The Gay Games 2026 will attract 40,000 people to Valencia between June 27 and July 4, 2026. This is according to the forecasts of the event organization, which also indicate a direct economic impact of 120 million euros and the participation of more than 10,000 LGTBIAQ+ athletes and allies.
Tourists from more than 70 countries around the world will attend this global event. At the moment, the ‘ranking of countries’ present in this edition is led by “the most loyal audiences” to this event, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Although, in the Valencian edition, European countries such as the host Spain, Germany or France contribute almost a third of those who participate. Almost 500 athletes from Spain have already confirmed their presence.
The forecasts also highlight that Valencia will register about 250,000 overnight stays and an estimated daily expense of about 180 euros per person. Another of the great forecasts is that between the scholarships from the International Gay Games Federation and local aid, scholarships worth 200,000 euros can be offered to overcome economic barriers.
The sports offer is another of the outstanding figures of the Gay Games. In this edition, 39 disciplines are planned that will take place throughout the city. This offer includes sports such as: aquatic sports (open water, swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo), athletic events (athletics, 5 and 10 km races, and marathon and half marathon) and a wide selection of individual and team sports, such as chess, martial arts, badminton, sports dance, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross training, dodgeball, dragonboat, e-sports, fencing, 7 and 11 football, artistic gymnastics, golf, grappling, field hockey, wrestling, paddle tennis, ice figure skating, petanque, powerlifting, rugby, squash, softball, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, sailing, volleyball and beach volleyball. In addition, those who attend will be able to discover two sports typical of Valencia: Valencian pilota and colpbol.
About Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international event that combines sport, culture and community. They were born with a clear objective almost half a century ago: to celebrate the diversity and visibility of LGTBIAQ+ identities together with all allies. Without barriers and with the objective of participating, sharing and enjoying.
The Gay Games participate in extensive cultural programming and celebrate diversity together in a safe and inclusive environment.
In case you need it, we attach photographic material from the Gay Games València 2026. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c1ktyWBD3twqWnUECxcrdKv9qQQ_drgD?usp=sharing
We are at your disposal at press@gaygamesvalencia2026.com
