The 2025 World Police and Fire Games in Birmingham will bring sport and honor to the Greater Birmingham area this summer. The Opening Ceremony on June 27, will kick off 11 days of unforgettable competition between First Responders from around the globe.
The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a non-profit organization committed to promoting sport and physical fitness among first responders, is thrilled to announce the return of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) to the United States. Taking place from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, WPFG provides a diverse range of sports, along with top-notch venues, officials, and athletic excellence, similar to the California-based U.S Police & Fire Championships, but on an international level. Over 11 days, more than 8,500 first responders from across the globe will compete in 60+ athletic events held at 35+ venues throughout the city.
“We look forward to hosting this year’s World Police and Fire Games in the U.S., especially since the World Games haven’t been held here since the 2017 games in Los Angeles,” said Jim King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation. “This event celebrates the bravery, endurance, and commitment of first responders, and we’re eager to see heroes from all across the globe come together in Birmingham.”
Hosted biennially worldwide since its debut in San Jose, California in 1985, WPFG is known to be one of the largest athletic events among first responders. Spanning from Asia and Europe to Australia and North America, thousands of athletes from 70+ countries travel to this highly anticipated event, putting their skills to the test with camaraderie and community.
The games will include various sports, ranging from chess, darts, and bowling to basketball, cycling, and jiu-jitsu. In addition to traditional sports, the event will feature specialized challenges tailored for first responders, including the Toughest Competitor Alive, Ultimate Firefighter, and Dragonboat which have increased in popularity through the years.
“The World Police and Fire Games are a true testament to the strength, skill, and dedication of all the athletes who are out saving lives each and every day,” said Edmund Russell, Executive Director of the California Police Athletic Federation. “It’s an honor to be involved in an organization like the California Police Athletic Federation that provides an outlet for first responders of all backgrounds to come together and exercise physical and mental fitness. We can’t wait to see who will take home the gold!”
Founded to enhance the physical well-being of public safety personnel, the games are open to athletes, including Law Enforcement Officers, Peace Officers, Firefighters (volunteers included), and Customs or Correctional Officers in good standing. Eligibility also extends to full-time and retired employees from eligible agencies serving as 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention officers, crime scene investigators, and lifeguards.
SPORTS
Angling
Archery 3D
Archery Field
Archery Target
Axe Throwing
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball (3×3, 5×5)
Billiards
Bowling
Boxing
Crossfit
Cycling Criterium
Cycling Road Race
Cycling Sprint
Cycling Time Trials
Cycling Mountain Bike
Darts
Dodgeball
Dragon Boat
Firefighter Muster
Firefighter Ultimate
Flag Football
Golf
Honor Guard
Horseshoes
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Judo
Karate
Sub Grappling
Tae Kwon Do
Paintball
Pickleball
Police Biathlon
Police Motorcycle Street
Police Action Pistol
Police Pistol Combat
Police Service Dogs
Rowing
Rugby
Running
Running Cross Country
Running Half Marathon
Scuba
Shooting Rifle Air
Shooting Clays
Shooting Rifle Large Bore
Shooting Rifle Small Bore
Shooting Skeet
Shooting Trap
Soccer Futsol
Soccer Outdoor
Softball
Stair Race
Swim Open Water
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Track and Field
Triathlon
Tug of War
Volleyball Beach
Volleyball Indoor
Weights Bench Press
Weights Push Pull
Wrestling
Wrist Wrestling
VENUES
BJCC Exhibition Hall
BJCc Legacy Arena
Birmingham Crossplex
Hoover Met
Boutwell Auditorium
CMP Talladega Marksmanship
Oak Mountain State Park
Alabama Theatre
Barber Motorsports Park
BentBrook Golf Course
Birmingham City Walk
Dixie Trap and Gun Club
George Ward Park
Highland Park Golf Course
Hoover Inverness Nature Park
CMP Competition Center
Lincoln Landing
Lyric Theater
Pelham Civic Complex
Picklr
Poppa G’s Billiards
Railroad Park
Rickwood Fiekd
Rotary Trail
RTJ Oxmoor Valley Golf
Sicard Hollow Liberty Park
Samford University
Smyer Road
Talladega Super Speedway
UAB Beach Volleyball Courts
Vestavia Bowl
Veterans Park Hoover
