The big sports events to watch in 2024

There is something for everyone this year, including cricket, rugby, football, and golf – and not forgetting the extensive coverage of the Paris Olympics to keep you satisfied.

Perfect for some betting on outcomes, all of these events look set to entertain – and in between, why not get that live game experience by playing live blackjack at Rainbow Riches?

Below are a selection of some of the competitions that you can tune into in 2024.

Rugby union – Six Nations

After the increased interest in rugby following the pandemic-delayed Rugby World Cup, this year’s Six Nations competition is likely to pique the interest of followers of both the men’s and women’s teams.

The Six Nations competition is a storied event, with England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Italy all competing for the coveted Grand Slam title (and avoiding the Wooden Spoon, of course).

From last year’s competition, the Irish team were Grand Slam winners, and they start this year against the much-maligned French team, so expect some high scorelines in this match. England have a good chance this year too, so it should be an interesting competition.

Much should be said about the women’s game too – the hike in viewing figures for women’s sport in general has been unbelievable, and the support for the England team has been reflected with a Grand Slam win last year – the Women’s Six Nations starts just after the men’s concludes. 

Golf – The Masters

The Masters is the first of four major men’s golfing tournaments and is the only one that doesn’t travel.

Hosted at the Augusta National Golf Club since it was inaugurated back in 1934, this invitational competition has long been a draw for golfers and fans alike.

The traditions of this tournament haven’t really changed since the 1930’s – winners get a jacket that they must return to the course after a year and are kept in a special room – but the prize fund has grown to $18 million.

European hopes lie with John Rahm and Rory McIlroy, while the world number one Scottie Scheffler is flying the flag for the Americans.

Viewers will be waiting with bated breath to see if world-famous golfer Tiger Woods will be making a return and answering the rumours that have been swirling as to whether he can equal Jack Nicklaus’ win record at this hallowed course.

Cricket – Men’s Twenty20 World Cup

2024 marks the first time a major cricket competition is hosted in the USA, with America and the West Indies joint hosts for the T20 World Cup in June.

There are multiple stadiums being built or repurposed for the game in the States, which should make for some interesting watching – not to mention the quality of cricket on display too.

The T20 World Cup has been organised by the ICC since 2007, with the inaugural event held in South Africa and won by titans of the sport India.

The 2024 competition is the first time that there will be 20 teams involved, and for English fans there is something to prove as our team were champions last time out and are looking to make it two in a row.

Football – Euro 2024

For the first time since the 2006 World Cup, Germany are hosting an international football competition – and it is set to be a close run thing with the continent’s best teams lining up to battle for the coveted trophy.

From the UK, England and Scotland have already qualified – Scotland for the second time in a row – but Wales needs to win their play off to get a place in the competition.

The Euros are one of the most popular footballing events in the world, second only to the World Cup in terms of viewing figures, and fans can expect to see their favourite Premier League players taking a cap for their country throughout the competition.

Germany may have the odds of being the home team, but in reality, they are not likely to be lifting the trophy – pundits seem to be thinking England and France have a much better chance this year.

The Summer Olympics

100 years later, Paris is hosting the 2024 Olympics – and they are aiming to make it a celebration of sport to remember.

Lasting from the 26th of July through to the 11th August, the world’s best athletes will be descending on the city of lovers to win those medals.

The organisers are planning to start with an opening ceremony featuring all the competitors floating down the Seine in a huge flotilla, so you can imagine the pomp and circumstance of the rest of the Games.

There will be four new sports – breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing, focusing on sports that are more accessible to young people.