After twelve intensive days full of sport, culture and international encounters, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games have come to a successful end. The final press conference impressively underlined what many had long felt: Rhine-Ruhr 2025 was a complete success for sport, for the region, for Germany and for the people.

What distinguished these Games was the extraordinary atmosphere, carried by hundreds of thousands of fans, the open cordiality throughout the region and top sporting performances at the top international level. Already at the opening event in Duisburg’s Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, more than 23,000 spectators celebrated the start of the Games together with athletes from all over the world. With around 1.2 million visitors towards the end, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games recorded an impressive overall response. This number reflects the great appeal of the event across all venues. From the 23 sports venues to the numerous festival, cultural and meeting places throughout the region and Berlin. As expected, the momentum developed continuously: Visitor interest increased significantly from day to day, and venues that were sold out several times, especially in beach volleyball, water polo, basketball and rowing, made the great interest clear right up to the last hours of the competition.

Sporting standards were set
There were a total of 234 medal decisions. Japan took first place in the medal table with 79 medals, 34 of which were gold. In the end, the German team was in sixth place and celebrated one of the most successful results in its history with 40 medals, eleven of them gold. In addition, Team Studi has made history: The first gold medal in the women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball competition in the history of the FISU Games went to Germany. In addition, there were 28 new FISU records, which are proof of the outstanding level of the competitions. The swimming competitions in Berlin stood out in particular: 17 records were broken there alone. Also thanks to the optimal conditions in the swimming and diving hall in the Europasportpark (SSE). The decision to integrate Berlin into the concept as the sixth host city proved to be absolutely right from an organisational and sporting point of view.

Festival atmosphere at its best
In addition to 18 sports and numerous medal decisions, the event was supplemented by an equally varied scientific and cultural programme. Conferences, workshops and hands-on activities such as the Sports Diploma, which was issued over 24,000 times for children and young people, inspired the participants. Concerts with artists such as Deichkind, Ski Aggu, Querbeat, Alle Farben and Michael Schulte attracted thousands of visitors to the festival stages: The completely sold-out Deichkind concert at the closing event alone is a rousing finale, Ski Aggu counted 8,500, and other concerts each around 6,500 guests. The festival formats impressively showed how sport and culture can grow together in the heart of the region, accessible to all. In addition, there was the FISU World Conference. The three-day conference dealt with the topics of (mental) health in sports and sustainability. 429 abstracts from 29 nations had been submitted in advance on these topics. On average, 150 participants attended the conference over the three days.

A large community celebrates the Games
In addition to the sporting record, it was the community spirit that shaped these games. The North Rhine-Westphalia region was convincing as the host, which came up with a strong sense of togetherness and an open, sports-loving population. The cities and municipalities of the region had made the event an experience that went far beyond the sporting competition and lifted university sports onto a new, international stage. Starting with volunteers to the people in the cities who helped, cheered and celebrated. Germany can host major international multi-sport events.
 
Quotes from the press conference
Dr. Christiane Schenderlein, Minister of State for Volunteering and Sport:
“The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games have shown how much power sport can unleash. I was impressed by the great performances of the athletes. A very big thank you goes to our German team: You have represented Germany magnificently. I am sure that the FISU Games will leave their mark beyond the sporting sphere: in the minds of all fans, the athletes, the many volunteers, on the Rhine and Ruhr as well as on the Spree. I call out to our guests from all over the world: Tell your countries how great the World University Games were in Germany. I am particularly proud of how reliable, professional and cordial Germany was as a host. The FISU Games are looking forward to more. It remains our goal to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Germany. My thanks for the good and trusting cooperation go to the organizing committee, the General German University Sports Association and the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin. Together we have created something that lasts.”
 
Bernhard Schwank, Head of the Department for Sports and Volunteering of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia:
“North Rhine-Westphalia is thrilled by 12 breathtaking competition and festival days. The impressive performances of the athletes, the atmosphere in the characterful sports facilities and the mood among the visitors have shown once again: The No. 1 sports country in Germany can host major international sporting events. A big thank you to the organizing committee, the host cities, the many volunteers, the people of North Rhine-Westphalia and the guests from all over the world. They have all contributed to the successful implementation of this milestone in the history of the sports state of North Rhine-Westphalia.”
 
Leonz Eder, President of FISU:
“The Games in Rhine-Ruhr and Berlin showed a high sporting level and will be remembered as a sustainable, inclusive event. The connection between university sports and science, the cultural programs for the public, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the volunteers have shaped these wonderful games.”
 
Matthias Remund, Secretary General & CEO of FISU:
“The OC under the operational management of Niklas Böger has done an excellent job under not easy conditions. A new generation of sports organizers has grown up that is promising for the future and can be used anywhere. The same must be said of the volunteers, helpful everywhere – always with a smile: the best advertising for the sports state of NRW.”
 
Jörg Förster, Chairman of the Board of Directors of adh, Chairman of the Rhine-Ruhr Society Advisory Board 2025:
“As adh, we are proud to have been the initiator and companion of this development. The legacy of the Games extends far beyond the sporting successes of Team Studi: It provides important impetus for the strengthening of parasports at universities and makes a valuable contribution to questions of sustainability in sport. With the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, it has been possible to give university sports the stage and visibility it deserves – a success that impresses not only athletically, but also emotionally. In the six host cities, this was filled with life at the highest level. My big thanks go to the organizing committee and the numerous volunteers for their outstanding commitment.”
 
Niklas Börger CEO der Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH:
“These Games sparked a special energy that goes far beyond sport. That was exactly the goal. We wanted to create an experience, a positive, colorful and loud attitude to life, and we succeeded. The many stakeholders, people in the cities and sports facilities have not only helped to organize, they have lived with them. Everywhere you could feel how much the atmosphere, the sporting records and the peaceful coexistence were touching. It was a pleasure and honour for the entire team to be able to take responsibility for these special games.”

Anna Monta Olek, gold medal judo (in class up to 78 kg)
“It was just a mega tournament. The atmosphere in the hall was unbelievable. My family, friends and many judo fans cheered me on and that totally carried me. I’m so happy that I finally won the title after the silver medal at the European Championships and World Championships.”
 
Aaron Jen, Judoka from Team USA
“This was my first major international sporting event and it was really fantastic. The venues were impressive. It is also a unique experience to have the opportunity to meet so many different athletes.”
 
Nels Hawkinson, Deputy Head of Delegation Team USA
“The atmosphere was just fantastic. Especially the 3×3 wheelchair basketball venue was really incredible. I felt like I was in the middle of the streets of Philadelphia. It’s really impressive.”