The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games kicked off in grand style on 16 July with a sold-out opening ceremony at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg, the very same stadium that hosted the Universiade in 1989.

Blending festival vibes, regional flair, and social vision, over 20,000 spectators witnessed an unforgettable evening that blended music, culture, and sporting spirit, setting the tone for 12 days of competition across six German cities.

The ceremony not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the values of unity and diversity, creating a vibrant stage for athletes, volunteers, and officials from around the world to come together.

© Kevin Voigt / Rhine-Ruhr 2025  (left photo) & © Henning Rohlfs / Rhine-Ruhr 2025 (right photo)

The opening began with the anthem “Now and Together,” a special composition by Jan Loechel, performed by the WDR Funkhausorchester. The program fused orchestral arrangements with high-energy performances from German music stars Ayliva, Montez, Querbeat, and DJ Topic, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.

© Rhine-Ruhr 2025 / Moritz Muller (left photo) &  © Kevin Voigt / Rhine-Ruhr 2025 (right photo)

One of the evening’s most symbolic elements paid tribute to the Ruhr region’s industrial roots. Six towering LED chimneys dominated the arena, each representing a host city. The ceremony managed to create a connection between the Ruhr region's industrial past and its future. Approximately 500 people, composed of retired miners and school choirs, sang in chorus the Steigerlied, the German miners' folk song.

© Iris van den Broek / Rhine-Ruhr 2025 (left photo) & © Steffi Wunderl / Rhine-Ruhr 2025 (right photo)

The parade of nations highlighted the diversity of the FISU Games, with nearly 8,000 student-athletes from over 2,000 universities taking part. Banners reading “No Games Without U” added a playful yet powerful message.

During the parade, not only did athletes take center stage, but volunteers and technical officials were also proudly present, showcasing the collective effort behind the Games’ success.

© Anthony Hanc / Rhine-Ruhr 2025                                                                                                         

The evening featured speeches from key figures, including FISU President Leonz Eder, who praised the spirit of the Games: “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.”

© Conny Kurth / Rhine-Ruhr 2025

Hendrik Wust, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, emphasized the event’s deeper mission: “University Games are a celebration of respect, tolerance, and friendship. I hope this message spreads around the world through your experiences. Each of you is invited to be an ambassador of friendship and peace.”

© Steffi Wunderl / Rhine-Ruhr 2025

German Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Barbel Bas also took the stage to express her support and love for the event and officially declared the Games open.

© Conny Kurth / Rhine-Ruhr 2025

A standout moment came when Olympic and Universiade legend Heide Ecker-Rosendahl carried the flame into the arena, receiving a standing ovation before passing it on to six elite athletes, who lit the fire towers and marked the official start of the Games.

© Kevin Voigt / Rhine-Ruhr 2025

The 32nd FISU Summer World University Games will run until July 27, featuring over 9,200 participants from 150+ nations. Host nation Germany has assembled its largest-ever delegation with 305 athletes and 177 officials.

© Anthony Hanc / Rhine-Ruhr 2025