The FISU World University Games Winter 2025, Italy, came to a spectacular close on January 23, 2025, after 10 thrilling days of competition, camaraderie, and cultural exchange.

The grand Closing Ceremony—featuring parades, performances, and inspiring speeches—culminated with the traditional extinguishing of the FISU cauldron, marking the end of an unforgettable edition of the Games.

Often referred to as the University Olympics, this prestigious event brought together thousands of student-athletes from across the globe. They not only competed at the highest level in a wide range of sports but also took part in cultural activities that showcased the rich history and vibrant spirit of the host city.

Torino 2025 was more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of unity, excellence, and the power of sport to connect people worldwide, values that are of great importance to EUSA as well. 

This year’s edition of the Winter FISU Games was a record-breaking event, with over 10,000 participants traveling from across the globe to the Piemonte region to experience this grand celebration of university sports. In total, the Games featured 2,500 athletes and staff from 54 different countries, competing across 13 disciplines at six venues: Torino, Pinerolo, Pragelato, Torre Pellice, Bardonecchia, and Sestriere.

The leaderboard showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the competing nations. Here are the top 10 medal-winning countries:

1. France (FRA): 40 medals (18 gold, 8 silver, 14 bronze)
2. Germany (GER): 23 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, 8 bronze)
3. Republic of Korea (KOR): 20 medals (8 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze)
4. Japan (JPN): 19 medals (7 gold, 8 silver, 4 bronze)
5. Finland (FIN): 15 medals (8 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze)
6. Italy (ITA): 15 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 6 bronze)
7. Poland (POL): 14 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze)
8. Switzerland (SUI): 14 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze)
9. Kazakhstan (KAZ): 14 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze)
10. Spain (ESP): 13 medals (4 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze)

We are happy to see that out of the top 10 medal-winning countries, eight countries are from Europe. 

The Torino 2025 Games placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural heritage. For the first time, able-bodied and para-athletes competed together in Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing, reinforcing the values of sports as a tool for education and inclusion. The Games also promoted environmental responsibility through initiatives such as the BoscoTO 25 project, which resulted in the planting of 123 trees expected to absorb 198 tons of CO2 over 20 years.

Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the event, with over 2,000 individuals, ranging from 18 to 87 years old, covering 16,000 shifts. Among them were 78 international volunteers from 20 different countries, reflecting the event’s truly global spirit.

The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games were a celebration of youth, sports, and culture. The event not only showcased the incredible talent of student-athletes but also reinforced the values of friendship, respect, and excellence. As the torch was extinguished, the memories of Torino 2025 will continue to inspire and unite the global university sports community.

On behalf of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants, organizers, and volunteers of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games.

For more information, visit the official FISU website www.fisu.net and the Torino 2025 FISU Games website https://wugtorino2025.com/ .