Sport might be all about skill and drama, but there is also the human aspect to our favourite games and spectacles that keeps us coming back for more. From colourful characters to steely superstars, up-and-coming talents to legendary franchises, every sport has players and performers with the ability to get fans off their seats. Here’s a list of 10 big names to see this year:
Tyson Fury, Boxing
Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury’s successful return to boxing in 2018 after almost 3 years out of the sport – during which he suffered from mental health issues that led to alcoholism, drug use, and weight gain – is one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent memory. The Gypsy King has fought 7 times since then, maintaining his unbeaten record and claiming the WBC belt in the process thanks to his impressive combination of frightening power and extraordinary skill. His last 5 bouts have all been in the United States, but you can catch his long-awaited return to UK soil on 23 April when he takes on Dillian Whyte in an unmissable, all-British clash at Wembley Stadium.
Emma Raducanu, Tennis
Emma Raducanu’s star has not burned for long, but it has burned brightly. The teenage Brit burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2021, but it was at the US Open that she became a bona fide tennis sensation, winning the tournament as a qualifier. It is no surprise, then, that Raducanu is already a headline act at some of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments: she is set to play in this year’s Miami Open (21 March – 3 April), as well as appearing at Roland-Garros (16 May – 5 June). Tickets are currently on sale for both events. Keep an eye out too for Eastbourne International (17 – 25 June) tickets which go on sale at the end of March – Raducanu may wish to warm-up for Wimbledon (27 June – 10 July) in front of a home crowd!
New York Yankees, Baseball
Baseball is back, and that means one of America’s most iconic teams will soon be back in action too – the New York Yankees. Arguably the most successful franchise in US sports history, the Yankees open their 2022 campaign with a 3-game series against divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox (7-11 April), followed by 4 games against the Toronto Blue Jays (12-15 April). Once home to all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, Yankee Stadium will be packed to the rafters on 7 April for Opening Day, as fans get behind their latest crop of championship hopefuls. Joey Gallo, Anthony Rizzo, and Aaron Judge will all be pulling on the pinstripes for the Bronx Bombers this summer with one goal in mind – winning the team’s 28th World Series.
Frankie Dettori, Horse Racing
As we’re nearing the end of the jump racing season, the weather’s getting warmer, the flowers are in bloom, and the flat racing jockeys are ready to ride. Who is more recognisable in the sport than Frankie Dettori? The Italian has ridden winners in more than 500 Group races, including 20 English Classics winners, and you can expect to see him at Newmarket, Epsom, and Doncaster in 2022. The 3-time Champion Jockey’s most memorable achievement was riding all 7 winners on British Champions Day at Ascot in 1996, and you’ll no doubt catch a glimpse of his flying dismount at the iconic racecourse again throughout 2022, especially at Royal Ascot (14-18 June) where prices start from just GBP £32!
Katie Archibald, Cycling
Scottish cyclist Katie Archibald is the current Olympic champion in Madison; European champion in Omnium, Madison, and Scratch; World champion in Omnium; and Endurance champion at the UCI Track Champions League. Having spent much of her career partnering the most successful female cyclist in Olympic history, Dame Laura Kenny, it’s no surprise Archibald is a serial winner. In 2022, see her compete at her “home ground”, Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, in Round 1 of this year’s UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup (21-24 April), as well as at the UEC Elite Track European Championships in Munich (11-16 August). Later in the year, Archibald will be back in the saddle for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships (12-16 October) in France, before defending her titles at the 2022 UCI Track Champions League .
Alabama Crimson Tide, American Football
The Heisman Trophy is awarded every year to the most outstanding player in college football. For the last 2 years, that player has come from the Alabama Crimson Tide. A dominant force since 1892, the Tide’s list of achievements is almost as long as quarterback Bryce Young’s passing range. Alabama claims 18 national titles, 6 of which have been awarded since the 2007 arrival of Hall of Fame head coach Nick Saban. The Tide will be looking to add another National Championship in 2022, when they will host fierce rivals Auburn for the Iron Bowl (26 November) and Mississippi State for the Battle for Highway 82 (22 October). In one of their most anticipated road games, Alabama will also visit LSU for the First Saturday in November (5 November). Roll Tide!
Rory McIlroy, Golf
Perhaps golf’s biggest superstar since Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy has captured spectators’ attention like few others on a golf course over the last decade. A flurry of 4 major wins early in his career cemented that status, but it has been a long 8-year wait since his last in 2014. There have been plenty of impressive victories along the way for the Northern Irishman on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, including his 3rd Wells Fargo Championship title and a CJ Cup win last year. However, players of McIlroy’s stature are ultimately defined by the majors, and it is in these 4 events – The Masters (4-10 April), PGA Championship (16-22 May), US Open (13-19 June), and The Open (10-17 July) – that you’ll want to catch him in action.
Ronda Rousey, Professional Wrestling
A true trailblazer, Ronda Rousey is one of the most accomplished, and popular, competitors in combat sport history. An Olympic medallist, Rousey is best known for her time in UFC, where she was part of the company’s first female fight. At present, “The Baddest Woman on the Planet” still holds the record for most UFC title defences by a woman, and has since earned her place in the UFC Hall of Fame. Since retiring from UFC, Rousey has taken her skills to the world of WWE, further solidifying her legacy with the second-longest Raw Women’s Championship reign of all-time. “Rowdy” Ronda can now be seen regularly on WWE’s weekly SmackDown show, but more importantly, fans can catch her biggest WWE match to date on 2 April at WrestleMania 38, when she steps into the ring with Charlotte Flair in a bout for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Ben Ainslie, Sailing
As the most successful sailor in Olympic history, Sir Ben Ainslie could have sat back happily and counted his medals. Instead, he decided to take on the challenge of racing the fastest boats in the world in the SailGP Championship. Ainslie is the Driver for the British team, and he will want to finish Season 2 in style with a strong performance in the US Sail Grand Prix (26-27 March). He won’t have long to relax afterwards, as Season 3 will kick off on 14 May with the stunning Bermuda Sail Grand Prix (14-15 May). Get your tickets now and watch a true sailing legend in action!
Harlequins, Rugby Union
Harlequins are not only the current Gallagher Premiership champions, but a hugely entertaining team to watch. The Quins squad is brimming with international veterans and stars of the future alike, all united behind a never-say-die attitude, and their famous quartered shirt. Although the end of the Premiership season is approaching, there’s still plenty of time to see this top-class team live, with home matches against league leaders Leicester Tigers (23 April) and surprise package Gloucester (21 May) still to come. The Gloucester tie, part of “The Big Summer Kick-Off", will be played at Twickenham Stadium, just down the road from Quins’ usual home, The Stoop. Don’t be surprised if Harlequins make it to the Gallagher Premiership Final on 18 June, too – they have a trophy to defend, after all!
