Every summer there are plenty of major sporting contests to enjoy. But in 2024 it looks like we’re going to be truly spoiled for choice. Across pretty much all the summer sports there are major events on the horizon topped off with the biggest one of all – the Paris Olympics.
This isn’t just going to be good news for sports fans, devotees of online betting will also find themselves with plenty of options too. So here, in chronological order, are seven of the biggest events to look forward to in this veritable summer of sport.
The Champions League Final, June 1st
There were high hopes across England that we would see at least one Premier League team playing for the ultimate prize in European Cup football at Wembley on June 1st. However, this wasn’t to be with both Arsenal and Manchester United failing to make it past the quarter finals stage.
However, we do have the tantalising prospect of a final between the mighty Real Madrid and underdogs Dortmund. On paper, it should be a win for the Spanish side, but the grit and determination of Dortmund has already seen them overcome PSG to reach the final. It promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Men’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup, June 4th – 30th
History will be made when the USA acts as joint hosts, along with the West Indies, for the short version of the game that’s loved the world over. Venues in the US include New York, Florida and Texas and it’s going to be fascinating seeing how the country takes to the sport. In the Caribbean there are going to be games across the islands with the final taking place at the legendary Kensington Oval in Barbados. India will be hoping to notch up the success that eluded them in 2023’s one-day World Cup but Australia could well pip them to the post again.
Euro 24, June 14th – July 14th
Germany hosts its first major soccer tournament since the 2006 World Cup. The 17th Euros will feature 24 different nations all hoping for glory and victory at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on July 14th. While England are tipped as the team to watch, second favourites France would make it a Bastille Day to remember if they were to pull off a victory in the final. Other challengers include the host nation as well as Spain. However, the sheer strength of the England squad that includes Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice will make them tough opposition for anyone to overcome.
The Tour De France, June 29th – July 21st
The toughest and most famous cycle race of all is making history with both its Grand Départ and its finale this year. The former will take place in Florence, Italy and the race will conclude in Nice. So, we’ll be denied the sight of the teams drinking champagne as they make their way up the Champs Elysées and the winners being honoured in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe. The cycling world waits with bated breath to see whether Visma-Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard is sufficiently recovered from his horrendous crash in Spain back in April to go for a third win.
Wimbledon, July 1st – July 14th.
The world’s greatest grass court tournament has a lot to live up to if it’s going to match the events of 2023. Not only did Marketa Vondrousova become the first ever unseeded player to win the women’s singles, the Spanish wunderkind Carlos Alcaraz also saw off Novak Djokovic in a thrilling men’s final. With the changing of the guard in the men’s game as players like Nadal and Andy Murray face retirement it’s anyone’s championship – and many hopes will be pinned on Emma Radacanu to come good on her early promise and remain injury-free in a bid to add a second women’s grand slam title to her 2021 US Open win.
The Open, July 18th – July 21st
Golf is a sport that has nearly been ripped apart by the emergence of LIV over the last couple of years so here’s hoping that the British Open can rise above it to offer a great, and controversy-free, contest.
It’s being held at Royal Troon in Scotland. The links course is challenging at the best of times, even in the summer. So, it will be anybody’s game this year – and no-one can be exempt from the risk of a bad round thanks to the weather.
The Olympics, July 26th – August 11th and Paralympics, August 28th – September 8th
The world comes together in Paris for a celebration of sport. It’s all due to start with a huge flotilla along the Seine – and then the serious competition begins. New sports this year include skateboarding and breakdancing while the Paralympics will conclude with wheelchair fencing under the dome of the Grand Palais.
So whichever sport you follow you’re sure of an amazing summer and let’s hope for some spectacular action along the way.
