Meet the 2025 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism

Championships and competitions are two of the key words in our industry. In fact, they drive a lot of what we do, every day. 
 

We also use a few more C-words: Create and Craft. Both are put into play every time events are planned and successfully executed.
 

But here is another C-word that came to the fore when we started looking at the nominations for this year’s Champions in Economic Impact in Sports Tourism: Collaboration.
 

We saw examples of two, three and in one case, six destinations banding together to leverage their facilities and their strengths in order to put on large championships. It was an incredible example of what can be accomplished when professionals bench their competitive streak in the name of creating excellent experiences that leave athletes and their families with lasting memories. 
 

Want another word? Here it is: Community. One destination stepped up to host an event (an enormous one, by the way) when the original site had its hands full battling a natural disaster. 

Here are a few more of those key words.
 

Charity. We saw plenty of events that gave back to their communities, as well as to causes that sent ripples out into the world beyond the diamond, the field and the gym.
 

College. We saw plenty of events with university and college participation, but we also saw a youth tournament that brought the colleges to the kids – and it also brought the corporations that could talk to them about careers in that field. Talk about building bridges to the future.
 

Oh, and Children – that’s another term. Several events made it a point to shape the next generation of enthusiasts and to welcome families to the fold. Sports can be aspirational and event owners have the ability to help create a fun, enjoyable, friendly atmosphere that sends kids home excited about trying a sport themselves. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
 

This year’s honorees in our Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism pumped a total of $ 1,422,168,804 into the local community and the economy as a whole. (They also consumed 812,518 room nights). They created jobs, they generated tourism (and probably return visits) and they brought excitement to cities.
 

We salute this year’s Champions and we honor the incredible work they have done. We see you, we are in awe of you and we appreciate you. Congratulations on a job well done.

-Mary Helen Sprecher
Managing Editor

Champions: Hall of Fame 

Champions

52nd AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships

Visit Orlando

Location: Orlando, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $825.5 million

Total Room Nights: 399,262 

The largest volleyball tournament in the world, the 52nd AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships, showcases boys’ and girls’ teams, athletes and coaches from every corner of the United States, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The 24-day premier event generated $825.5 million in economic impact (pre-event estimate) to the Central Florida area, thanks to an estimated 325,500 attendees

Large Market Champions

Champions

59th AAU Junior Olympic Games

Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA)

Location: Houston, Texas

Total Economic Impact: $90 million

Total Room Nights: 30,000-plus

The AAU Junior Olympic Games is the largest multi-sport event for youth in the United States and this year, the event was held in Houston, Texas. The 12-day event features 13 different sports, including the marquee track and field event, bringing together the nation’s best youth athletes. This event brought an economic impact of around $90 million to the Houston area. Athletes, coaches and fans from all over the country and territories outside the U.S. were represented at one of AAU’s premier events of the year.

Champions

Flying Pig Marathon

Visit Cincy, Hamilton County, Ohio

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 

Total Economic Impact: $22 million

Total Room Nights: 21,300 

With a total economic impact of $22 million, the 2025 Flying Pig Marathon drew tens of thousands to Greater Cincinnati, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions across the region. In partnership with Visit Cincy, the event extended stays, supported local jobs and tax revenue and elevated national visibility, earning recognition as a 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism.

Champions

The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival

Travel Costa Mesa, Visit Newport Beach

Location: Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, California

Total Economic Impact: $16 million-plus

Total Room Nights: 1,000 

The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival, held the first weekend in May, welcomes more than 20,000 runners to beautiful Orange County. From Newport Beach’s shorelines to Costa Mesa’s vibrant Arts District, athletes experience the region’s breathtaking beauty. This premier destination race has multiple distances, epic views and unforgettable finish line festivals. The Making Your Miles Matter program has empowered partner charities to raise $10 million for local and global causes, proving miles truly matter.

Champions

USA Fencing 2025 Summer Nationals & July Challenge

Sports Milwaukee

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Total Economic Impact: $10.77 million

Total Room Nights: 9.546 

From June 28 to July 7, Milwaukee welcomed the USA Fencing 2025 Summer Nationals & July Challenge, the first time the expanded Baird Center staged the nation’s biggest fencing event. More than 1,000 athletes and 10,000 spectators filled the city, bringing 11,000 visitors and more than $12 million in economic impact. Across 10 days of epee, foil and saber competition, athletes from youth to veterans put Milwaukee on center stage for one of the sport’s premier showcases.

Champions

The Lasorda Legacy Series and Baseball Lifestyle 101 World Series

Discover Long Island

Location: Yaphank, New York

Total Economic Impact: $5 million

Total Room Nights: 4,538

Hosted at Lasorda Legacy Park on Long Island, the Lasorda Legacy Series featured 330 teams and more than 4,000 players in 2025. Honoring Hall of Fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, the series creates a values-driven experience that goes beyond competition. It emphasizes character development, life lessons and fun, aligning with the Lasorda Way coaching philosophy. The series culminates with the Baseball Lifestyle 101 World Series, where the next generation competes with the same fire that defined Lasorda’s legendary career.

Champions

Under Armour Association Boys Basketball Finals & The OneSix

Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Location: Bedford Park, Illinois

Total Economic Impact: $4.6 million

Total Room Nights: 1,023 

The Boys Under Armour Association Finals and the OneSix invite-only middle school championship, in partnership with High Major Sports and 3STEP Sports, brought 350 teams and almost 10,000 spectators to Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, Illinois. Over seven days, the event drew 450 college coaches and scouts and generated 1,023 hotel room nights, showcasing the Chicago area as a premier stage for championship-level basketball.

Mid-Market Champions

Champions

2025 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships

Visit Baton Rouge

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Total Economic Impact: $152 million

Total Room Nights: 56,183 

The 2025 USBC Open Championships, the world’s largest indoor participatory sporting event, returned to Baton Rouge for a 150-day run (March–July). Held at the Raising Cane’s River Center with 54 custom-built lanes and 21 hours of daily competition, the event drew 11,684 teams and 58,420 bowlers, more than when the event was held in Las Vegas in 2024. Total attendance reached 146,050, generating an estimated $150 million economic impact for the city.

Champions

2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana

Catch Des Moines 

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Total Economic Impact: $40.25 million

Total Room Nights: 11,232 

The National Senior Games is a biennial championship that brings together thousands of athletes aged 50 to 100+ to compete in more than 20 sports. From the tennis courts to the track, the event celebrates the power of active aging and forges lasting connections among participants. The 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana were held in Des Moines, Iowa, which provided the perfect backdrop for competition and camaraderie. Athletes and fans were charmed by first-rate venues, trails, dining and the warm hospitality of the local community.

Champions

Triple Crown Sports Arizona Spring Championships

Team Arizona Sports: Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, 

Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix

Location: Destinations Within Arizona

Total Economic Impact: $38 million

Total Room Nights: 21,000-plus

The 2025 Triple Crown Sports Arizona Spring Championships brought massive impact to Arizona, hosting 787 out-of-state teams from 35 states, with 7,600+ athletes and 3,000 visitors. Spanning 2,100 games across Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe, the event generated 21,000-plus hotel room nights and a $38 million economic impact. Momentum is building for 2026, with 8800-plus teams and 8,000 athletes projected.

Champions

Top Gun Invitational

Visit Overland Park, Visit Shawnee Kansas, Olathe 

Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Kansas City Kansas

Location: Kansas City Metro Area (Kansas and Missouri)

Total Economic Impact: $12 million

Total Room Nights: 9.721 

The 2025 Top Gun Invitational welcomed 331 teams from 31 states to the Kansas City metro area for four days of elite softball action. Featuring 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U divisions, the event drew 4,000 standout athletes and more than 400 college coaches. The tournament delivered more than $12 million in economic impact and, with 281 out-of-town teams, utilized more than 9,700 hotel room nights.

Champions

Youth Flag Football World Championships

Experience Kissimmee/Kissimmee Sports Commission

Location: Kissimmee, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $11.95 million

Total Room Nights: 22,955 

The third annual youth flag football world championships at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports was the largest ever youth flag football tournament of its kind with 716 teams, more than 8,000 athletes and coaches from 27 states and four international countries participating. Championship games were aired live on ESPN+.

Champions

2025 Venice Equestrian Tour at Fox Lea Farm

Visit Sarasota County, Visit Florida

Location: Venice, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $10.5 million

Total Room Nights: 8,827 

The Venice Equestrian Tour at Fox Lea Farm is a nationally recognized nine-week hunter/jumper horse show circuit, featuring “Show Jumping Under the Stars” every Friday night that benefits local charities. The nine weeks of VET at Fox Lea Farm drives more than $10.5 million in economic impact and more than 8,800 hotel room nights to Sarasota County and has become an integral part of the local community.

Champions

Easter International Cup

Experience Kissimmee/Kissimmee Sports Commission

Location: Kissimmee, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $8.83 million

Total Room Nights: 15,287

The Easter International Cup is one of the top international youth soccer events in the country with 406 teams, 32 international teams, 174 out-of-state teams, 27 pro club youth academies and it uses more than 30 fields. The international event has seen 30 percent growth for the past five years in a row and is poised to have more than 400 teams again and utilize more than 10,000 room nights in 2026.

Champions

2025 TAAF Games of Texas

Visit College Station City of College Station Parks & Rec 

Destination Bryan, City of Bryan Parks & Rec

Location: Bryan-College Station, Texas

Total Economic Impact: $6.5 million

Total Room Nights: 13,865

The 2025 Summer Games of Texas, organized by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), returned to Bryan-College Station and Texas A&M University from July 31 to August 3. More than 8,000 amateur athletes of all ages competed in multiple sports, including swimming, track & field, boxing, tennis and golf at multiple venues across the area. The festival’s opening ceremonies took place at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater and featured fireworks and a parade of athletes. The event drew thousands of athletes, families, volunteers and supporters.

Champions

2025 US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships

Visit Loudoun/Loudoun Sports Tourism

Location: Loudoun County, Virginia

Total Economic Impact: $6.5 million

Total Room Nights: 6,243

The 2025 US Youth Soccer Eastern National Championships brought more than 4,000 athletes to Loudoun County, Virginia from June 28 through July 3. The event attracted 208 boys’ and girls’ teams from 13 states. Teams competed on 28 fields after having gone through a year-long competition to earn a spot in the storied event. The tournament was the second-largest room night generating event ever held in Loudoun County behind the 2023 USYS Eastern Regional Championships.

Champions

NXTPRO Puma Pro16 National Finals

Destination Bryan 

Location: Bryan, Texas

Total Economic Impact: $5 million

Total Room Nights: 7,263 

The NXTPRO Puma Pro16 National Finals brought elite basketball talent from across the U.S. and Australia to Legends Event Center in Bryan, Texas, for a four-day NCAA Live Period tournament. More than 400 teams competed with 432 college coaches in attendance. In addition to filling all eight courts at Legends, the event occupied 20-plus additional courts across the community, drawing thousands of visitors and generating more than $5 million in economic impact.

Champions

2025 Keystone State Wrestling Championships

Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance

Location: State College, Pennsylvania

Total Economic Impact: $4.81 million

Total Room Nights: 5,572 

The 2025 Keystone State Wrestling Championships, held from March 14 through 16 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, welcomed more than 3,200 youth wrestlers from across Pennsylvania. Athletes qualified through five regional tournaments to compete for state titles in double elimination brackets. Featuring three full days of high-energy competition, the event showcased the best young wrestling talent in the state and drew thousands of families, coaches and fans to Happy Valley.

Champions

2025 TSSAA Girls’ and Boys’ High School State Basketball Tournament

Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Total Economic Impact: $4.7 million

Total Room Nights: 4,850 

One of the largest statewide high school championships, this event brings tens of thousands of athletes, families and fans to Rutherford County. With a $4.7 million economic impact, strong volunteer support and community pride, it delivers an unforgettable experience; athletes compete at a high level, families and fans enjoy world-class hospitality and the event strengthens Rutherford County’s reputation as a premier sports destination.

Champions

2024 Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge

Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

Total Economic Impact: $4 million

Total Room Nights: 4,700 

The Defense Soap Super 32 Challenge draws 3,000-plus top wrestlers from all 50 states and Canada, with alumni winning state, NCAA and Olympic titles. Athletes must qualify and 80 percent come from out of state. More than 100 college coaches attend yearly. Held in Greensboro, the event is a major tourism driver and economic boost, filling hotels and local businesses. Now a cornerstone event, Super 32 cements the city as a premier wrestling destination.

Champions

Governors Challenge

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Location: Salisbury, Maryland

Total Economic Impact: $3.59 million

Total Room Nights: 3,220

The Governors Challenge has been described as “the best experience in high school hoops.” This high school tournament takes place in Salisbury, Maryland and spans five days in late December. It hosts more than 120 teams over the course of more than 130 games, showcasing both nationally ranked players and local talent. The Governors Challenge brand is set to expand into the Division III college space with its inaugural collegiate event in November 2025.

Champions

NXTPRO PUMA Shoe Circuit Easter Showcase

Valley Forge Sports

Location: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Total Economic Impact: $3.5 million

Total Room Nights: 3,308

NXTPRO brings a next-level basketball experience to Valley Forge. As Puma’s sponsored grassroots circuit, this Easter event brings 250 teams from cities nationwide to compete in an area built for youth sports.

Small Market Champions

Champions

Rocker B Ranch 2025 Season

Unrivaled Sports Graford, Texas

Location: Graford, Texas

Total Economic Impact: $23.54 million

Total Room Nights: 31,816

The Rocker B Ranch 2025 season delivered record-breaking impact in both sports tourism and community growth. More than 1,120 teams, 13,850 athletes and nearly 50,000 spectators generated 31,816 room nights and millions in verified economic activity. Following the addition of two new fields by Unrivaled Sports, Rocker B achieved a 64 percent year-over-year attendance increase in Graford, Texas (pop. <1,000). Its success shows how youth baseball can transform small communities into national destinations.

Champions

USFA Panama City Beach World Series

Visit Panama City Beach

Location: Panama City Beach, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $23.5 million

Total Room Nights: 26,854

For more than 20 years, USFA Softball has been a summer tradition, filling two complexes with girls’ fastpitch action. In 2024, the event brought 367 teams and 4,000-plus players from 17 states to enjoy the Real Fun Beach, generating excellent economic impact.

Champions

Grand Slam World Series of Baseball

Visit Panama City Beach

Location: Panama City Beach, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $21.85 million

Total Room Nights: 24,590

The 2025 Grand Slam World Series of Baseball was held for the 21st year in Panama City Beach, Florida, welcoming more than 400 youth travel baseball teams from 23 states. The four-week event held in June and July accounted for more than $21 million in economic impact for the destination.

Champions

Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida

Visit Panama City Beach

Location: Panama City Beach, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $11.7 million

Total Room Nights: 15,242

IRONMAN Florida in Panama City Beach welcomed more than 2,000 athletes from up to 70 countries and 8,700 total visitors, each staying an average of six nights. The event generates millions in direct spending, elevates the destination on a global stage and stands out as a premier driver of sports tourism, truly making it a championship event.

Champions

Big South Conference Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships

Visit Johnson City 

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee

Total Economic Impact: $5.83 million

Total Room Nights: 11,965

The 2025 Big South Men’s/Women’s Conference Basketball Championships saw nine schools (18 teams) compete for a berth to the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Johnson City saw $5.8 million in direct economic impact and 11,000-plus hotel room nights. The competition helped garner 77 media stories, generating more than 20 million impressions and earned back-to-back appearances on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 and a mention on Good Morning America. This event yielded a larger economic impact than all Visit Johnson City sporting events combined in 2024.

Champions

Mississippi Bombers Summer Southeast Invite

Visit Oxford

Location: Oxford, Mississippi

Total Economic Impact: $5.75 million

Total Room Nights: 2,101 

The Mississippi Bombers Summer Southeast Invite delivered a premier fast pitch showcase, drawing elite regional and national teams across multiple age brackets. Utilizing mTrade’s state-of-the-art facilities and lightning detection systems, the event provided top tier competition, exposure to scouts and college coaches and a vibrant atmosphere, while contributing to community vibrancy and economic impact in Oxford.

Champions

SNAP Soccer Panama City Beach Classic

Visit Panama City Beach

Location: Panama City Beach, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $3.6 million

Total Room Nights: 4,180

The PCB Classic in November has grown into a premier club soccer event on the Snap Soccer circuit, drawing girls’ and boys’ teams from multiple states, filling fields to capacity and attracting more than 4,000 visitors, as well as generating $3.6 million in economic impact over a fall weekend.

Champions

Peak Challenge & Rocky Top Bash 

Rocky Top Sports World; City of Gatlinburg, Tennessee; 

Sevier County, Tennessee

Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Total Economic Impact: $3.56 million

Total Room Nights: 5,474 

Peak Challenge and Rocky Top Bash are world-class club volleyball tournaments that come to Rocky Top Sports World each year. They make a huge economic impact (more than $3.5 million) on the City of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and on Sevier County. These events also feature some of the best volleyball players in the country and continue to grow in both attendance and in economic impact. Rocky Top Sports World is extremely grateful for this long-term partnership with Koality Tournaments, LLC and K2 Volleyball.

Champions

2025 Florida Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament

Columbia County Sports Commission

Location: Lake City, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $3.25 million

Total Room Nights: 750-plus

Lake City, Florida welcomed the 2025 Florida Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament to Southside Sports Complex, where teams from across the state brought high-energy play, packed stands and unforgettable moments. Hundreds of players competed for state titles while they, along with coaches and families, enjoyed a first-class experience powered by community spirit, dedicated volunteers and local support. The event delivered exciting games and a major boost to Columbia County’s growing reputation as a youth sports destination.

Champions

Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament

Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Total Economic Impact: $3 million

Total Room Nights: 400-plus

Waupaca Boatride Volleyball Tournament is the world’s largest outdoor volleyball event, with more than 3,300 teams from 48 states and six countries. There are competition divisions for all skill levels, along with adult, juniors and adaptive athlete clinics during the event. A charitable arm also helps the event support schools, clubs and other non-profits in helping get children into the lifetime sport of volleyball. The organization also runs feeder events in other states to help promote grass volleyball to the world.

Champions

2025 NBPA Top 100 Camp

City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Total Economic Impact: $2.3 million

Total Room Nights: 5,205 room nights

The Rock Hill Sports & Event Center was home to this summer’s premier basketball camp, the NBPA Top 100 Camp. This prestigious camp is available to elite high school athletes who have the the hopes of being drafted into the NBA out of high school. The Top 100 Camp emphasizes character, education and skill development as the core principles necessary to maximize a player’s potential. This event brought in an estimated $2.3 million in direct economic impact to the Rock Hill area.

Champions

PGF 13U Super Select

City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department

Location: Columbia, Tennessee

Total Economic Impact: $2.2 million

Total Room Nights: 900

The PGF 13U Super Select brought elite softball teams from across the country to Ridley Sports Complex in Columbia, Tennessee. This high-level tournament generated strong economic activity through travel, lodging, dining and retail spending while enhancing Columbia’s reputation as a growing destination for regional and national sports tourism.

Champions

Nuway Combat Rumble

Cedar Point Sports Center

Location: Sandusky, Ohio

Total Economic Impact: $2.23 million

Total Room Nights: 214 

The 2025 Nuway Combat Rumble was the largest event ever hosted by the Cedar Point Sports Center. The three-day event saw increases in athlete and spectator totals, as well as a 7.6 percent increase in economic impact from the 2024 event. It is also one of the largest singular sporting events in the region. The event featured both individuals and team duals formats with 16 different divisions. In total, more than 40 states were represented at the event, bringing thousands of visitors to the area from as far away as Alaska.

Champions

“Little Mo” International

City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis and Pickleball Center

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $1.69 million

Total Room Nights: 2,424 

The “Little Mo” Internationals is in its 19th year as one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the world and features approximately 700 players ages eight to 14 from more than 60 countries. Many professional and collegiate players began their career at the “Little Mo” like Andy Roddick, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys. It is named in memory of Maureen Connolly Brinker, who was the first woman to win the Grand Slam in 1953 and is still the only American and youngest (age 18) to have accomplished this magnificent feat.

Champions

Rocket City Classic presented by Akima

Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Total Economic Impact: $1.28 million

Total Room Nights: 205 

Following a run to the program’s first Final Four, the Rocket City Classic brought the Alabama men’s basketball team back to the Von Braun Center for the first time in five years for a preseason game against Memphis. The sellout crowd of more than 6,600 from 11 different states saw an exciting matchup that produced a significant economic impact and raised dollars for Huntsville Hospital, celebrated the FBI headquarters and honored future soldiers.

Innovations in Sports Tourism

Champions

2025 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo

Placer Valley Tourism & City of Roseville Electric Utility

Location: Roseville, California

Total Economic Impact: $5.7 million

Total Room Nights: 1,260 

The 2025 Public Power Lineworker Rodeo electrified Roseville, drawing 579 competitors from 50 utilities and 9,400 fans for a $5.7 million economic boost, including $3.66 million in direct spending and 1,260 hotel nights. @the Grounds buzzed with high-voltage competitions, a bustling vendor expo and family fun. Thanks to Placer Valley Tourism and City of Roseville Electric Utility, the event not only powered big returns but also cemented the region as a go-to destination for unique sporting events.

Champions

2025 Lake Erie National Cheer and Dance Championships

Erie Sports Commission

Location: Erie, Pennsylvania

Total Economic Impact: $2.9 million

Total Room Nights: 2,806 

The Lake Erie National Cheer and Dance Championships has been held in Erie annually for 11 years, and the 2025 event set records for both teams and participants. Over a single weekend, the event generated an estimated $2.9 million in economic impact. Teams traveled from multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Michigan and Ohio, as well as Canada, bringing exposure and revenue to local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

Champions

New England Golden Gloves

Revolutionary Valley RTC

Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

Total Economic Impact: $2.4 million

Total Room Nights: 3,330 

The New England Golden Gloves, established in 1947, is dedicated to developing the character and life skills of youth through boxing while making a lasting impact on the community. Through Lowell Sun Charities, proceeds support programs that promote respect, dignity and guidance in facing today’s challenges. With mentorship and training, youth gain valuable lessons in hygiene, conflict resolution, respect, strength and discipline. All proceeds from New England Golden Gloves, now in its 78th year, benefit Lowell Sun Charities.

Champions

The Hartford Nationals Conducted by Move United

West Michigan Sports Commission

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Total Economic Impact: $2 million

Total Room Nights: 2,111 

The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United is the largest and longest-running national sport championship event for youth and adult athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment and/or intellectual disability. This national championship includes competition in archery, boccia, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming and track & field, as well as wheelchair and para standing tennis.

Champions

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. Eimantes Stanionis

Visit Atlantic City

Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Total Economic Impact: $1.59 million

Total Room Nights: 652

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis clashed in a blockbuster unification battle for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday April 12. The match was carried live worldwide on DAZN. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis was crowned Ring Magazine Champion.

Champions

2025 Hoyt/Easton Pro/Am

Foley Sports Tourism 

Location: Foley, Alabama

Total Economic Impact: $1.7 million

Total Room Nights: 2,300-plus

The 2025 ASA Hoyt/Easton Pro/Am was held February 20 through 23 in Foley, Alabama at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, with the exciting final shootdown hosted at the Foley Event Center. This premier event brought more than 6,000 archers and fans to Foley and showcased top-tier archery talent. The event continues to deliver major economic impact and energy to the Foley community.

Champions

2025 ITF Masters World Championships

Palm Beach County Sports Commission

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Total Economic Impact: $1.6 million

Total Room Nights: 2,056 

This event is unique in that it attracts players and the families worldwide to the U.S. Teams and players from more than 35 different countries visited Florida as a direct result of this event.

Champions

NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship

Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events

Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Total Economic Impact: $1.21 million

Total Room Nights: 1,833

The NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship has called Gulf Shores home since the championship became NCAA-sanctioned in 2016. In 2025, host destination Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events, host institution the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the City of Gulf Shores executed a high-caliber championship in less than 100 days, alongside key community partners, after the tournament was relocated from Huntington Beach, California, due to historic wildfires. Alabama’s Beaches will host the championship until at least 2031.

Champions

Southern Pickleball Championships presented by Publix

Visit Macon

Location: Macon, Georgia

Total Economic Impact: $809,640

Total Room Nights: 1,332

Held January 3 through 5, 2025, the Southern Pickleball Championships drew more than 1,200 players from 21 states and two countries to Macon, Georgia, marking one of the largest amateur-only pickleball tournaments in the nation. Staged inside Rhythm & Rally, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility (formerly an unused retail space), the event showcased the city’s revitalization, sparked major tourism and cemented Macon’s place as a rising hub in America’s fastest-growing sport.

Champions

2025 USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships

Visit Chicago Southland

Location: Bedford Park, Illinois

Total Economic Impact: $300,000

Total Room Nights: 634

The 2025 USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships was the preeminent judo tournament in the country for ages five through 20. The event had 867 competing athletes with more than 2,500 spectators. The economic impact exceeded $300,000.

Champions

Triple Fish Challenge

Electric City, Washington

Location: Electric City, Washington

Total Economic Impact: $258,300

Total Room Nights: 75

The Triple Fish Challenge is a two-day fishing tournament on Banks Lake where anglers compete to catch three species. Paired with Funday Friday, a free, family-friendly kickoff celebration featuring games, food, music and kids’ activities, the weekend brings the community together through outdoor fun, friendly competition and inclusive programming. Hosted by Reel Recreation at Coulee Playland, it’s a signature event for all ages.

Champions

Logan Parks Fishing Foundation Nitro Boats NSANE 

Tournament Presented by Abu Garcia

Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Total Economic Impact: $252,500

Total Room Nights: 650

The Logan Parks Fishing Foundation Nitro Boats NSANE Tournament Presented by Abu Garcia in Auburn, Alabama has rapidly become one of the nation’s premier high school and collegiate bass fishing events. In 2024, the tournament drew 300 anglers from 25 states, generating $252,500 in economic impact. With unique on-campus recruiting opportunities at Auburn University and more than $330,000 awarded in prizes, the event is shaping the future of competitive bass fishing.

Champions

WSSEA 2025 Spring State Championships

Snohomish County Sports Commission

Location: Lynnwood, Washington

Total Economic Impact: $142,364

Total Room Nights: 242 

Washington State Scholastic Esports Association, LANFest and Snohomish County Sports Commission partnered to host the WSSEA 2025 Spring State Championships on May 18 at the Lynnwood Event Center. This high school esports championship brought 204 high school students from 23 high schools across Washington State and generated $142,364 in direct spending. High school esports teams competed in three games: Rocket League, Valorant and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In addition to the competition, a college fair and career fair were held.

Champions

The SGT Bishop Evans JROTC Invitational

Visit Mansfield

Location: Mansfield, Texas

Total Economic Impact: $26,000 

Total Room Nights: 15

The tournament is named after a graduate of the Mansfield JROTC program who died in 2022 as a member of the Texas National Guard while rescuing drowning migrants in the Rio Grande. His former instructor, SGT Daniel Kinnel, partnered with Visit Mansfield to launch the drill meet. Regional tournaments are not usually high enough caliber to justify long distance travel for the teams so the goal was to create the premier North Texas JROTC meet. Since 2022, the meet has grown from three teams to 20 with larger venues already being sought.