History of major sports events

Finland has a long tradition of hosting sports events. There are a lot of knowledge, competence and skills in organising this kind of events in Finland.

Finland’s most significant and attention-received sports event is the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.

Also, the World Athletics Championships have been held twice in Finland (1983 and 2005) and the European Athletics Championships have been held three times in Helsinki (1971, 1994, 2012).

The World Floorball Championships, for both Men and Women, have been held in Finland several times, with more to come soon. The Men’s WFC took place in Finland in 2002, 2010, and 2021, and will return in 2026. The Women’s WFC was held in Finland in 1997 and 2015, with the next scheduled for 2027.

In 2009, Finland hosted UEFA Women’s Championships.

Winter sports especially have a strong history in Finland. The climate and the venues offer great conditions for such events.

Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Finland. The Ice Hockey World Championships have been held 9 times in Finland. Twice together with Sweden. And IIHF World Women’s Championship have been held 4 times.

Lahti has hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 7 times.