USA Gymnastics and the city of Nevada have been officially awarded the World Gymnaestrada by World Gymnastics, meaning Las Vegas will be the centre of the gymnastics world in 2031, the first time the event will have been held outside of Europe.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the World Gymnastics Executive Committee and Council meetings in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

World Gymnaestrada is the largest gymnastics event in the world. This is not an Olympics or a World Championship; this is a performance event with no competition. It brings together athletes of all ages and skill levels to celebrate movement, creativity, and the culture of gymnastics.

The 2031 edition, to be held July 7-13 in Las Vegas, is expected to draw more than 20,000 participants. Venues are T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Mandalay Bay Beach, Fremont Street, Westgate Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

The event has been held every four years since its first edition in Amsterdam, 1953. All editions so far had taken place somewhere in Europe.

"This is a major milestone for the sport in the United States," USA Gymnastics President and CEO Kyle Albrecht said. “We are honored and excited to bring the world’s biggest and most inclusive gymnastics event to Las Vegas."

Las Vegas outbid finalists Helsinki, Finland, and Antwerp, Belgium, both cities with gymnastics traditions.

Officials say the American bid was boosted by the city’s entertainment infrastructure and its popularity among international visitors.

"It’s a historic opportunity for our city and for USA Gymnastics,” said Janis Burke, chief sports officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“It’s a privilege to bring the world of gymnastics to Las Vegas,” said Burke. “We’re confident we and our partners will provide a first-class experience.”

World Gymnaestrada Brings a Different Side of Gymnastics

The World Gymnaestrada is not about winning medals and getting high places like in elite gymnastic competitions; it is about participating and performing in groups.

Some shows involve hundreds of gymnasts performing together, doing routines in unison to celebrate culture, teamwork, and motion.

The event draws in recreational gymnasts, dance groups, acrobatic performers, and community clubs from all over the world. Hosting the event could also help to introduce gymnastics to a wider audience ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

In 2027, the next World Gymnaestrada will be in Lisbon, Portugal, before heading to Las Vegas four years later. With its combination of sports, entertainment, and international participation, the 2031 edition is expected to be one of the largest international gymnastics festivals ever staged in the United States.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi