Valencia has been awarded hosting duties for the 2026 edition of the Gay Games.
After months of preparations and a final presentation before the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) in the seaside city of Brighton, the capital of Túria cae out on yop, alongside Munich, Germany and Guadalajara, Mexico.
The international federation took into account the city’s capacity to host large-scale events considering existing sports facilities, infrastructures and sports equipment.
Other considerations were the climate, gastronomy and cultural agenda, accessibility, sustainability and green spaces.
The event will be held between May – June 2026 and host competitions of more than 30 different types of sports.
In addition to water sports and team sports such as basketball, beach volleyball, hockey and rugby, the games will also see traditional Valencian sports such as pilota or colpbo,.
Individual sports including martial arts, fencing, tennis, golf and cycling will also take place alongside new novelty entries such as e-sports and Quidditch.
The event, which will also include various cultural activities, is expected to attract about 15,000 athletes, 100,000 visitors and contribute to the city’s economy with more than €120 million.
As a result, the Gay Games will become the most important sporting event in the Valencian Community after the America’s Cup.
