Whilst the summer is not yet upon us, once it arrives, we can finally enjoy longer days that invite us to relax in the company of friends.
People are probably already getting their grilling accessories ready, with any excuse to stick some steaks on the BBQ and get friends around. However, if you’re looking for an additional reason, ultimately there’s no better than to watch an exciting seasonal sports game. This summer is filled with all sorts of competitions: from traditional horse races to magnificent displays of martial arts and a tournament for one of the most successful video games in history.
That means ample opportunity to get out the chairs, fire up the coals and get the big screen outside for everyone to sit around. But what are the biggest events of the summer you might be watching? Let’s take a look.
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is one of the most popular horse races that take place in the U.S. and it is part of the final stage of the Triple Crown, which begins with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The event consists of thoroughbreds running for one and a half miles through fast turns and a long home stretch, making it one of the most exciting races in the sport, and a must-see for American fans.
The French Open
The Roland-Garros traditionally takes place in late May and it’s the only Grand Slam that takes place on a clay court. This year, tennis fans are waiting anxiously to witness Novak Djokovic defend his men’s singles title, and Barbora Krejcikova do the same in women’s singles. It’s also the first time Russian and Belarussian participants will not compete under their respective flags as a response to the current invasion of Ukraine.
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Every year, the best players from Major League Baseball play in one of the most traditional and entertaining matches of the year. Unlike some all-star games around the world though, the players are chosen by managers, player reserves, and even fans. The game will be held at the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium and is expected to take place on July 19.
The Golf Open Championship
July will also witness the 150th edition of the British Open. The prestigious old golf tournament will take place at the Prestwick Golf Club. The event takes place over several days, but the most exciting are the final rounds. This year, Jon Rahm and Rory Mcllroy are the players more likely to make it to the end, but fans will also have a chance to see living legend Tiger Woods show his skills.
The World Poker Tour
The modern World Poker Tour is a sprawling calendar of events, but the most important tournaments will take place throughout the summer. Events like The Millionaire Maker and Colossus will take place between June 11 and July 16. It will also feature the first-ever Tournament of Champions which will be open to any previous bracelet winner from the season. It’s truly an excellent opportunity to see some of the most talented players in history displaying their top game.
Honor Of Kings World Champion Cup
If you are looking for a less traditional but equally exciting experience then look no further than Honor of Kings. This eSport tournament revolves around the most popular Chinese MOBA, where players use different units to defend their base against an opposing team. Honor of Kings is already the highest-grossing mobile game of all time and has over 100 million daily active players. As a result, the skills displayed in the tournament are second to none.
UFC 275
The 275th edition of the Ultimate Fighting Championship will take place on June 11 and will see current Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira defend his title against Jiri Prochazka. The event will also feature one of the most talented female representatives of the sport, Valentina Shevchenko facing Talia Santos, so it is almost guaranteed to have some unforgettable moments and maybe a knock-out or two given the presence of such strike powerhouses.
This summer is expected to become one of the most exciting in regard to sports events. From watching athletes like Novak Djokovic and Glover Teixeira defend their titles, to following one of the most traditional horse races in the world, and some of the most talented poker players face each other in high stakes games, the summer of 2022 definitely has something for everyone. And if you want to stay up to date with the latest developments, don’t hesitate to visit Viral Sant’s sports section.
