The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games kicked off in style on 16 July with a sold-out opening ceremony at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. Over 20,000 spectators cheered on an evening filled with music, emotion, and celebration.
Blending festival vibes, regional flair, and social vision, the show set the tone for the next 12 days of competition. The parade of nations highlighted the diversity of the FISU Games, with nearly 8,000 student-athletes from over 2,000 universities taking part — including 1,500 competing in Berlin, where a simultaneous ceremony was held and broadcast live.
FISU President Leonz Eder praised the atmosphere: “A great and impressive opening for wonderful games. We are pleased about the high number of participating nations. The energy tonight was impressive. The region of North Rhine-Westphalia truly lives the spirit of the FISU Games.”
Live performances by Ayliva, Montez, Querbeat, and DJ Topic — backed by the WDR Funkhausorchester and hundreds of dancers — brought the arena to life with a unique blend of classical and contemporary sound.
A standout moment came when Olympic and Universiade legend Heide Ecker-Rosendahl carried the flame into the arena, receiving a standing ovation before passing it on to six elite athletes, who lit the fire towers and marked the official start of the Games.
Related News
International Young Reporters’ dreams come true at Rhine-Ruhr 2025
9047 participants dug for gold in a region known for its mining tradition
