Gay Games XII Valencia 2026

The 12th edition of the Gay Games comes to Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, for ten days of sports, culture and community celebration. Gay Games Valencia 2026 is the world's largest LGBTQ+ sports and cultural event, bringing together athletes from over 70 countries to compete in 38 sports disciplines — from swimming and tennis to equestrian and powerlifting.

Founded in San Francisco in 1982 by Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell, the Gay Games was built on a radical principle: participation, not performance. Unlike the Olympics, Gay Games has no qualifying standards — anyone can compete. That philosophy has created an event where a first-time marathon runner shares the experience with a world-class athlete, and both are celebrated equally.

Valencia's Mediterranean setting — sunny beaches, stunning Gothic and modernist architecture, and one of Spain's most vibrant food cultures — makes it an exceptional host. The closing ceremony on July 4 will bring together thousands of athletes for one of the most moving moments in international LGBTQ+ sport.