Top 10 Global Sporting Events to Attend Before You Die

Though its reputation’s been slightly tainted by Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal, the Tour de France remains one of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting events. Every summer, this multiple stage bicycle race has its male elite road cyclists trying to beat the clock over an exhausting 23 days. Simply put: it’s nothing short of thrilling to watch 200 riders compete for that yellow jersey among breathtaking French mountain scenery.

Every four years, this tournament brings together the world’s top rugby teams in one of the planet’s largest sporting events. Though billions watch the event on TV, that just doesn’t cut it: with athletes as passionate and enthusiastic as the fans, there’s little that’ll compare to getting up-close-and-personal with your favorite team. Especially if they’re bringing home the coveted William Webb Ellis Cup.

Officially the Ryder Cup Matches, this men’s golf competition lets you experience the best of the best as players display their skills on different courses every two years. That’s why tickets to this high-profile global event are often sold out months before the actual competition. Whether on U.S. soil or a European green, teams play to win – sure, there’s no prize money, but there’s loads of glory and prestige.

As the flagship event of the international cricket calendar, this tournament takes place every four years. After the preliminary qualification rounds, two teams from various countries compete for the trophy in the finals. Because the ICC Cricket World Cup is known for being the stage of some of the most intense sports rivalries, it attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees and billions of TV viewers in over 200 countries.

Though the Formula 1 season consists of multiple races in various locations, it’s the Monaco Grand Prix’s lavish circuit and international standing that put it here. Auto racing’s already a dangerous sport, but the Circuit de Monaco amps things up even more with its tunnel, snug corners, and mixed elevation. Speed-lovers and adrenaline chasers will be delighted as their favorite drivers roar past them on the racetrack and through the city.

As the world’s oldest tennis tournament, Wimbledon’s known for its multiple traditions, including playing on grass and serving strawberries and cream to spectators. What’s more, every professional tennis player wants a chance to prove him or herself on the courts of the All-England Club. So this prestigious Royal Family-approved event is the perfect way to spend a summer in England and make you feel oh-so-British.

As one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, the Super Bowl is a great shared TV experience – let’s not forget those memorable ads. But there’s nothing like that feeling of cheering alongside your best buds and thousands of other American football fans. The Super Bowl’s not only the country’s highest level competition in professional sports but it also boasts one of the most popular entertainment segments with its halftime show.

This competition sees Europe’s top football clubs competing for the title on a yearly basis. Organized by the Union of European Football Associations, the prestigious tournament showcases some of the best football playing you’ll ever see – so even though it’s covered by the media the world over, why wouldn’t you wanna witness this in person if you had the chance?

Thanks to 200 participating countries, hundreds of events, and thousands of competitors, the Olympic Games are truly international. And with both the Summer and Winter Games, the Olympics aren’t ever too far away. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of it all in the host city during the Games – and since only the best make it here, you won’t be disappointed.

Nothing brings the world together quite like football. So when the World Cup comes around every four years, it’s something to remember. Aside from the millions of dollars poured into the event, you’ve got the strong team rivalries, intense fans and the host country’s festivities to look forward to. With 32 teams competing over several weeks, you just simply can’t miss this highly anticipated championship.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite global sporting event? If you didn't see your favorite sporting event, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 North American Sporting Events to Attend Before You Die and subscribe to WatchMojo.com for more entertaining top 10s.