Every year, Sports Destination Management opens the nominations process for its awards program, Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. And every year, the results are astounding. This year, the winners alone brought a grand total of $1,885,077,600 to their local economies. That is right – almost $2 billion, thanks to sports. It is, in fact, double the economic impact of last year’s winners.

From championships that drew international athletes to home-grown events, from big-name tournaments to single-purpose fundraisers, from established sports to niche pursuits and in every corner of the country, winners represented a vibrant cross-section of our industry.

We are proud of them, of their accomplishments and of the creativity, time and effort that went into these events. As you read through this section, we think you will be also.

Congratulations to all our winners, and to everyone in the sports industry.

Mid-Market Champions:

Champions
Easter International Cup
Kissimmee Sports Commission
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Total Room Nights: 13,851
Total Economic Impact: $7.99 million
The Easter International Cup is one of the top international youth soccer events in the country with over 300 teams, 30 international teams, 120 out-of-state teams and 19 pro club youth academies. It used over 30 fields. The international event has seen 30 percent growth over the past four years in a row and is poised to have more than 400 teams and utilize over 13,000 room nights in 2025.
 

Champions
Youth Flag Football World Championships
Kissimmee Sports Commission
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Total Room Nights: 14,532
Total Economic Impact: $7.62 million
The second annual youth flag football world championships at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports was the largest ever youth flag football tournament of its kind with 456 teams, 4,500 athletes from 33 states and five counties participating. A total of 11 of the championship games aired live on ESPN+.

Photo courtesy of AG Photography

Champions
Spartan Combat Nationals 2024
Kissimmee Sports Commission
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Total Room Nights: 4,458
Total Economic Impact: $2.33 million
Spartan Combat Nationals is a prestigious wrestling tournament that brings together top youth and high school wrestlers from across the United States. Hosted annually, this event offers competitors a chance to showcase their skills in a highly competitive environment. With divisions spanning various weight classes and age groups, Spartan Combat Nationals is a platform for rising talent to make a name for themselves. The tournament attracts elite wrestlers, scouts and fans, making it a highlight in the amateur wrestling circuit.