The 2025 World Police & Fire Games are set to make a grand return to the United States, bringing together thousands of first responders from around the world for an exciting showcase of athleticism and camaraderie. Organized by the California Police Athletic Federation, the highly anticipated event will take place in Birmingham from June 27 to July 6, 2025.
With over 8,500 first responders competing in more than 60 sports across 35 venues in the city, the WPFG stands as one of the largest and most diverse athletic competitions of its kind. This biennial event, first held in San Jose, California, in 1985, has since traveled across continents, uniting police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel through the power of sport.
“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.”
This marks the first time in eight years that the games will be held in the United States, offering a unique opportunity for American first responders to compete on home soil. Thousands of athletes representing over 70 countries will gather for the event, demonstrating both their physical and mental prowess in a wide variety of sports.
The WPFG will feature an extensive selection of athletic disciplines, ranging from mainstream sports like basketball, cycling, and jiu-jitsu to specialized challenges tailored for first responders. Events such as the Toughest Competitor Alive, Ultimate Firefighter, and Dragonboat races have gained popularity for their thrilling displays of strength, endurance, and teamwork.
“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!”
The competition is open to a wide range of public safety personnel, including law enforcement officers, peace officers, firefighters (including volunteers), and customs or correctional officers in good standing. Full-time and retired employees from eligible agencies, such as 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention officers, crime scene investigators, and lifeguards, are also eligible to compete.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the WPFG serves as a powerful platform for fostering international camaraderie among first responders. By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions, the event highlights the shared dedication and sacrifice of those who serve and protect their communities.
As part of its commitment to promoting physical well-being among first responders, CPAF also hosts the U.S. Police & Fire Championships and the First Responders Relay. The upcoming U.S. Police & Fire Championships will take place in San Diego from May 31 to June 7, 2025.
Registration for the 2025 WPFG opened on November 8, 2024, and those interested in competing can sign up at www.BHM2025.com. For further details on the games and CPAF’s ongoing mission, visit www.cpaf.org.
With Birmingham set to host this monumental event, the 2025 World Police & Fire Games promises to be an unforgettable celebration of athleticism, resilience, and global unity within the first responder community.
