championship game, “the Super Bowl”, ranks among the most watched sports worldwide. The NFL has an annual revenue of around $10 billion USD.
Famous NFL players: Reggie White, Don Hutson, Johnny Unitas, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice
2. Baseball
Baseball is considered as the 2nd most popular sport in America. In America, baseball is called the game of national pastime. There are two levels of baseball competition in America, 1. Minor League Baseball and 2. Major League Baseball (MLB). The increased popularity of baseball is not just seen in America, but the whole world is becoming the centerpiece of baseball events slowly. There is always a huge number of audience following baseball matches in America.
Baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight. For this reason, the game is called a “democratic Game”. The game is played at a number of amateur levels, from the high school to college. During the spring and summer, there will be a baseball game going on almost every corner of America.
3. Basketball
Basketball is the 3rd most popular sport in our list. Basketball is the 10th most followed sport in the world. Basically the game is well developed in America and some part of Europe. Nowadays, people all over the world enjoy the game.
All basketball competitions in America are organized under National Basketball Association (NBA). There are so many world renowned NBA basketball teams in all around USA.
US basketball is responsible for the selection and training of the men’s and the women’s team. The USA basketball team used to participate in FIBA Basketball World Cup, Games of the Olympiad and men’s and women’s qualifiers.
Basketball is very much popular sport in America in all terms of view and it is gaining the popularity day by day.
The game is generally known as ‘hockey’. The name ‘Ice-hockey’ is commonly used in countries where ‘hockey’ refers to dry field hockey. Ice hockey is the 4th most popular sport in America.
Ice-hockey is mostly popular in the areas of North America, particularly in northern parts of America and Canada. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the highest level in men’s hockey and is the most popular game in North America. USA won its first gold medal in winter Olympics 1980, in ice-hockey. It was the greatest success of the American ice hockey teams. The win was so remarkable that it is referred to “Miracle on Ice”, as it was a win over the mighty Soviet Union.
Famous US ice-hockey players: Tommy Williams, Jeff Norton, Darren Turcotte, Craig Janney
On the basis of popularity, ice-hockey is the 4th most popular sports in America.
5. Soccer
USA is one of those very few countries where soccer is not at the top in sense of popularity. In terms of viewership, soccer is regarded as the most popular sports in the world. However, soccer is gaining popularity in the school based programs while about 340,000 girls and 380,000 boys participated in this game during 2008 as per the US census.
The governing body is named United States Soccer Federation, commonly known as US Soccer. The organization arranges all level of soccer in America, involving the National teams, professional leagues and amateur games. Now a days, over 13 million people in America are playing soccer. It is the third most played team sport in America.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) is the highest professional soccer league in US. Major League Soccer began to put their mark since 1996 with 10 teams, and has now grown to 20 teams. The MLS is becoming very popular in USA. This soccer league has the third highest attendance of any sports events in America.
In our list of top 10 most popular sports in America, soccer is the fifth most popular sport in US.
6. Golf
Golf began many centuries before the Europeans migrated to America. Presumably, they brought the game across the Atlantics. The game of golf took a while to become popular in America.
American Professional Golfers Association, PGA was formed in 1916. The catalyst in this procedure was the department store owner Rodman Wanamaker.
America is considered as the heartland of golf. There are hundreds of beautiful golf courses around the country. America’s history of golf is much enriched. Golf is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in America.
Famous US golfers: Tiger Woods, Lanny Wadkins, Gene Littler, Lloyd Mangrum
Tiger Woods is an iconic golf figure in the history of America. He is the most successful golfer of all time. He has been one of the highest paid athletes for several years. The players like Woods has made the game one of the most popular sports in America.
7. Tennis
Tennis is an Olympic sport. The game is played all the levels of society. Tennis is popular in all ages. Although the modern game of tennis originated in England, the popularity spread worldwide in a very short period of time.
Tennis was first played in America at the home of Mary Ewing Outerbridge at the Staten Island Cricket club in New Brighton Staten Island, New York in 1874. In 1880, USA held the American National Tournament for the first time in history. United States Tennis Association was formed on 21 May, 1881 to build up rules and organize tennis tournaments.
The America’s national Men’s singles championships is currently known as US Open . The first US Open was took place in 1881 at Newport, Rhode Island. The US Open was made officially one of the tennis majors from 1924.
America has possessed a glorious memory in the history of tennis. The sport is equally popular in men and women. In our list of top 10 most popular sports in America, tennis is in the No. 7 position as one of the most watched sports in USA.
Famous US tennis players: Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, Serena Williams
8. Pro-wrestling
It was a professional wrestling promotion in America in the mid-1980s. Various federations of US wrestling, including National Wrestling Alliance, American Wrestling Association (AWA) and Jim Crockett Promotions unitedly formed Pro-wrestling in USA.
Historical background:
By 1984, Vince McMahon stepped forward to take the World Wrestling Federation ( Now World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE) national and he was the one to bring out Georgia Championship Wrestling. Vince McMahon was able to air the historic “Brawl to End it All” and “War to Settle the Score” wrestling card on MTV to fight the National Wrestling Alliance. Besides that, McMahon still had the most recognized wrestler in America, HULK HOGAN.
Famous Pro-wrestling figures: John Cena, Undertaker, Kane, Stone Cold, The Rock.
Pro-wrestling is probably the most watched and popular sport event in America to some of the critics.
9. Motor Sports
Motor Sports ; image credit en.wikipedia.org
Like the rest of the World, Americans initially began to use their public streets as a track of automobile races. As time progressed, and it was realized that these venues are not safe for the public as they offered relatively little crowd control. Promoters and drivers in America discovered that horse racing tracks could provide better conditions for motor sports than public streets. Since then, there was a huge development in the racing motor sports in America.
United States are quite capable of arranging famous motor racing events. Here are some of these popular motor sports:
● Indianapolis 500:
Indianapolis 500 is the most popular open wheel racing event in USA. An acrimonious split between the primary series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway led to the formation of Indy Racing League in 1994.
Notable Indy car drivers: A.J Foyt, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Al Unser, Scott Dixon.
● NASCAR:
It is the result of enormous expansion of stock car racing. At past, it was mostly a regional circuit, followed in the Southern US. Now it is truly a national sports event.
Famous NASCAR drivers: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt and Jr. Jimmie Johnson
● Formula 1:
Although, formula one is the most popular form of motor sports worldwide, it is not so much popular in America. The Formula one race first hosted in Austin, Texas in 2012. The event was the first United States Grand Prix held since 2007.
Famous Formula one drivers: Phil Hill, Mario Andretti, Scott Speed
● Motorcycle:
Motorcycle racing, commonly known as MotoGP championship is one of the most popular sports in America. There are two Moto GP events took place in US. These events included United States motorcycle Grand Prix and Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Famous Moto GP drivers: Nicky Hayden, Collin Edwards, John Hopkins, Eddie Lawson
After American football, Motorcycle racing is the 2nd most watched in America. Motorcycle racing has marked as one of the most popular sports in USA. In our list of top 10 most popular sports in America, motorcycle racing is in No. 9 position.
10. Martial Arts
Martial arts are the traditions of combat practices. Martial arts are practiced for various reasons: self-defense, physical health and fitness, competition, entertainment purposes, as well as physical, mental and spiritual development.
Actually, the term ‘Martial Arts’ has become associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia. But it was originally referred to the combat system of Europe, in early 1550s. The term ‘Martial Arts’ derived from the Latin word ‘Arts of Mars’, the Roman God of war. Not only in Europe, martial arts have also gained popularity in America. It has been a mandatory in US military to learn martial arts as a form of self-defense.
The US government is also encouraging Martial Arts as a form of sport. In 2007, the wholesale value of martial arts related sports equipment in America was estimated 314 million USD. The participation in martial arts in the same year was at stunning 6.9 million. The Ultimate fighting championship in Martial arts generated a revenue of about 250 USD in 2008. Martial arts are gaining popularity in the young generations of USA. It is one of the most watched sports in America. In our list of top 10 most popular sports in America, Martial arts is in No. 10 position.
The Sikh temple, built in 16th century, is also known as the „Golden Tmple“. Marble, gold and precious stones were used to build it by the lake, where Buddha and Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, used to meditate.
2. Prambanan, Central Java, Indonesia
The Hindu temple was built in 9th century and dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahmā, Vishnu and Shiva. The walls are all covered with impressive carvings, telling the religious stories.
3. Sri Ranganathaswamy, Srirangam, India
The unusual Hindu shrine is the most important temple to Vishnu. Colorful building’s architecture is a fine example of Dravidian style.
4. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
The golden pagoda honors Buddha and rises to a 98 meters height. Among its religious relics are hair from the head of Buddha.
5. Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand
The magnificent contemporary Buddhist temple will be fully finished in 2070 only. However, the brainchild of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat already looks stunning.
6. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
The impressive Russian Orthodox church was built in 16th century. The beautiful architecture is supplemented with colorful towers, that attract attention.
7. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
The largest church in the world among others was designed by Renaissance genius Michelangelo. The church enchants with its greatness and beauty. St. Peter is buried here, according to the Catholic tradition.
8. The Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China
The taoist temple was built in 13th century and was visited by the Chinese emperors. The complex and its yard is a favorite spot for meditation and even exercises.
9. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
A contemporary temple’s exceptional beauty is supposed to unite religion, historical and modern values with architecture and art. The mosque also unites the world, thus the construction materials were used from all around the globe.
10. Gawdawpalin Temple, Bagan, Myanmar
The pagoda was built between 12-13th centuries. The temple is used for meditation and other Buddhist rituals.
This is the world’s longest river. It spans a mammoth journey of 4,132 miles before the mouth meets the Mediterranean Sea in the form of a vast delta in Egypt. The Nile drains about 10 % of the entire Africa. Nile has only two tributaries; White Nile that originates in Rwanda and Blue Nile from Ethiopia. Both tributaries meet at Sudan. From Sudan, the river flows through Sahara desert and discharges into Mediterranean Sea. This river is the lifeblood of most Egyptians and majority of them live on or near the river. Major settlements on this river include Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Khartoum.
2. Amazon
Amazon boasts being the 2nd longest river on earth at 3,976 miles. Apart from being one amongst the biggest rivers on earth, it’s also one of the widest rivers in the world measuring seven miles at various places along its course. During the wet season, this river has a width of up to 25 miles at some places. The river has its source in South America and mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its enormous size, it can count at least 1/5 of the world’s complete flow. This river is so powerful and so big that there aren’t any points along the river that can be crossed by a bridge. Amazon has a very powerful discharge at the mouth which can release as much as 8 trillion gallons of water every day. This river is about 150 deep!
3. Yangtze River
Also known as Chang Jiang or Yangzi, this is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. The river flows for 3,915 miles from Tibet Plateau in eastward across the southwest, central and eastern China before emptying into East China at Shanghai. It is also one amongst the biggest rivers by discharge volume in the world. This river drains 1/5 of the land of the China, and its river basin is home to 1/3 of China’s population.
4. Mississippi-Missouri
This is the chief of the largest drainage system in North America. The river flows in the US; it rises in the northern Minnesota and Meanders slowly southwards for 2,340 miles to Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. The river has numerous tributaries and ranks as the 4th longest and 10th largest river in the world. This river passes and borders through Minnesota, Lowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
5. Yenisei
This is largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. It has a length of 3,445 miles. It is the most famous of three great Siberian rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean. Rising in Mongolia, the river follows a northerly course to the Yenisei Gulf in Kara Sea, draining a huge part of the central Siberia, the longest stream following the Yenisei-Angara-Selenga-Ider River system.
6. Yellow River
The Yellow River is the 3rd longest river in Asia and world’s 6th longest river at the estimated length of 3,395 miles. The river originates in the Bayan Har Mountain in Western China. The river flows through 9 provinces nine provinces, and empties into Bohai Sea near the city of Dongying in Shandong province. The river basin has an east-west extent of about 1,180 miles and north-south extent of about 680 miles. Its total basin area is approximately 742,442 square kilometers.
7. Ob River
This is a major river in western Siberia, Russia, and the World’s 7th longest river. This river is 3,395 miles long, with a drainage area of 2,990,000 square kilometers and an average discharge of 12,475 cubic meters’ per-second. The Ob forms 16 miles southwest of Biysk in Altai Krai at the confluence of the Katun and Biya rivers. 8. Parana River
This is found in south Central South America with a length of 3,030 miles. The river runs through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It’s the second in length only to Amazon River among South American rivers. It’s also one of the biggest rivers on earth with a drainage area of 2,582,672 Square kilometers and an average discharge of 17,290 cubic meters per-second. 9. Congo River
Previously known as Zaire, this is the world’s deepest river and its found in Africa. It’s the 2nd largest river on earth by volume discharged. It has a length of 2,920 miles making it the 9th longest river on earth. The Congo’s drainage basin is about 4,014,500 square kilometers. This river together with its tributaries flow via Congo rainforest, the 2nd biggest rainforest in the world after Amazon Rainforest.
10. Amur River
The Amur River is the world’s 10th longest river. This river is 2,763 miles long. Amur rises in the hills of Western Manchuria at the confluence of its two major affluents, Shilka River and Eugene River, at an elevation of 994 ft. It flows east forming a border between Russia and China, and slowly makes a great arc to the southeast for about 250 miles, receiving several tributaries and passing many small towns.
371,000 km2 (143,000 sq mi). The Caspian Sea is often regarded as the largest lake in the world, but it contains an oceanic basin rather than being entirely over continental crust. This makes it an oceanic lake and differs it from all the other lakes in this list which are continental lakes. The Caspian Sea is also the world’s third deepest lake. It has no outflows and is bounded by Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan
2. Lake Superior:
82,414 km2 (31,820 sq mi). Bounded by Canada and the United States, Lake Superior is the largest lake of the five Great Lakes of North America 3. Lake Victoria:
69,485 km2 (26,828 sq mi). The largest lake in Africa. It is bounded by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
4. Lake Huron:
59,600 km2 (23,000 sq mi). The second largest lake of the Great lakes. Lake Huron also contains Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest lake island
5. Lake Michigan:
58,000 km2 (22,000 sq mi). Also one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is just slightly smaller than Lake Huron. It is also the world’s largest lake entirely within one country – the United States. Chicago and Milwaukee are located on the shore of Lake Michigan
6. Lake Tanganyika :
32,893 km2 (12,700 sq mi). The lake is not only the 6th largest in the world, it is also the second deepest lake in the world – 1,470 m (4,820 ft) and the longest lake in the world – 676 km (420 mi). Lake Tanganyika is divided among four countries – Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia
7. Lake Baikal :
31,500 km2 (12,200 sq mi). The lake is entirely within Russia. It is also the deepest lake in the world and the largest volume fresh water lake in the world
8. Great Bear Lake:
31,080 km2 (12,000 sq mi). The largest lake entirely within Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Great Bear Lake is covered with ice from late November to July, at that time there is an ice crossing (ice road) to Deline which lies on the shore of the lake
9. Lake Malawi:
30,044 km2 (11,600 sq mi). The lake is divided between Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. The lake is the second deepest lake in Africa and it has more fish species than any other lake on Earth
10. Great Slave Lake:
28,930 km2 (11,170 sq mi). This Canadian lake is also the 8th deepest lake in the world and the deepest lake in North America
This Dodge Tomahawk is very limited motorcycle that use 10 cylinder, 90 degrees v-type engine. It can reach 350 mph (560 km/h) when it’s on top speed. This motorcycle can produce 500 horsepower (370 Kw) @ 5600 rpm. This motorcycle is using a simple transmission system by using just 2 speed manual transmission.
2. Suzuki Hayabusa: 248 mph (397 km/h):
This Japanese origin motorcycle is using 1340 cc, 4 stroke, four cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valve engine. This Suzuki manufactured motorcycle can reach 248 mph (392 km/h) on its top speed. The power can be produced is 197 horsepower (147 kw) @ 6750 rpm. Transmission system used is 6 speeds with constant mesh.
3. MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K: 227 mph (365 km/h):
This superbike is running using Royl Royce 250-C20 turbo shaft engine. The top speed can be reached by this motorcycle is 227 mph (365 km/h) while it can produce 320 horsepower (239 Kw) @ 52,000 rpm. The transmission system used by this motorcycle is different than other motorcycle by simply using 2 speed automatic transmission.
4. Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird: 190 mph (310 km/h):
This motorcycle was released by Japan leading motorcycle manufacturer, Honda. This motorcycle is using 1137 cc, liquid-cooled, four cylinder engine. The engine can make this motorcycle reach 190 mph (310 km/h) while it’s running on top speed. This motorcycle can produce 114 kw (153 hp) @ 10,000 rpm power. The transmission system used by this motorcycle is close-ratio 6-speed transmission.
5. Yamaha YZF R1: 186 mph (297 km/h):
This motorcycle is produced by renowned Japan’s motorcycle manufacturer, Yamaha. The engine used for this motorcycle is forward inclined Parallel 4-cylinder, 20 valves, DOHC, liquid-cooled. This motorcycle can be expected to reach 186 mph (297 km/h) on its top speed. This motorcycle can produce 128.2 horsepower (95.6 Kw) at 10000 rpm. It’s using constant mesh 6 speed transmission system.
6. MV Agusta F4 1000 R: 176 mph (299 km/h):
This motorcycle is manufactured by Augusta of Italy. The motorcycle is powered by 4 cylinder, 16 radial valves, DOHC, liquid cooled engine. Top Speed ever reach by this motorcycle is 176 mph (299 km/h). The power output that can be produced by this motorcycle is 128 kw (174 horsepower). The transmission system used by this motorcycle is multi-disc wet cluth on 6 speed cassette gearbox.
This stylish motorcycle is manufactured by Japan based company, Kawasaki. It’s using 1052 cc 4-strokes, 4 cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine. You can reach 176 mph (283 km/h) if you accelerate this motorcycle. The power produced by this motorcycle is 108 kW (147 PS) @ 10,500 rpm. This motorcycle is using 6 speed transmission as some of other fastest motorcycle. 8. Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille: 175 mph (278 km/h):
This fast motorcycle is coming from the factory of Aprilia. It’s using 998 cc 60 degree V-twin engine. You can expect this motorcycle to reach 175 mph (278 km/h) for its top speed. This motorcycle can produce 105.24 Kw (143.09 PS; 141.13 hp) @ 1000 rpm. This Aprilia motorcycle is using 6 speed chain drive transmission system.
9. BMW K 1200 S: 174 mph (278 km/h):
This cool motorcycle is manufactured by BMW. It’s using 16 valves with 4 cylinder. The engine is DOHC, horizontal in-line and liquid cooled. The top speed that can be reached by this motorcycle is 174 mph (278 km/h). You can expect this motorcycle to produce 164.94 horsepower (120.4 kW) @ 10250 RPM. The transmission used by this fast motorcycle is 6 speed manual transmission. 10. Ducati 1098s: 169 mph (271 km/h):
This fast motorcycle was an innovation of Ducati from Italy. It’s using L-Twin Cylinder Engine with 4 valver for each cylinder with Desmodromic and liquid cooled. The top speed that can be reached by this motorcycle is 169 mph (271 km/h) while the power of this Ducati can reach 119.3 kW (160.0 bhp) @ 9750 rpm. This Ducati 1098s is using 6 speed chain transmissions.
