The 2025 Finals in Dresden set a new record

From 31 July to 3 August, Dresden was buzzing as the venue for top-class German sport. More than 250,000 people watched the Finals 2025 competitions live on site – a new attendance record for the multi-sport event. 

 

A compact sporting event – right in the heart of the city
The Finals 2025 were held at a total of eight venues within a radius of around 3.5 kilometres – including the Heinz-Steyer-Stadion, the JOYNEXT Arena, the BallsportARENA and the Teamsport-Arena, as well as iconic locations such as the Semperoper, the Frauenkirche, Hafencity and Alberthafen. Short distances, striking backdrops and a high concentration of competition venues made Dresden an ideal host city. 

 

A wide range of sports, including many firsts
In total, athletes competed in 20 sports, including seven new additions: badminton, trampoline gymnastics, rugby sevens, sports acrobatics, fistball/Wowball, flag football and lacrosse – a clear expansion of the programme compared with previous years.

 

An event format that has won people over
Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert gave a thoroughly positive assessment: “There was a magnificent atmosphere in the city. We could have doubled the spectator capacity at many of the venues if it had been at all possible. Our expectations were exceeded. It was a huge success for Dresden.”

 

Hagen Boßdorf, Managing Director of Finals GmbH, praised the special atmosphere: “Above all, we must thank the people of Dresden and their guests; they created an incredible atmosphere throughout the city. Dresden’s compact layout and central location were a major plus. Never before has it been so easy to experience the diversity of top-class German sport at close quarters.”

 

Belit Onay, Lord Mayor of Hanover and host of the upcoming Finals, added: “These were impressive competitions with a fantastic atmosphere. Dresden was an outstanding host. We’re taking a wealth of impressions back to Hanover with us and are already very much looking forward to hosting the 2026 Finals.”

 

A Dresden moment to remember
With record attendance figures, sporting diversity and an enthusiasm that gripped the whole city, the 2025 Finals set new standards – for athletes, spectators and hosts alike.