16 Most Important Muay Thai Tournaments

Muay Thai, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a martial art with a rich history dating back centuries.

This combat sport has gained worldwide recognition with numerous prestigious tournaments taking place globally.

Here is an overview of the most important Muay Thai tournaments.

Test your knowledge of Muay Thai by taking our Muay Thai quiz.

Most Important Muay Thai Tournaments:

1. Rajadamnern Stadium Championship
2. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Championship
3. King’s Cup
4. IFMA World Championships
5. WBC Muaythai World Championship
6. Grand Prix
7. The Contender Asia
8. Thai Fight
9. Z1 World Muay Thai Series
10. MAX Muay Thai
11. Channel 7 Stadium Championship
12. Toyota Marathon
13. Lion Fight
14. K-1 World MAX
15. Glory Kickboxing
16. Enfusion

#1 Rajadamnern Stadium Championship

• 📍 Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• 📅 Established: 1945
• 🔄 Held: Regularly
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Rajadamnern Stadium, another prestigious and historic venue in Bangkok, is considered the birthplace of modern Muay Thai. The stadium hosts regular championship bouts showcasing some of the best fighters in the sport.

Champions who emerge from this arena often go on to achieve international recognition and success. Rajadamnern has hosted several legendary fighters in its storied history, including Sangtiennoi Sor Rungroj and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.

With its unique atmosphere and a passionate fanbase, Rajadamnern Stadium is a must-visit destination for any Muay Thai enthusiast.

#2 Lumpinee Boxing Stadium Championship

• 📍 Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• 📅 Established: 1956
• 🔄 Held: Regularly
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is one of the most iconic arenas in the Muay Thai world, with its championships held regularly in Bangkok, Thailand. As a premier venue for professional Muay Thai competitions, it has hosted countless bouts featuring legendary fighters, such as Samart Payakaroon and Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn.

Obtaining a championship title at Lumpinee is a significant achievement in a fighter’s career, often propelling them to international stardom. The arena has given rise to countless unforgettable fights and moments that contribute to Muay Thai’s rich history.

#3 King’s Cup

• 📍 Location: Thailand
• 📅 Established: 1993
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

The King’s Cup is an annual Muay Thai event held in honor of the Thai King’s birthday in Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious tournament has played a vital role in preserving the sport’s traditional essence while also promoting it internationally.

Top fighters from around the world compete against each other for the prestigious King’s Cup trophy. Many memorable moments throughout the tournament’s history have contributed to its prestige, including upsets, spectacular head-to-head collisions, and crowning achievements.

Thailand has consistently produced top-level fighters who dominate this competition.

#4 IFMA World Championships

• 📍 Location: Varies globally
• 📅 Established: 1993
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: National teams

The IFMA World Championships, organized by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, is a prestigious amateur competition that brings together national teams from around the world. Recognized for its high-level fights, the tournament has contributed significantly to the popularization of Muay Thai internationally.

The IFMA World Championships not only showcase the world’s best amateur fighters but also offer a platform for emerging talents to transition to the professional stage. Historically, countries like Thailand, Russia, and Belarus have performed exceptionally well in the championships.

#5 WBC Muaythai World Championship

• 📍 Location: Varies globally
• 📅 Established: 2005
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

WBC Muaythai World Championships, governed by the World Boxing Council and Muaythai, are prestigious international events with significant historical importance. Fighters compete in various weight classes for the coveted WBC championship belt.

The championship highlights the best fighters worldwide; Thailand, the Netherlands, and Japan are among the strongest nations in the sport. Many notable moments, including bouts between top-ranked fighters and comebacks, have shaped the WBC Muaythai landscape.

#6 Grand Prix

• 📍 Location: Varies globally
• 📅 Established: 1995
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

The Muay Thai Grand Prix, a premier international circuit for the sport, features fighters from around the world. This prestigious event highlights Muay Thai’s top talents and has a substantial impact on the global martial arts community.

It has evolved into a multi-stage championship, with numerous titleholders across different weight classes, showcasing the best of Muay Thai fighters. Thailand, the sport’s origin, has produced several dominating champions over the years.

#7 The Contender Asia

• 📍 Location: Varies across Asia
• 📅 Established: 2007
• 🔄 Held: Irregularly
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

The Contender Asia is a reality television series that follows 16 Muay Thai fighters as they live and train together in pursuit of a $150,000 prize. The fighters face elimination in weekly bouts, with the last man standing earning the title and the grand prize.

The show highlights the intense training, discipline, and camaraderie required in the sport. It has generated significant interest in Muay Thai across Asia, showcasing the sport’s top fighters and nurturing new talent.

#8 Thai Fight

• 📍 Location: Thailand and internationally
• 📅 Established: 2010
• 🔄 Held: Several times a year
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Thai Fight, a premier Muay Thai event series, showcases the top fighters from Thailand and around the world. Known for its high-production value and intense bouts, Thai Fight attracts a large audience and has a significant impact on the Muay Thai community.

The event has evolved over the years to include Kard Chuek bouts, where fighters use traditional roped hand wraps but with the same intensity as traditional gloved fights. Many recognized fighters, including Saiyok Pumpanmuang and Sudsakorn Sor Klinmee, have fought in Thai Fight.

#9 Z1 World Muay Thai Series

• 📍 Location: Malaysia
• 📅 Established: 2005
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Z1 World Muay Thai Series, held in Malaysia, is an annual event that spotlights the best Muay Thai fighters in Southeast Asia. Organized by Z1 International, the series has gained recognition for showcasing up-and-coming talent and fostering competitive rivalries among participating nations.

With its professionally-organized and competitive format, Z1 has made a significant impact in the growth and exposure of Muay Thai in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region, attracting the attention of international martial arts enthusiasts.

#10 MAX Muay Thai

• 📍 Location: Thailand
• 📅 Established: 2014
• 🔄 Held: Several times a year
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

MAX Muay Thai, a Thailand-based event, has become popular among fans and fighters due to its fast-paced, action-packed format. This tournament encourages aggressive fighting by awarding bonus payments for fighters who deliver impressive performances during their bouts.

It has attracted some of the biggest names in Muay Thai, including Buakaw Banchamek and Kem Sitsongpeenong. MAX Muay Thai’s exciting format and showcase of talented fighters have ensured its continued growth and impact on the sport.

#11 Channel 7 Stadium Championship

• 📍 Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• 📅 Established: 1950s
• 🔄 Held: Regularly
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Channel 7 Stadium Championship is a famous Muay Thai event held at the Channel 7 Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. This tournament is known for broadcasting live fights every Sunday, showcasing the sport to a vast audience and encouraging the growth of Muay Thai in the country.

Channel 7 has become synonymous with high-quality, aesthetically pleasing Muay Thai bouts, and winning the championship is a testament to a fighter’s prowess. The event has seen numerous legendary fighters emerge throughout its history.

#12 Toyota Marathon

• 📍 Location: Thailand
• 📅 Established: 2010
• 🔄 Held: Annually
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

The Toyota Marathon is an annual Muay Thai event in Thailand, where fighters compete in an eight-man single-elimination tournament. The marathon tests participants’ endurance, as they must win three fights in a single night to win the championship and the prize purse.

This unique format has attracted top fighters from all over the world and has led to notable moments, upsets, and memorable bouts. The Toyota Marathon is a true test of a fighters’ skill and resilience.

#13 Lion Fight

• 📍 Location: United States
• 📅 Established: 2010
• 🔄 Held: Several times a year
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Lion Fight is a United States-based promotion that showcases Muay Thai talent to an international audience. With events held across the country, Lion Fight brings together top-level fighters from around the globe.

Fighters like Tiffany Van Soest, Kevin Ross, and Gaston Bolaños have competed under the Lion Fight banner. With a focus on the sport’s authentic roots and a commitment to preserving its traditions, Lion Fight has made a significant impact on the Muay Thai community in the United States.

#14 K-1 World MAX

• 📍 Location: Japan
• 📅 Established: 2002
• 🔄 Held: Irregularly
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

K-1 World MAX, a kickboxing event originating in Japan, has also featured numerous Muay Thai fighters throughout its history. The organization’s ruleset combines elements of Muay Thai and kickboxing, allowing fighters to showcase their skills on an international stage.

Some Muay Thai legends, like Buakaw Banchamek and John Wayne Parr, have fought in K-1 World MAX events. The tournament has significantly influenced the global exposure of Muay Thai and fostered the development of talented fighters.

#15 Glory Kickboxing

• 📍 Location: Netherlands
• 📅 Established: 2012
• 🔄 Held: Several times a year
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Glory Kickboxing, primarily a kickboxing promotion, has also provided opportunities for Muay Thai fighters to compete on a global stage. The organization holds events throughout the world, showcasing top talents across various weight classes.

Many Muay Thai fighters have transitioned into Glory and have had significant success in the promotion, such as Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao. The organization bridges the gap between different striking arts and broadens opportunities for Muay Thai fighters worldwide.

#16 Enfusion

• 📍 Location: Europe
• 📅 Established: 2008
• 🔄 Held: Several times a year
• 👥 Teams: Individual fighters

Enfusion, a European kickboxing and Muay Thai promotion, provides a platform for talented fighters to compete on the international stage. With events held across Europe, Enfusion offers opportunities for Muay Thai fighters to broaden their horizons by facing top talents from various striking disciplines.

Competing in Enfusion has given Muay Thai fighters valuable international exposure and the chance to create memorable moments in their careers. The event has also introduced the sport to a wider audience, fostering its growth in the region.

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