More than 6,000 LGTBIAQ+ athletes and allies from 64 different countries have confirmed their participation in the Gay Games València (June 27–July 4, 2026).
- València will become the global arena for LGTBIAQ+ sport, featuring 39 sporting disciplines, two exhibition sports, and a wide-ranging cultural program.
The Gay Games València 2026 are supported by the enthusiasm and commitment of more than 6,000 athletes so far from around the world. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the previous editions held in Guadalajara (2,634 participants) and Hong Kong (2,381). The local organizing committee has expressed its gratitude for the trust placed by the thousands of people who “are already part of this dream” and hopes that “no one will be left out of an event that aims to showcase diversity and empower people through sport and culture.”
These figures do not yet include the results of scholarship programs totaling up to €200,000, launched by the Federation of Gay Games and the local organizing committee. Applications for the local scholarships program remain open until January 31 and are intended to cover basic needs such as registration fees and accommodation, ensuring that “no one is left out for financial reasons.”
So far, the country participation rankings are led by the event’s most loyal audiences, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This time, however, European countries such as host nation Spain, Germany, and France account for nearly one third of all participants. Almost 400 athletes from Spain have already registered.
Regarding the sports program, several disciplines have already reached full capacity, although the organizers are considering expanding available spots if additional teams or individual athletes apply. They also note that teams are being formed for athletes traveling on their own who do not want to miss the event, and that ongoing efforts are being made to ensure that “accessibility is the standard across all venues and competitions.”
The program includes 39 disciplines: aquatics(open water swimming, swimming, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo); athletics (track and field, 5K and 10K races, marathon and half marathon); and a broad selection of individual and team sports such as chess, martial arts, badminton, dance sport, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross training, dodgeball, dragon boat racing, e-sports, fencing, 7-a-side and 11-a-side football (soccer), artistic gymnastics, golf, grappling, field hockey, wrestling, padel, figure skating, pétanque, powerlifting, rugby, squash, softball, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, sailing, volleyball, and beach volleyball. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to discover two sports native to València: pilota valenciana and colpbol.
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international event combining sports, culture, and community. They were founded nearly half a century ago with a clear purpose: to celebrate diversity and the visibility of LGTBIAQ+ identities together with all allies—without barriers and with the aim of participating, sharing, and enjoying.
Gay Games XII València 2026 will take place from June 27 to July 4, 2026. During those days, thousands of participants from around the world will gather in València to compete in dozens of sports—from football to pétanque—take part in a wide cultural program and celebrate diversity together in a safe and inclusive environment.
If case you need it, we are attaching photographic materia of Gay Games XII València 2026. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c1ktyWBD3twqWnUECxcrdKv9qQQ_drgD?usp=sharing
Please do not hesitate to reach out on press@gaygamesvalencia2026.com.
