11 Most Popular Sports in Peru

Ever wondered what gets Peruvian hearts pumping?

It’s not just their delicious ceviche or lively dances!

Soccer dominates the sports scene in Peru, but what else excites this fascinating nation?

Dive into our list of the 11 most popular sports in Peru and learn what moves them!

Most Popular Sports in Peru:

1. Soccer
2. Basketball
3. Volleyball
4. Cycling
5. Tennis
6. Basketball
7. Tennis
8. Surfing
9. Rugby
10. Taekwondo
11. Marathon

#1 Soccer

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Peru: Teófilo Cubillas (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Peru: 2.5 Million

Soccer holds the crown as the most popular sport in Peru, uniting people from different regions and backgrounds. The Peruvian passion for soccer is undeniable, drawing massive audiences to games and events.

Peru’s national soccer league, Liga 1, is the country’s most notable competition, with clubs from all over the nation participating. Teófilo Cubillas, affectionately known as “Nene,” is an iconic figure in Peruvian soccer, having led the national team to unprecedented success in the 1970s.

The Peruvian national team’s achievements, such as their historic run in the 1970 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, only serve to strengthen soccer’s place at the heart of the nation’s sports culture.

For a deeper dive into Peru’s national sport and some fascinating facts about its history and significance, check out our article on Peru’s National Sport: Soccer (7 Facts).

#2 Basketball

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1936
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Peru: Ricardo Duarte (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Peru: 500,000

Basketball proves to be another popular sport in Peru, with a vibrant community of enthusiasts and players. From local courts to international competitions, Peruvian basketball has seen a significant evolution over the years.

The Peruvian Basketball League (LNB) stands as the nation’s top-tier competition, showcasing both rising and established talents in the sport. Ricardo Duarte, a Peruvian basketball legend, led the national team to victory in the 1987 South American Basketball Championship.

With strong grassroots movements and passionate fans, basketball continues to thrive in Peru, promoting a culture of teamwork, skill, and athleticism.

#3 Volleyball

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1920s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Peru: Cecilia Tait (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Peru: 1 Million

Volleyball is undoubtedly a beloved sport in Peru, especially among women. The nation takes pride in its outstanding players and teams, who have brought immense recognition and success to the country.

The Peruvian women’s national volleyball team holds a special place in the hearts of the fans, mainly due to their impressive achievements in the 1980s. Cecilia Tait, a key figure in Peruvian volleyball, is celebrated for her incredible skill and determination.

The Liga Nacional Superior de Voleibol is the premier volleyball league in Peru, where teams compete displaying fierce rivalry and passion. As a testament to its popularity, volleyball remains a sport that constantly unites and inspires Peruvians.

#4 Cycling

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: Late 1800s
• 🌟 Most Famous Cyclist from Peru: Magno Prado Nazaret (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Cycling Enthusiasts in Peru: 1.5 Million

Cycling has carved a significant niche in Peru’s sporting landscape, both as a means of transportation and a competitive sport. With diverse terrains and picturesque landscapes, Peru offers an ideal environment for enthusiasts and professional cyclists alike.

Peruvian cyclists have achieved noteworthy success on the international stage. Magno Prado Nazaret, a top-ranked Peruvian cyclist, has competed in prestigious events, including the Pan-American Games and the Giro d’Italia.

Organized races such as the Vuelta al Perú showcase the growing interest and participation in cycling, further solidifying its position as a popular sport in Peru.

#5 Tennis

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Peru: Jaime Yzaga (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Players in Peru: 200,000

Tennis enjoys a considerable following in Peru, with the sport’s captivating play and high individual skill drawing numerous fans. The Peruvian tennis community is thriving, with clubs and facilities available across the nation.

Jaime Yzaga, a prominent Peruvian tennis player, has represented the country in several international tournaments and even reached the top 20 in the ATP rankings. Peru also hosts the Lima Challenger, an annual tennis event that attracts formidable players from around the globe.

With enthusiastic supporters and a vibrant local scene, tennis in Peru has a solid base from which to grow and inspire future generations.

#6 Surfing

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1940s
• 🌟 Most Famous Surfer from Peru: Sofía Mulánovich (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Surfing Enthusiasts in Peru: 100,000

Surfing is embedded in Peruvian culture, with the country boasting an extensive coastline that offers ideal conditions for the sport. Peru’s love for surfing is evident, with numerous surfers gathering at beaches such as Punta Hermosa.

Sofía Mulánovich, the first South American to win a World Surfing Title (in 2004), is an icon in Peruvian surfing. Her achievements have inspired countless aspiring surfers in the country. Peru hosts various national and international surfing competitions, the most notable being the ISA World Surfing Games.

With a deep connection to the ocean and a passionate surfing community, Peru continues to ride the waves as one of the world’s great surfing destinations.

#7 Rugby

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1950s
• 🌟 Most Famous Player from Peru: Nicolas Rouzaud (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Rugby Enthusiasts in Peru: 50,000

Rugby, though relatively new to Peru, has caught on and is steadily gaining popularity. The sport’s intense physicality and team spirit have drawn a growing fanbase in the country, often referred to as “Tumis.”

Peru has both men’s and women’s rugby teams, participating in regional and international competitions. Nicolas Rouzaud, a Peruvian rugby player, has made strides in French rugby and is recognized in the Peruvian rugby community. The Campeonato Nacional de Rugby, held annually, showcases teams from different regions across Peru.

As rugby continues to make its mark in the nation, Peru embraces the sport’s ethos of camaraderie and fierce competition.

#8 Marathon

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1970s
• 🌟 Most Famous Marathon Runner from Peru: Inés Melchor (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Marathon Enthusiasts in Peru: 300,000

Marathon running in Peru has surged in popularity over recent years, with more people participating in the sport for its health benefits and the sense of accomplishment it offers. Beautiful landscapes and challenging altitudes make Peru an attractive destination for running events.

Inés Melchor, a renowned Peruvian long-distance runner, has represented the country in various international competitions, including the Olympic Games and the Pan-American Games. Peru hosts several marathons throughout the year, such as the Lima Marathon and the Andes Marathon.

With enthusiastic runners and striking scenery as the backdrop, marathons in Peru offer participants a unique and memorable experience.

#9 Taekwondo

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: 1970s
• 🌟 Most Famous Taekwondo Practitioner from Peru: Julissa Diez Canseco (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Taekwondo Practitioners in Peru: 100,000

Taekwondo has steadily gained popularity in Peru, with its combination of martial arts techniques, self-defense, and discipline attracting enthusiasts from various age groups. The sport is celebrated for promoting values such as respect, perseverance, and self-control.

Peruvian taekwondo athlete, Julissa Diez Canseco, has secured numerous titles in international competitions and has represented Peru in the Olympic Games. Clubs and dojangs across the country provide an opportunity for Peruvians to learn and practice the sport, fostering its growth in the nation.

As more people embrace taekwondo in Peru, the sport continues to flourish, shaping not only the athletes’ physical abilities but also their character and values.

#10 Boxing

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: Early 1900s
• 🌟 Most Famous Boxer from Peru: Kina Malpartida (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Boxing Enthusiasts in Peru: 300,000

Boxing is an important aspect of Peru’s sporting culture, boasting a devoted fanbase and numerous talented athletes. The sport requires immense discipline, strength, and strategic thinking, qualities admired by enthusiasts and practitioners alike.

Kina Malpartida, a renowned Peruvian boxer and former World Champion, has elevated the status of boxing in Peru with her captivating performances and unmistakable skill. Amateur and professional boxing competitions regularly take place across the country, showcasing an array of budding and established talents.

With important milestones and an ongoing commitment to the sport, boxing’s position in Peru’s sports landscape is deeply rooted and continues to thrive.

#11 Athletics

• 📅 (Estimated) Year of Introduction in Peru: Ancient Times
• 🌟 Most Famous Athlete from Peru: Gladys Tejeda (Peruvian)
• 🌍 Estimated Number of Athletics Enthusiasts in Peru: 400,000

Athletics has a long-standing history in Peru, cultivated from the nation’s appreciation for physical fitness, speed, and agility. The country has produced notable athletes who have represented Peru in regional and international competitions.

Gladys Tejeda, a distinguished marathon runner, has made her mark in Peruvian athletics with her outstanding accomplishments, such as setting a national record in the 2019 Pan-American Games. Peru hosts various athletics events throughout the year, offering athletes the chance to showcase their talents and abilities.

With a solid foundation in its history and a bright future ahead, athletics continues to inspire and challenge Peruvians, fostering the pursuit of greatness in the world of sports.

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