Depictions of sporting activities such as archery, swimming, wrestling, and weightlifting are found in cave drawings and documents of ancient civilizations across the globe. But it is the Greeks who are credited with bringing organized sport tournaments to the masses.
The first recorded Olympic Games occurred in 776 BC, although it is thought that the games had run for several hundred years before then. Those games featured running, chariot races, boxing, wrestling, and displays of skill with the javelin, discus, and archery.
The first recorded sporting event for women came shortly afterward, with the Heraean Games - named in honor of the goddess Hera - taking place in the 6th century BC. Not much is known about these games, but it is thought that rather than combat and weaponry, they would have focused on running races of various distances.
What about ball games?
Team and ball games have also been evident throughout ancient civilizations as far back as the Aztecs. But soccer as we know it is thought to have developed in England in the 12th century. It was sculpted into the modern game in the 19th century, with the first documented international game occurring in 1872 between Scotland and England.
American football can trace its roots back to both soccer and rugby, both of English origin, but the first American football game was played in the US in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton Universities. They used a variation on the rules laid down by the London Football Association.
Ice Hockey also has its origins in England before the Canadians shaped it with the rules we play by today. The first official game was played in Montreal in 1875. Lacrosse, however, is a game that originates on the North American continent and was played throughout Native American history.
The title of greatest sports team in the world is open to much debate, but some teams cannot be ignored. For example, the New Zealand All Blacks are considered the undisputed best rugby team, thanks to their consistent historical success.
Whereas, in soccer Manchester United has one of the most successful histories of any team and one of the most recognizable global brands. But in recent years, their success has taken a downturn to be overshadowed by immediate rival Manchester City and Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
In terms of the most valuable global sports teams, Forbes named the New York Yankees and LA Lakers amongst its top five in 2021. And the top spot went to the Dallas Cowboys despite them not having won a Superbowl since 1996.
But, you don't need to worry about a whole team, or even the biggest sports events, just focus on one superstar athlete. Some of the best players in the world right now are Tom Brady, whose retirement from American Football didn't even last two months. Trailblazing Simone Biles, the world's most decorated gymnast. Conor McGregor, the stand-out Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, and record-breaking Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
If you're interested in taking your love of sport to the next level, betting on esport events, or major sports championships can add a whole new element of excitement.
- First, do your research. Blindly betting on sports tournaments, teams, or athletes without knowing anything about them is a fast way to lose. Check out a list of sports championships, and the best sports events, sports leagues, and sports online tournaments. Read up on your chosen sport and learn how to read and understand the odds before proceeding.
- Decide if you want to place your bet in person at a traditional betting shop. Or choose to use online sport betting sites or apps. These make the process faster and more convenient, although more impersonal.
- Choose the type of bet you want to place. Will you bet purely on the winner of the game? Or on the overall score? Maybe you want to bet on more than one match, each one needing to win to ensure your ultimate victory. Take a look at all the options before deciding.
- Once you've made all the decisions, place your bet.
- Sit back, cross your fingers, and await the outcome!