Surrounded by the dramatic Alps and Jura Mountains, Geneva, Switzerland’s second-largest city, is one of the world’s most exciting sporting locations. Sport is part of the fabric of this global city, which hosts numerous elite sporting competitions, including top-level show jumping, world-class tennis, and adrenaline-filled sailing events, as well as numerous global sporting governing bodies.

The city has a rich and impressive sporting history, with one of the yearly highlights coming from the CHI Geneva. Held every December at the iconic Palexpo — a venue that has previously hosted both the Laver Cup and Davis Cup — the show attracts the most elite horse-and-rider combinations, all aiming for one prize: the Rolex Grand Prix. CHI Geneva is one of the four equestrian Majors, and alongside the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters,’ and The Dutch Masters, that makes up the sport’s ultimate challenge, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Much like the Majors in tennis and golf, the Majors that make up the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping are regarded as the most esteemed and celebrated in the sport, collectively amassing 300 years of sporting history.

In addition to the Rolex Grand Prix, CHI Geneva also hosts the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. Often compared to the Nitto ATP Finals and the WTA Finals in tennis, this unique and prestigious competition rewards riders who have consistently performed throughout the year.

Sophie Mottu-Morel, the organizer of the CHI Gevena commented: “Geneva is not only in the centre of Europe with its own international airport, but it is home to many international organisations, which makes for a very interesting mix of cultures and interests. Welcoming great champions – as we do for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – is extremely gratifying for us as organisers, but also for our public, our volunteers and our partners. It is also important for the City and Canton of Geneva, because through our various communications channels and TV broadcasts, Geneva is in the spotlight all over the world.”

In addition to world-class show jumping, the city hosts numerous other sporting events, including the Gonet Geneva Open, held annually in May. The tournament, held at the Tennis Club de Genève, takes place on clay courts and is a crucial part of players' preparations ahead of the second tennis Grand Slam Major of the year – the French Open. Often referred to as one of the most competitive ATP 250 tournaments on the calendar, it has been Norway’s Casper Ruud who has dominated the tournament in recent years, claiming his third title in four years this spring.

Thierry Grin, Tournament Director at the Gonet Geneva Open stated:“Since 2021, the Gonet Geneva Open has attracted three of the four members of the Big Four namely Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The presence of these great champions and other top players has of course contributed to the city's reputation. Geneva's infrastructure and its setting make it a magnificent playground for sporting competitions. In recent years, the lake and its harbour have established themselves as a unique place for sports events. 

Grin added on the important of the Majors in sports: “In all sports, the Majors are the foundation, the ultimate goal for athletes. They are part of an old tradition and, in my opinion, will resist to the temptation to change.”

Sailing is an integral part of Geneva’s culture, with the world’s largest inland lake regatta — the Bol d'Or Mirabaud — bringing together more than 500 boats and 3,500 sailors on Lake Geneva each June. Adding to the city’s sailing prowess is the SailGP Series. Renowned as the world’s most thrilling water-based racing series, SailGP has excitingly announced that the inaugural Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix will take place on Lake Geneva’s legendary waters from September 20 to 21, 2025. SailGP showcases the world’s top sailing athletes from 10 national teams, competing in identical, high-speed F50 hydrofoiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds close to 100 km/h. Thousands of spectators are anticipated to witness the event both on land and from the water.

Sebastien Schneiter, Skipper of Sail GP Switzerland commented: “Geneva has many qualities that enables it to host major international sporting events. As a city, it is centred in the middle of Europe so that makes it easy logistically to come from other European events. I think the city itself will be really accessible for Sail GP fans, as we will be racing close to the shore, and so it will be easy for anyone that wants to watch it, to come and watch the racing for free. Geneva is also a very international city, which provides a number of opportunities, including business opportunities, hopefully for us as a team, but also for the other teams and for the league in general.”

The city will once again be in the spotlight as the UEFA Women's Championship returns next summer. The Stade de Genève will host five matches, including one of the semi-finals, and is expected to fill the 30,000-seat stadium with passionate football fans.

Mottu-Morel, who in addition to her role at the CHI Geneva is also on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Euro 2025 Championships added: “Planning for the Women’s Euros is progressing well –  2025 is just around the corner. The impact on the City and the Canton will be major. Of course, we cannot compare it to a Men's European Championships, but it will bring a lot of people to the stadium and consequently to the City. Alongside the matches, many events will be organised to celebrate this major event. Our aim is also to leave a legacy after the tournament – the idea is that the activities carried out should last.”

Geneva also hosts a number of additional sporting events not to be missed, including the Tour de Romandie (cycling), the Geneva Triathlon, the Geneva Marathon, and the Swiss Open Geneva. In addition, as the headquarters for numerous global sports organizations, such as the FIA, the world governing body for motorsport, and the International Basketball Federation, it plays a pivotal role in shaping global sports policies.

With sport at the heart of the city, from grassroots competitors to those seeking top-level glory, Geneva is a dynamic, modern sporting hub that provides some of the world’s most sensational sporting highlights. With the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping returning to the city from December 11 – 15, fans will no doubt be treated to even more unmissable sporting moments.