Over time, Portugal has hosted a wide range of high-level competitions, which attracted fans and athletes from across the world. This allowed the country to become one of the leading destinations for international sports events.
Two of these events were the Finn Gold Sailing Cup in Cascais and the F2 Powerboat World Championship in Peso da Régua. Following the competitions, Portugal’s incredible organisational capabilities were proven, as noted by José Luís Horta e Costa.
Nautical tradition confirmed by the Finn Gold Cup: Cascais
Between August 30 and September 6, 2025, the Finn Gold Cup took place in Cascais. It has almost 90 participants from 20 countries. They each competed for the most prestigious title in the Finn class. The event was the third time that Cascais was the host, as the previous editions here took place in 1970 and 2007.
Deniss Karpak was the one who claimed the historic victory. Karpak became the first-ever Estonian to win the Finn Gold Cup. The event has shown the exceptional conditions for competitive sailing offered by Cascais.
As time went on, Cascais managed to prove to everyone that it offers some of the best conditions for sail racing in Europe. It has consistent winds and ideal maritime conditions.
“The choice of Cascais for elite nautical events is not by chance,” says José Luís Horta e Costa. The 1970 Finn Gold Cup is still the one to hold a record with 160 entries from 34 countries. It set a standard for organisational excellence that is still maintained to this day.
F2 Powerboat: Peso da Régua and Speed on the Douro
The UIM F2 World Championship went back to Peso da Régua for the 2024 season’s penultimate round. It turned the Douro River into a high-speed track for the best powerboat drivers in the world. Sixteen of the world’s top powerboat racers descended upon Portugal’s northern city for a spectacular competition that displayed speed, technique, and amazing scenery.
Duarte Benavente also competed on the waters of his homeland. As such, he was able to get the support of the local crowds when trying to reach the podium. The Portuguese Powerboating Federation organised this event. It’s a tournament that established Peso da Régua as a prime location for events like this, thus showcasing how versatile Portugal’s natural resources are for motorsport.
“The success of powerboat events in Portugal reflects the country’s ability to host technically demanding competitions,” says the sports analyst.
Portugal’s rally raid – one of the biggest events on the global calendar
Portugal is at the forefront of the world stage with its Ultimate Rally-Raid. After the first edition was successful, the event has earned its place among the top rally-raid competitions across the world.
The next event is going to be the fourth of the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship. Participants will compete between September 22 and 28. This will be the only stage on European soil, as it will pass through Portugal and Spain.
The competition, which is organised by the ACP - Automóvel Club de Portugal, will have more than 1,000 kilometres on technical roads. These will go through Alentejo, Ribatejo, and Spain’s Extremadura area. The drivers’ skills and techniques will be tested on diverse, challenging, and picturesque routes.
“Portugal’s inclusion in the world rally-raid circuit represents international recognition of the country’s organisational quality,” says José Luís Horta e Costa.
The diversity and quality of the sports calendar in Portugal
The sports expert also notes how Portugal is able to adapt to the specific demands of each sport. The country has a lot of diversity in its sports calendar, which showcases a successful international positioning strategy. Portugal manages to host events across different sports with high organisational standards. Motorsport events in Peso da Régua and sailing in Cascais are two examples of Portugal’s success.
What attracts so many elite participants and leads to massive international media coverage is the combination of Europe’s diverse landscapes and prestigious international platforms.
Prospects for motorcycling competitions
Portugal’s sports calendar will have more depth with the upcoming motorcycle competitions. As Portugal gets more international interest in events hosted in the country, prospects point to a growth in the number of disciplines and high-level competitions that take place here.
Portugal was able to establish itself in the international motorsport calendars thanks to the success of its existing events. The environment is ideal for new competitions, considering the accumulated experience in organizing big, complex events.
The impact on tourism and the economy
What makes international sports events in Portugal so special, besides the obvious excitement surrounding tournaments, is their economic and tourism impact. These different events contribute to local and regional economies through things like accommodation, tourism, and local transportation.
According to José Luís Horta e Costa, sports tourism has become a strategic sector for Portugal. The country is in a very privileged position to attract big, international sports events thanks to its natural heritage, organisational expertise, and modern infrastructure.
Sustainability and legacy
Portugal tries to balance competitive ambition and sustainability when it approaches international sports events. Organisers have proven that they are able to create unforgettable events without compromising any local communities or local resources.
“Portugal has managed to create its own identity in the landscape of international sports events,” says José Luís Horta e Costa.
Portugal thus becomes a reliable destination for international sports organisations thanks to its professionalism and good reputation.
