Greatest Single Sporting Event

[Davros]

Well I was going to vote for "The Open Championship" - but it didn't get a guernsey. How couyld you rate the Masters as more important Aelia - there are too many restrictions on who can and can't compete - no fairytale atmosphere - no "Cinderella Boy" coming out of nowhere [img]smile.gif[/img] .

But seeing as that wasn't an option I went with the World Cup (football version).

[Nightwing]

I have to vote for the World Cup, no other event comes close to capturing the comroddery (sp?) and skill that goes into each game. The tactical changes made at half time and on the fly are so clear it is great for a stratagist to knock down as well as being very entertaining. There is a reason over a billion people watch. Some of the most entertaining games are scoreless. If you want some real fun the next time around commit to watching a whole game in an english pup in the states and I bet by the end you won't want to leave. You may get a beer tossed in your face but hey the same guy that throws the beer in your face may be your best mate by the end of the game. The world cup is magical. I have walked away from Super Bowls but never have I walked away from the World Cup.

[Aelia Jusa]

Originally posted by Davros: Well I was going to vote for "The Open Championship" - but it didn't get a guernsey. How couyld you rate the Masters as more important Aelia - there are too many restrictions on who can and can't compete - no fairytale atmosphere - no "Cinderella Boy" coming out of nowhere [img]smile.gif[/img] . But seeing as that wasn't an option I went with the World Cup (football version).

Yeah, I guess it was the history and the awe of the Masters - like Wimbledon, isn't the Masters sort of the ultimate major? Like you could win the PGA, good on you, but if you win the Masters.... That seems kind of like a fairytale type thing.

Wellard, that's one reason I think the Tour is the greatest - such a huge opportunity for fans to be involved. You can follow the riders around every stage, don't have to pay anything (except maybe in Paris?), people run next to the riders on the road; it's just hugely accessible.

[johnny]

It's also it's weakness. How many accidents have happened because of idiots standing in the middle of the road, or leaning too much over the fences so that cyclists crash into their heads ?

[Aelia Jusa]

Originally posted by Zebodog: I'd hardly say that only 2 countries are represented in the pursuit of Lord Stanley's Cup. Sure, the teams are only from the US or Canada, but the players hail from every part of the world. Without any specific parameters to define what would determine greatness, I stand by my original assesment for the Stanley Cup Final is, in my opinion, the greatest sporting event. After witnessing the unbelievable noise levels at Rexall Place first hand during Game 3, I'm not alone with my opinion.

Yes, I'll grant you the international involvement, which is the case in many national leagues. I guess I think that it doesn't have the same 'organised' international appeal though.

Well, but why is it the greatest, though? I mean, I'm not arguing that it might be great, but what makes it greater than all other events? Popularity, sure, but if that's the criterion then it would get trumped by quite a few different tournaments. What makes it the *best*?

[Aelia Jusa]

Originally posted by johnny: It's also it's weakness. How many accidents have happened because of idiots standing in the middle of the road, or leaning too much over the fences so that cyclists crash into their heads ?

Yeah, that's true. But seems to be that wherever there are fans, there are stupid fans who do dangerous things to either athletes or other fans, no matter whether they are in a stadium or not. A few years back a guy ran out onto the field at a rugby match and went for a player (can't remember exactly what happened), and that was in a stadium with security guards and everything. Fans rushing on the field after a cricket match, people setting fires in stands, brawls between rival fans, hooliganism. I would say that I prefer a sporting event where the fans can get close than one where they have to be in stands separated from the field with wire fences, like in India.

[Callum]

Originally posted by Kakero: World Cup wins hand down. It's a great event to win lots of money by heavily fleecing on those greedy punters. [img]tongue.gif[/img] Another event I like to watch is the Thomas Cup (Badminton). I just love to watch the Malaysians shouting "Malaysia Boleh" (Malaysia Can) and then they'll become "Malaysia Tak Boleh" (Malaysia Cannot).

Oleh oleh! Malaysia Boleh!

I voted for the Rugby World Cup, purely because its the one *I* enjoy most.

[ 07-17-2006, 11:52 PM: Message edited by: Callum ]

[Marathon]

Looks like I'm the only one who voted for Wimbleton - never been a tennis player, but my wife and I will watch it once a year, during that tournament. Too bad Americans stink these days.

I played soccer growing up and love it as a sport, but I find it pretty hard to get into the world cup when you really only see teams on tv every 4 years over here. Following European leagues takes a dedication I don't have. That being said, I'd have to agree that it outranks pretty much everything as a spectacle.

[pritchke]

The World Cup without a doubt, this year has been the first year it has really caught on in Canada, it was all anyone on the transit system was taking about, and got really huge TV ratings.

Stanley Who???? Sorry Zebodog, has much as I like the Stanley Cup, and the Shell Cup (Equestrian - last year this year and I was glad to see it live, won by Beatie) it can't compare to the greatest tournament on the planet.

The Americans will be converted yet Johnny, this year Canada converted the Americans will follow to watch the most beutiful game on the earth.

[ 07-18-2006, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]