Kick-off with a bang in Duisburg: Rhine-Ruhr 2025 start with a spectacular show in a sold-out arena

With a rousing evening full of emotions and music, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games officially opened on Monday evening in the sold-out Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. More than 20,000 spectators celebrated the start of the games with powerful moments, frenetic applause, and a palpable sense of togetherness throughout the arena

The stage itself is a work of art: framed by gigantic led walls, the impression of a glowing virtual bridge emerged as a symbol of what the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games is all about: connection across borders. Artificial chimneys surrounded the field of play, which were ignited and payed homage to the industrial heritage of the Ruhr area while striking a symbolic spark towards the future.

An evening full of history, sound, and emotions

In terms of content, the ceremony weaved three major focal points into a moving overall composition. The evening was a festival, a showcase of the region and a social vision all at once, which is precisely what made it unique.

The focus was on the region: the Ruhr area, with its turbulent history and its relentless drive for change. Tradition and innovation merged in choreography, set design and music – painting a vibrant portrait of this region's pride. Artists such as Ayliva, Montez, Querbeat and star DJ Topic performed. They were accompanied by the great WDR Funkhausorchester, which combined classical and modern music into a musical unity. Hndreds of dancers and large choreographies supported the orchestra, radiating energy, diversity, and passion. A real festival of the senses.

At the same time, it became clear that sport is considered a transformative force in this region and in these times. Sport builds bridges across cultures, languages, and walks of life. The touching interpretation of the Steigerlied performed by 500 participants together with the orchestra was far more than a musical moment. It was a deeply emotional moment of unity, identity, and hope.

Parade of nations – numbers, colours, pure internationality

The parade of the delegations was a triumph of diversity: flags from all over the world filled the arena and made tangible what the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games aim to be: a cosmopolitan convention of young talents. Over the next twelve days, nearly 8,000 students from more than 2,000 international universities will be competing for medals. Around 1,500 of them in Berlin, where a separate smaller Opening Ceremony took place at the same time at the State representation of North-Rhine Westphalia. The opening ceremony in Duisburg was broadcast live to Berlin. The Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg was a vibrant melting pot of languages, colours, and cultures. This is just a first taste of the cosmopolitan character of the next few days. "Team Studi" was led by Anya Kisskalt (Taekwondo) and Sören Seebold (3x3 wheelchair basketball). In addition, an impressive group of additional flag bearers represented the diversity of German university sports: Kim Bui, Sonja Greinacher, Britta Heidemann, Sarah Wellbrock, Max Hartung, Mathias Mester, Alexander Wieczerzak and Karla Borger. Together, they set a visible example of inclusion, excellence, and team spirit.

Torch, fire, emotion

Heide Ecker-Rosendahl had one of the most moving moments of the evening. The 1972 Olympic champion and 1970 Universiade gold medalist carried the flame into the arena and was received with a standing ovation. She handed the flame over to six exceptional athletes: Sonja Greinacher, Sarah Wellbrock, Max Hartung, Mathias Mester, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Alexander Wieczerzak. Together they ignited the six mighty fire towers.

Voices at the opening ceremony

The Games were opened by FISU President Leonz Eder, who praised the enthusiasm of the region: "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."

Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, took the stage at his side. As a Duisburg native, her joy was palpable: "The games are open. They are a gift to German sport, the region and to the young generation. Sport, culture, science, and community: they will come together in the next 12 days. Right in the heart of the Ruhr area. It is very moving to have the opportunity to experience this."

Minister President Hendrik Wüst added: "With the FISU World University Games, the largest multi-sport event after the Olympic and Paralympic Games is taking place here at the Rhine and Ruhr. The citizens of North Rhine-Westphalia are cosmopolitan and passionate about sport, which makes us the perfect host for this outstanding international sporting event in 2025. At the same time, hosting the game highlights our offer to organised sport in Germany and worldwide: North Rhine-Westphalia is ready for the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the Rhine and Ruhr. With the variety of our extraordinary sports venues, our experience in hosting major international events, we want to offer an unforgettable experience to everyone involved. I wish the athletes every success for their competitions, with personal bests in front of a special backdrop."

Niklas Börger, CEO of Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH, was also overwhelmed: "Pride, goosebumps, pure gratitude – this opening ceremony was an emotional highlight for all of us. After years of intensive preparation, this moment clearly shows what we can achieve together. It is a historic day for our region, for sports, for universities – and for all those who believed in this idea. We did not just open the games, we made a promise: twelve days full of enthusiasm, peak performances, and a real community. The entire world is watching – and we are ready.”

Jörg Förster, Chair of the Board of the General German University Sports Association (adh): "The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games are an outstanding event for the German university sports landscape. The fact that we are competing with the largest German team of all time is not only a sporting exclamation point – it also shows how strong and vibrant university sport is in Germany. This stage gives our athletes the visibility they deserve.”

With this, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games are now officially open for twelve days full of competitions, culture, community, and international understanding in action.