Top 5 Cities Every Sports Gamer Should Visit

Top 5 Cities Every Sports Gamer Should Visit

As a passionate gamer with a deep-rooted love for sports, I can’t help but be captivated by the immersive experiences offered by video games that transport us to real-life destinations. The graphical advancements and capabilities of Next-Gen consoles have made it almost second nature to explore these top gaming cities through our screens.


Playing video games where you assume the role of an athlete is engaging, but there’s something captivating about exploring authentic settings displayed on your television or computer screen. These virtual visits can ignite a deep longing to personally experience the locations that your gaming characters have traversed.

Due to the remarkable advancements in video game graphics and the powerful capabilities of Next-Gen consoles, exploring renowned gaming locations on our screens feels like a normal part of life in 2024. Numerous authentic venues, buildings, roads, and captivating landmarks are showcased in an extensive collection of sports games.

Top 5 Real-Life Sports Game Cities

Each of the cities mentioned below has its distinctive charm, but their popularity has surged due to their depiction in video games. Be it the thrilling skateboarding sessions in Tony Hawk or the intense tennis matches in TopSpin, these places have left an indelible mark on our gaming experiences.

Our favorite choices are highly valued for their connections to the gaming realm, encompassing various elements like playable settings such as arenas and levels.

If you’re an avid sports video game enthusiast who’s ever dreamed of leaving your controller behind and visiting places where you’ve competed in EA FC or raced on F1 tracks in real life, this article is just for you!

  1. London, UK

With an impressive presence in 285 different video games, London earns a high gaming affiliation rating of 73%.

London serves as the primary residence for His Majesty The King, and it’s also home to seven Premier League soccer stadiums that can be found in EA SPORTS FC 24. Some of these renowned fields are Emirates Stadium (belonging to Arsenal), Stamford Bridge (Chelsea’s territory), and London Stadium (West Ham). The latter is situated at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and was previously showcased in the 2012 Olympics video game.

In more natural and easy-to-read language, you could say: The renowned Wimbledon Tennis Club is now featured in TopSpin 2K25 as a playable location, offering players an authentic experience of Centre Court’s distinctive features and ambiance like never before.

  1. Los Angeles, U.S.

Los Angeles, similar to London, has made an appearance in video games numerous times throughout the years. A total of 141 games have used Los Angeles as a setting, resulting in a respectable 70% representation within the gaming industry.

For Grand Theft Auto V devotees, the game holds an enduring spot in their affections. In contrast, sports enthusiasts might recall Los Angeles landmarks from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series. This game offered players the chance to explore skateboarding adventures through some of the city’s iconic sites, such as sunlit Venice Beach and downtown LA.

  1. Barcelona, Spain

Another destination on our itinerary is Barcelona, Spain, which boasts a strong connection to the gaming industry with a score of 68 out of 100. Beyond its stunning Sagrada Familia and architectural wonders, this city matches Madrid’s enthusiasm for gaming in various social and digital contexts.

In Tony Hawk’s Underground 2, released in 2004, Barcelona was introduced as a skateable city at level three. Players have been able to show off tricks at various iconic spots in the Gothic Quarter ever since. Looking back, these games and their memorable locations continue to leave a lasting impression on us.

In the sixth part of Gran Turismo video game series, Barcelona makes an appearance, allowing players to race on its streets. Although few places boast such breathtaking scenery, exploring Barcelona outside of a fast car is another wonderful experience to fully appreciate its charm.

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Top 5 Cities Every Sports Gamer Should Visit
  1. Madrid, Spain

In Madrid, Spain’s capital city, approximately two-thirds (67%) of its appeal is linked to gaming. Two primary factors contribute to this connection. Firstly, it boasts numerous renowned sites that attract gamers as social hubs. Secondly, several of its locales have been incorporated into video games themselves.

As a dedicated gamer who’s spent countless hours on FIFA and EA FC, I can tell you that Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a familiar and beloved landmark to me. With its impressive 85,000-seater capacity, this iconic venue has graced the screens of EA’s football titles for years. I’ve had the privilege of virtually stepping onto the hallowed turf once occupied by football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and the soon-to-be Kylian Mbappe. In FC 24, players are given an unforgettable opportunity to experience the magic of Bernabeu, a stadium that perfectly encapsulates Madrid’s deep-rooted passion for sports and gaming culture.

In Madrid, Spain’s captivating capital city, lies the renowned Circuito de Madrid track. A favorite among fans of the Gran Turismo video game series, this circuit provides an authentic racing experience through Madrid’s bustling streets. This virtual journey showcases Madrid’s stunning architecture and offers an exhilarating ride as you race towards the finish line.

  1. Las Vegas, U.S.

As someone who has traveled extensively and explored various cities around the world, I can confidently say that Las Vegas is not just about casinos and slot machines. Yes, the city’s gaming score is a notable 62%, but trust me when I say that there’s so much more to discover.

An option is the F1 series that includes a night race circuit situated in the bustling Las Vegas strip, providing players with an opportunity to race under the neon lights. With its lively atmosphere and vivid colors, this track is a standout in the game and sports world.

The famed UFC Apex Center is worth mentioning. It has been included as a playable venue in several UFC video games such as EA SPORTS UFC 5. Sadly, without fight tickets or a tour guide, it’s unlikely that you can explore the arena itself. However, adding it to your list is still an achievement!

As a dedicated sports gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these five cities offer an unparalleled experience for gamers like myself who are passionate about both real-life and virtual sports.

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2024-07-24 14:42