Daily Blog Day 2: Goosebump Moments at the Start of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games

With an emotional, captivating, and musically overwhelming evening, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games were officially opened on Wednesday night in front of a sold-out Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg. Over 20,000 spectators witnessed an energetic and unforgettable opening, marked by standing ovations, thunderous applause and a strong sense of unity – a fitting start to the world’s largest multisport event for students.

At the heart of it all was the region itself: the Ruhr area – a place shaped by change, resilience, and renewal. Tradition and innovation merged into a breathtaking choreography, spectacular stage design and a musical show that powerfully expressed the pride and diversity of this unique part of Germany. Performers like Ayliva, Montez, Querbeat and star DJ Topic created a vibrant atmosphere, supported by the WDR Funkhausorchester, blending classical and contemporary music into a truly harmonious experience. With hundreds of dancers and large-scale choreographies, the opening became a true festival of the senses – full of energy, emotion and togetherness.

The spirit carried all the way to Berlin: at the NRW State Representation, around 1,500 guests gathered for a lively "Welcome Reception", while the athletes competing in the capital enjoyed their own party – including a live broadcast of the grand opening in Duisburg.

Today’s special guest on our blog is none other than Matthias Killing, the brilliant host of the opening ceremony, who shares his personal reflections on this unforgettable night.

It was an evening I will never forget. The opening of the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games was simply WOW. I’ve worked as a presenter for 28 years and have always been a huge sports fan. But that evening in the stadium in Duisburg was a true highlight of my career. Being the voice of the ceremony, welcoming nearly 20,000 spectators, was a great honour – but even more so was welcoming athletes from 106 nations right here in our Ruhr region. And knowing that my hometown, Hagen, is one of the host cities makes me especially proud. Last night was full of goosebump moments. Hundreds of young people from choirs across NRW sang the iconic 'Steigerlied', our Minister-President Hendrik Wüst gave a powerful and emotional speech, and artists like Querbeat, Montez, and Ayliva gave stunning performances. But what moved me most was seeing the athletes march in – their joy, their energy. And then came the FISU anthem and the lighting of the flame – I was truly overcome with emotion. I hope many sports fans in NRW will remember this forever. It was also wonderful to welcome legendary German athletes like Karla Borger, Kim Bui, and Max Hartung – great people I know personally, which made the whole evening even more special. North Rhine-Westphalia is my home, and I felt an immense pride – for our state and for German sport as a whole. Nelson Mandela once said: ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ With the opening of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, we have shown: we love sport, we love hosting the world, and yes – we are ready for the Olympics. It is my dream to one day see the Olympic Games held in Germany. But for now, I’m excited about these Games, about incredible sports, great victories, and powerful emotions. Let’s celebrate sport together – because it truly is the most beautiful thing we share.

Meanwhile, the sporting action is already underway in Berlin, where the German women’s volleyball team delivered the first highlight of the Games: a commanding 3–0 victory over Argentina. After the match, player Mette Pfeffer shared her excitement: “The atmosphere was amazing, and we had a great start. Our goal is at least the quarterfinals.”

Looking ahead to 17 July, the programme promises even more highlights: the first medal events, group-stage competitions, and the official opening of the RUHR GAMES in Bochum. This event will coincide with the first conference day of the FISU World Conference and promises a packed agenda. One of the cultural highlights: a live concert by Ski Aggu, who will fire up the crowd with festival vibes.

At the same time in Bochum, thrilling group-stage matches in 3x3 basketball and 3x3 wheelchair basketball will see teams battling for a place in the next round. In Mülheim an der Ruhr, the badminton group stage will get underway, while Berlin will host the decisive finals in diving – including the mixed 3m springboard and women’s synchronised 10m platform events. Swimming will also see the first medals awarded, and exciting volleyball matches will continue to thrill fans in the capital.

Essen becomes the hotspot for fencing, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, and rhythmic gymnastics, where medals are also up for grabs. And not to forget Duisburg, where intense water polo matches will round off the day’s sporting drama.