There's a big summer of sport ahead this year, with the World Athletics Championship being one of the highlights on the 2017 calendar in London at the former Olympic Stadium. Elsewhere, Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor have signed up for what is being billed as 'the fight of the century', while in cricket there is an Ashes series to look forward to at the back end of the year.
Of course, you don't have to wait for years on end to witness some fantastic sporting spectacles; a number of annual showpiece events around the world draw mainstream attention year on year.
Super Bowl - American Football
The Super Bowl is the biggest game in American football. The winners of the AFC and NFC meet for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in what is one of the most-watched events in sport. Such is the draw of the game, brands create high-budget advertisements solely for this event as they know the eyes of the world will be tuning in. Last year, the New England Patriots beat Atlanta Falcons 34-28 following overtime at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
Tour de France - Cycling
The Tour de France is a gruelling 21-day event in which riders compete across stages for the lowest accumulated time. The winner is awarded the coveted Yellow Jersey, the biggest prize in the sport. More recently, the Tour has started in a number of different countries, including the UK and Belgium, but the end of the race always finishes in Paris, with the winning line being positioned along the Champs-Elysees.
US Masters - Golf
Golf
There are four Major Championships in golf each year and the US Masters is arguably the most spectacular of these, given it takes place at Augusta National, one of the best golf courses in the world. The best players from around the European and PGA Tours love playing in this event and it normally offers a fascinating challenge for them. The winner of the Masters receives a Green Jacket and becomes a member for life at the club. Earlier this year, Sergio Garcia won the opening Major of his career at Augusta.
Royal Ascot - Horse Racing
Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing meeting on the flat in the UK. The best horses compete in their respective divisions at the Berkshire Racecourse. The Queen is usually present and arrives in a carriage across the course before racing. If you are attending any of the five days this year then click here to place your Royal Ascot bets before you arrive. One of the leading races is the Ascot Gold Cup, in which Order of St George is currently the -125 favourite to triumph.
Wimbledon - Tennis
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam events in the sport. It is the only Grand Slam that takes place on grass, while the event still has a strict dress code for the players, who have to wear white on the court. Roger Federer has won the tournament a record seven times and is back to London again this year where he will be looking to win the trophy again.
If you are looking to make a trip to any of the above events over the next 12 months then book and plan everything well in advance to avoid disappointment with tickets and travel.
