The 40th edition of the SELL Student Games took place from May 16–18, 2025, at the renowned Finnish Sport Institute in Vierumaki, Finland. 

Hosted under the patronage of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), this multi-sport event brought together university students from across Europe and beyond in a celebration of athleticism, community, and international friendship

The opening ceremony set an energetic and uplifting tone for the weekend. This year the SELL Games were organized with the cooperation of Vierumaki Sports Oy, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, and the Finnish Student Sports Federation.

Highlights of the event included the athletes' parade, a cheer show by the local LCS Tigers, inspiring speeches, and the arrival of the SELL flag. After the ceremony, athletes and officials had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Finnish sauna culture, with several lakeside saunas reserved exclusively for them.

The festivities featured inspiring speeches and a warm welcome from the organizing committee and other representatives of the SELL Games. The ceremony emphasized the unifying power of sport and the importance of international cooperation in student life.

Among the notable attendees was Arto Ahola, one of the original signatories responsible for reviving the SELL Games after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Jukka Tiikkaja, COO of the Vierumaki Olympic Training Center.

Speeches were given by Agita Abele EUSA EC Member and President of the Latvian University Sports Federation, Jukka Tiikkaja and Akseli Haanpaa, President of Finnish Student Sport Federation.

This edition of the Games brought together a vibrant and diverse community, featuring 508 athletes supported by 55 coaches and officials. The event was further powered by the dedication of 70 volunteers. A total of 37 universities from six different countries participated, representing an impressive 12 nationalities, highlighting the international spirit and inclusivity of the Games.

At the SELL Games, EUSA was represented by Liam Smith, Director of Sports Events and Agita Abele, EUSA EC Member, who attended the entire event.

The SELL Student Games 2025 offered a thrilling weekend of multi-sport excitement, with a diverse program made possible by the world-class facilities at the Finnish Sport Institute in Vierumaki.

Student-athletes showcased their talents across a variety of disciplines, including 3x3 basketball, Judo, men’s Padel, Powerlifting, Athletics, and Football (women’s 7 vs. 7 and men’s 11 vs. 11) on Saturday.

Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, and Orienteering extended over Saturday and Sunday, while Chess and Badminton got underway earlier, starting on Friday. Many of these competitions also doubled as Finnish Student Championships (OSM), adding national significance to the international spirit of the games.

With students representing dozens of universities across Europe, the medal competition was as fierce as it was friendly.

Among the standout performers were:

Vytautas Magnus University dominated the Games with 13 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze, showcasing excellence across multiple disciplines.

Lithuanian Sports University – Followed with an impressive total of 10 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze medals, affirming their strong sporting tradition.

Vilnius University – Earned third place overall, collecting 9 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals.

These results reflect not only athletic achievement but also the dedication and preparation of the student-athletes and their coaching teams.

As the curtain closed on another successful edition of the SELL Games, the spirit and the power of sport were on full display. Participants left Vierumaki with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a renewed passion for university athletics.

With Finland passing the torch to Riga, Latvia, anticipation is already building for the next SELL Student Games to be held between 22 - 24 May 2026.