The Most Memorable and Viral Sports Moments of 2024

Whether it’s a jaw-dropping play or an act of sportsmanship, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination and spread like wildfire across social media. They help build bridges to new fans, create global communities of team loyalty, and turn athletes into heroes. In the digital age, viral moments are more prevalent than ever before.

This year’s Olympics brought us an incredible amount of viral sports moments, from an unexpected swimmer to a casual Turkish shooter. All of them had one thing in common: they were uniquely Olympic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s shared by thousands in Paris and millions across the globe.

While some of these moments are purely for entertainment value, others serve as social commentary or a reminder of the human element that surrounds sport. Regardless of their purpose, they are among the most memorable and viral sports moments of 2024.

For example, when Syracuse center Zaila Avant-garde won the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship in March, it gave WNBA followers an opportunity to celebrate their favorite athletes outside of basketball, and showed how the unique aspects of a sport can resonate with fans.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the sport landscape, there were still many moments that showcased the fun side of sports and captured the attention of fans and journalists. Throughout the month of June, we saw viral sports content about a feisty WNBA coach, a little league sensation, and even a Phillies Phanatic.

Olympic Ice Hockey

Olympic ice hockey has been a part of the Winter Games since 1924.

While the Soviets dominated early Olympic tournaments, the Americans had a chance to beat them at Lake Placid in 1960 and again in 1980. The latter game, known as ‘The Miracle on Ice’, is considered one of the greatest sports and cultural moments in history.

During a semifinal against the Soviets, it looked like the Americans were going to lose. The Soviets had a 2-1 lead late in the third period. Their goaltender Pelle Lindbergh was smothering every U.S. opportunity, and a power-play attempt with six minutes remaining came up empty.

Then, with ten minutes left in the game, captain Mike Eruzione picked up the puck off the boards behind the net and used a defenseman as a screen to rip a wrist shot past the goalie. The Americans won the game 4-3, and went on to win gold.

In addition to playing on a larger rink, Olympic ice hockey differs from the NHL in a few other ways. For example, the game is played with three 20-minute periods with 15-minute intermissions. And, unlike the NHL, if the game is tied at the end of overtime, penalty shootouts determine the winner.

Another difference between the Olympics and the NHL is the ice markings that guide faceoffs. The center circle, for instance, is larger at the Olympics to help players find each other and establish defensive zones. In the NHL, on the other hand, it is smaller and more rounded.

NFL Draft 2025

NFL draft 2025

After a hectic free agency period, teams will take to the field once again for this year’s NFL draft. The first round kicks off Thursday, with the second and third taking place Friday and the final four rounds on Saturday.

Teams will have their pick of 257 prospects over seven rounds of drafting. They’ll try to reshape their rosters in an attempt to improve upon last season and compete for a playoff berth. While some prospects will have immediate fantasy value, others may require time to develop in the league.

Fantasy managers can find plenty of value in this year’s crop of rookies. Whether it’s a top-tier quarterback, an intriguing running back or a promising wide receiver, the 2025 draft is full of interesting options for owners in every format.

The order of selection in the first round can make or break some picks, and the NFL allows teams to trade their pick before, during or after the draft. This makes for some dramatic moments and can lead to some surprises.

The Tennessee Titans hold the top overall pick while the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants follow suit in descending order. Each team can select a player by communicating that choice to an NFL staff member at the Selection Square table. The staff member writes the player’s name, position and school down on a card that is passed to an NFL runner who immediately passes it on to the representatives of the next team in line.

How to Write Fair and Accurate Fan Protest Stories

fan protest stories

When Black folks fought for integration during the Civil Rights Movement, they turned their passion for sports into a powerful tool of nonviolent protest. They boycotted games and teams, and newspapers like the Black press kept fans informed by writing about these protests.

Now, in 2018, fans are still using their love for sports to fight for social change. From helping to bring down Jose Mourinho at Manchester United to leading marches against their club’s owners at Chelsea, and even urging their clubs to sell the ownership stake in the business, fan protest stories remind us that fan activism isn’t just a passing fad.

Thousands of LA Galaxy fans walked out of Dignity Health Sports Park during the team’s home game against Vancouver to protest their club’s silence about immigration raids in Southern California. Leaders of the Angel City Brigade, Galaxians and LA Riot Squad say there’s not a day that goes by without them thinking about the raids and their impact on Latino communities.

As fans protest, it’s important that journalists report on their actions in a fair and accurate way. This means including basic information such as who organized and participated in the protest, as well as getting quotes from people involved in the demonstration. It’s also helpful to provide context for the issue being addressed and show why the protest is important. Finally, it’s a good idea to include photos and video of the action. While these tips are simple, they’ll help ensure that news coverage of fan protests is fair and accurate.

Esports Tournament News 2025

esports tournament news

Esports, also known as electronic sports, are organised multiplayer video game competitions. Typically, a team of professional gamers compete against other teams to win medals and prizes. Esports tournaments feature popular video games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and the fighting game-specific Evolution Championship Series.

The esports tournament scene is booming in 2025. In the first quarter alone, over 100 major events took place. In addition to major titles like Rocket League and League of Legends, a number of niche tournaments attracted huge audiences.

In this edition of Esports Tournament News, we take a look at what happened at these tournaments and the people who made them happen.

Esports tournaments are a major part of the global gaming culture. They’re attracting big audiences, and they’re becoming a part of the mainstream. But what do they mean for the future of the video game industry?

The second Esports World Cup (EWC) has kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The prize pot for the event is $70m. Unlike in regular sporting competitions, players don’t represent their countries and instead join organisations such as the world-renowned Team Liquid. BBC Newsbeat went behind the scenes of their HQ to see what it takes to compete at such a high level.

The Esports World Cup 2025 is a month-long competition featuring major international leagues for various titles. In June, Counter-Strike, Rocket League and League of Legends all host notable competitions to find the best global teams in their respective fields.

The Mystique of Combat Sports

Combat Sports are athletic competitions that involve the use of striking and kicking techniques, often in a confined space such as an enclosed arena or on a padded mat. They have a long history, having evolved alongside human civilization. They are frequently viewed as a form of entertainment, social bonding, and cultural exchange. Their growing popularity has captivated new audiences, while also challenging societal norms and redefining the rules of engagement.

Specialised training regimens are essential for athletes in combat sports. These routines build physical fitness, technical prowess, and strategic understanding of the game. In addition, a culture of respect and humility is promoted in combat sports through traditions such as bowing to instructors and peers, shaking hands after sparring, and treating opponents with dignity.

Mindset training is a cornerstone of a combat athlete’s training programme. It includes a series of mental practices that seasoned fighters and Olympic athletes regularly employ, including mindfulness meditation to enhance focus and emotional control during pressured situations and regular sessions of visualisation to strengthen strategic readiness for competition.

Whether it’s Muhammad Ali’s Thrilla in Manila, Conor McGregor’s historic knockout victory, or Ronda Rousey’s groundbreaking dominance, iconic combat sports moments are cherished by generations of fans. These iconic figures inspire and enchant with their skill, charisma, and unrelenting determination. They are exemplars of the enduring allure and heroism of combat sports.

The Legal Framework for Athlete Endorsements

athlete endorsements

Athlete endorsements can be a powerful marketing tool, elevating a brand’s reputation and influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The strength of an athlete’s personal brand plays a critical role in the effectiveness of these partnerships, and the aspirational aspect of their persona often serves to create deeper connections with target audiences. However, the legal framework surrounding endorsements must be rigorously vetted to mitigate risks and establish clear obligations for both parties.

The Federal Trade Commission requires disclosures and authenticity standards to be carefully drafted in sponsorship or endorsement contracts to minimize liability for false claims. Attorneys must establish thorough product vetting protocols and include authenticity clauses to confirm that an athlete actually uses the products they endorse. This helps reduce exposure to fraudulent claims and protects athletes from liability and regulatory action.

While some athletes may focus on social activism and environmental causes, most endorsers seek to align their core values with the brands they promote. Naomi Osaka’s partnership with Nike exemplifies this dynamic, pairing her commitment to empowerment and equality with the company’s message of “dare to dream bigger.” The result was a successful and authentic marketing campaign that resonated with consumers and increased sales for both the tennis star and the shoe manufacturer.

Athlete endorsements bring significant economic benefits to both athletes and entire industries, including greater visibility, revenue, and job creation. Endorsements can also drive more sales and validate a product’s value in a competitive market, leading to additional investments in new products and services.

Athlete Retirement News

athlete retirement news

In the world of sports, retirement can come at an unexpected time. Whether they’re injured or just reaching the end of their careers, athletes can be left struggling to adjust to life after sport. But some athletes take on new challenges and find ways to keep their passions alive, even after putting their athletic shoes up for good.

Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist and eight-time World Cup champion, is returning to competition for the first time since 2022 at age 40. The announcement comes six years after her last Olympics and four years after she retired from skiing with a back injury.

According to a study by the University of Leeds, some athletes struggle with transitioning out of their sport. The research suggests that the way an athlete is pushed and influenced at a young age can impact their mental state once they retire. It’s a crucial point to consider because athletes tend to start their careers much younger than most people, and often face pressure to not retire until they are deemed old enough by their peers and fans.

Athletes who decide to return to competition may also have to adhere to their specific National Governing Body’s rules on re-entry, which may include mandatory drug testing. For example, the USOPC says athletes who wish to compete again should contact their governing bodies to confirm if they’re eligible for re-entry.

Sports Celebrity Gossip

sports celebrity gossip

Sports and showbiz have never been more connected. From athletes starring in movies to musicians repping their favorite teams, we cover the crossovers and celebrity involvement that keep sports top of mind for pop culture fans.

Charlotte and Madeline start the show with a few admin orders of business and some quick informercials before diving into today’s hot topics. They’ve got the latest on WNBA star Suni Lee and NBA player OG Anunoby making their relationship official, a former WWE superstar losing her job over Coldplay cheating drama, surfing star Billy Kemper sharing a video of his gruesome injury and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn discussing her career and groin injury.

Celebrity presence on the sidelines of a sporting event creates buzz and excitement that can increase viewership and ticket sales. Post Sports+ has the scoop on the latest athlete-celebrity collaborations and moments that keep sports in the limelight.

How to Track the US Open Schedule

US Open schedule

For two weeks late in August, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center transforms into the epicenter of tennis. With the Olympics, French Open and Australian Open in the books for the year, the remaining main draw matches in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles offer the final opportunity for players to secure a major title. This year, the US Open is expanding to 15 days of action at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a new scheduling format designed to provide fans with more matches and more drama.

Tip #1: Check Schedule for Day-By-Day Breakdown

The US Open starts on the last Monday of August, with qualifying and other fan events held during the week leading up to the first full week of main draw play. Each day of the tournament, the US Open publishes a detailed daily Schedule of Play that lists the matches scheduled for that particular day (and also identifies which courts they’ll be played on). Tip #2: Use this link or the official US Open Everywhere app to track the schedule and determine whether you should head to the US Open app or resale websites like Stubhub. If you do decide to head to resale, it’s a good idea to begin monitoring the ticket situation in the days prior and make your decision carefully, as tickets can quickly become scarce and prices will rise.

After a long opening week, the field begins to narrow as top seeds face tougher competition and intriguing prospects emerge on Arthur Ashe and the outer courts. The tournament heats up heading into Labor Day weekend, and a new champion will be crowned on Sunday.