Previewing the 2025 Tampa World Championships
The energy is electric as flag football teams from around the world set their sights on Tampa for the 2025 USA Flag World Championships. This year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest ever, with a final count of over 1,268 teams spanning a vast spectrum of age groups, playing styles, and competitive levels. From powerhouse men’s squads to rising women’s programs, from coed showdowns to youth games featuring players as young as six, the stage is set for a celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and community under the Florida sun.
There’s a palpable sense of momentum behind the sport. Flag football has earned respect not only as a safer alternative to tackle but as a fast-paced, strategy-driven game that demands precision and skill. The World Championships will capture all of that excitement, and Tampa’s iconic sports venues are primed to host the spectacle. Meanwhile, local businesses are gearing up for a surge of visitors, and fans at home can look forward to enhanced coverage, including select championship broadcasts under USA Flag’s partnership with CBS Sports. Let’s dive into what makes this year’s tournament so special, including a detailed breakdown of every division.
An Explosion of Divisions and Playing Styles
One glance at the lineup reveals how broad the flag football ecosystem has become. Divisions are organized by format (4v4, 5v5, 6v6, 7v7, 8v8), style of contact (non-contact, contact, or modified), experience level (PRO, Competitive, Recreational, etc.), and age group. With each format offering unique rules and tactics, players and fans can expect a diverse showcase of approaches to offense, defense, and special plays.
Below is a list of all divisions registered for this year’s championship, along with the number of teams in each. Whether you’re a seasoned fan eager to scout the top divisions or a newcomer curious about how many youth teams take the field, this rundown tells the story of a truly massive event.
4v4 Divisions
- 4v4 Men’s PRO: 24 teams
- 4v4 Men’s Competitive: 21 teams
- 4v4 Men’s Recreational: 23 teams
- 4v4 Men’s Novice: 20 teams
- 4v4 Men’s Amateur: 20 teams
- 4v4 Men’s O35: 11 teams
5v5 Air-It-Out Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 16 teams
- Men’s Elite: 11 teams
- Men’s Competitive: 24 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 32 teams
- Coed PRO: 11 teams
- Coed Competitive: 22 teams
- Women’s PRO: 18 teams
- Women’s Competitive: 16 teams
- Women’s Recreational: 16 teams
5v5 Gauntlet Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 7 teams
- Men’s Competitive: 9 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 15 teams
- Women’s PRO: 7 teams
5v5 Non-Contact Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 34 teams
- Men’s Elite: 16 teams
- Men’s Competitive: 31 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 32 teams
- Men’s Novice: 32 teams
- Men’s Amateur: 32 teams
- Men’s O35: 17 teams
- Men’s O45: 8 teams
- Coed PRO: 13 teams
- Coed Competitive: 23 teams
- Coed Recreational: 33 teams
- Coed Amateur: 24 teams
- Coed O35: 9 teams
- Women’s PRO: 23 teams
- Women’s Competitive: 32 teams
- Women’s O35: 6 teams
- Collegiate Women’s U23: 10 teams
- Olympic Style Men’s Open: 22 teams
- Olympic Style Women’s Open: 23 teams
5v5 Contact Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 12 teams
- Men’s Competitive: 9 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 27 teams
- Men’s O35: 4 teams
- Women’s PRO: 10 teams
6v6 Contact Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 12 teams
- Men’s Competitive (Hidden): 0 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 16 teams
- Women’s PRO: 6 teams
7v7 Screen Divisions
- Men’s PRO: 7 teams
- Men’s Competitive (Hidden): 0 teams
- Men’s Recreational: 16 teams
- Legacy Men’s Open: 8 teams
- Women’s PRO: 11 teams
8v8 Divisions
- Screen Coed OPEN: 5 teams
- Coed Legacy Open: 7 teams
- Contact Men’s Recreational: 16 teams
Youth Divisions (Boys & Girls)
- Boy’s 6U: 13 teams
- Boy’s 7U: 15 teams
- Boy’s Air it Out – 7U: 3 teams
- Boy’s 8U: 30 teams
- Girl’s 8U: 6 teams
- Boy’s 9U: 29 teams
- Boy’s 10U: 28 teams
- Girl’s 10U: 13 teams
- Boy’s Air it Out – 10U: 8 teams
- Boy’s 11U: 27 teams
- Boy’s 12U: 27 teams
- Girl’s 12U: 19 teams
- Boy’s 13U: 14 teams
- Boy’s 14U: 16 teams
- Girl’s 14U: 21 teams
- Girl’s Air it Out – 14U: 6 teams
- Boy’s 15U Passing: 7 teams
- Boy’s 16U: 13 teams
- Girl’s Air it Out – 16U: 3 teams
- Girl’s 16U: 13 teams
- Girl’s 7v7 Screen – 16U: 6 teams
- Boy’s 18U: 7 teams
- Girl’s 18U: 14 teams
- Girl’s Air it Out – 18U: 3 teams
- Girl’s 7v7 Screen – 18U: 19 teams
This long list highlights the scale of the competition. The variety ensures there’s always a compelling game to watch, whether it’s a fast-tempo 4v4 Men’s PRO clash, a tactical 7v7 Screen battle, or a high-energy youth matchup featuring the next generation of flag football stars.
A Record-Breaking International Showcase
One of the standout highlights of the 2025 USA Flag World Championships is the unparalleled representation of teams from across the globe and the United States. This year’s tournament features teams from 13 international countries and 34 U.S. states, a testament to the growing appeal of flag football as a global sport.
U.S. State Representation:
The tournament sees participation from all corners of the United States, with teams hailing from 35 states. Florida leads the pack with an impressive 357 teams, benefiting from its proximity to the tournament venue and its deeply rooted flag football culture. Texas follows with 145 teams, showcasing the Lone Star State’s passion for the sport, while California contributes 70 teams. Other notable contributors include Maryland (49 teams), Pennsylvania (44 teams), and New York (43 teams). States with smaller delegations, such as Maine, Indiana, and New Mexico, further illustrate the national reach of flag football.
Here’s the full list of U.S. states and their team counts:
- Florida: 357
- Texas: 145
- California: 70
- Maryland: 49
- Pennsylvania: 44
- New York: 43
- Massachusetts: 39
- Illinois: 33
- North Carolina: 32
- Virginia: 29
- Georgia: 26
- Louisiana: 25
- Kansas: 23
- Connecticut: 23
- New Hampshire: 22
- Minnesota: 21
- Ohio: 17
- New Jersey: 15
- Hawaii: 14
- Utah: 12
- South Carolina: 11
- Tennessee: 11
- Arkansas: 9
- Oklahoma: 9
- Colorado: 8
- Arizona: 8
- Delaware: 7
- Alabama: 5
- Mississippi: 4
- Michigan: 4
- Washington: 2
- Rhode Island: 2
- Indiana: 1
- New Mexico: 1
- Maine: 1
International Participation:
On the international front, the tournament is breaking records with participation from 12 countries and 138 total teams, making this the largest international presence in flag football history. Canada leads the international delegation with 83 teams, followed by Mexico with 22 teams. France, The Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands also boast significant representation. Countries like China, Afghanistan, Cuba, and Austria underscore the truly global nature of the tournament.
Here’s the full list of countries and their team counts:
- Canada: 83
- Mexico: 22
- France: 9
- The Bahamas: 8
- Cayman Islands: 6
- Austria: 4
- China: 3
- England: 2
- Cuba: 1
- Jamaica: 1
- Afghanistan: 1
A Testament to Flag Football’s Growth
The diversity in this year’s tournament underscores the explosive growth of flag football as an international sport. What was once a niche recreational activity in the U.S. has evolved into a global phenomenon, with countries from every corner of the world embracing the fast-paced, non-contact format. The record-breaking international participation at the 2025 World Championships is proof that flag football is transcending borders and cultures, solidifying its status as a truly global sport.
The large turnout also demonstrates the efforts of governing bodies and organizers in promoting flag football worldwide. From youth programs to elite competitions, the sport’s accessibility and inclusivity are key factors driving its popularity. The addition of international teams not only enriches the competitive experience but also fosters cultural exchange and camaraderie among players, coaches, and fans.
With this unprecedented level of participation, the 2025 USA Flag World Championships stand as a landmark moment in the history of the sport. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of how far flag football has come—and where it’s headed next.
Why Tampa?
Flag football organizers couldn’t have picked a better host city. Tampa’s reputation for successfully welcoming large-scale sporting events is well-earned. The region boasts top-notch fields and facilities, but the draw goes beyond the lines on the field. From its scenic waterfront to its buzzing nightlife and family-friendly attractions, Tampa is a destination in its own right. Visitors coming for the championships can explore world-class dining, amusement parks, cultural festivals, and pristine Gulf Coast beaches. The city’s collaborative spirit—evident in local partnerships among sports committees, tourism boards, and business groups—helps create an unforgettable experience for out-of-town teams and fans.
A Boon for Sports Tourism
With so many divisions and so many squads, the economic impact on Tampa is enormous. Hotels are filled with traveling teams, restaurants are staying open later to accommodate post-game meals, and local attractions are offering special promotions. Flag football families often extend their stays a day or two beyond the competition, injecting valuable revenue into the local economy and cementing Tampa’s reputation as a sports-tourism hotspot.
For the teams themselves, traveling to a marquee event fosters camaraderie and a sense of adventure. Whether participants are crossing the state line or crossing an ocean, the shared excitement of competing on a major stage brings everyone together, forging friendships and memories that last long after the final whistle.
High-Level Coverage Through CBS Sports
The heightened interest in flag football is no accident. Media coverage has expanded, with USA Flag partnering with CBS Sports to broadcast key matchups, including PRO-level semifinals and finals. This national spotlight gives players, especially in emerging divisions like women’s and coed, a chance to shine on a much larger platform. Expect energetic commentary, sideline reports, and in-depth analysis that capture the intensity and athleticism of flag football.
Beyond the television broadcast, fans can also catch games through digital streaming services, making the action accessible to supporters worldwide. Many teams leverage social media to post highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and stories of their journey, creating a real-time community for flag football enthusiasts who can’t be there in person.
Teams to Watch and Storylines to Follow
From youth sensations to elite adult teams, there’s no shortage of intrigue:
- Rising Women’s Divisions: More women’s teams are registering each year, showcasing remarkable skill in formats such as 5v5 Air-It-Out, Non-Contact, and even Contact PRO. Keep an eye on these brackets for thrilling clashes, trick plays, and breakout stars.
- Senior Age Groups: While not explicitly labeled “Senior” in the list, divisions like Men’s O35 and O45 test whether experience can outmaneuver raw speed. These games can be surprisingly intense, with strategic football acumen on full display.
- Coed Matches: Coed formats challenge teams to blend diverse talents and styles. They often produce some of the most creative play-calling around, and fans love seeing mixed rosters pulling flags and making big plays together.
- International Flair: With over 100 teams participating from outside the U.S., all are likely scattered throughout these divisions, bringing fresh perspectives and different approaches to the game.
- Youth Brackets Exploding: With so many entries across 6U, 7U, 8U, and beyond, it’s evident that flag football is a growing pastime for kids seeking a fast-paced yet safer environment than tackle. Their excitement and raw energy are positively contagious.
A Week of Unforgettable Flag Football
All told, the 2025 USA Flag World Championships promise an immersive week of competition and camaraderie. The sheer breadth of divisions speaks to how far flag football has come. It’s not just a casual alternative anymore—it’s a thriving competitive sport drawing athletes of all stripes.
Tampa will be the epicenter of it all, serving up not just high-quality fields but a warm welcome to every player, family member, and fan in attendance. Between the countless matchups, the vibrant social scene, and the special events organized around the championships, there’s never a dull moment.
For locals, this is a chance to see firsthand the extraordinary passion and athleticism fueling flag football’s rise. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a game that blends the best of football strategy with a faster, more wide-open style of play. And for the players who’ve spent months preparing, it’s the ultimate stage to prove their mettle against top-tier competition.
Looking Ahead
If this year’s massive turnout is any indication, the future of flag football is bright. National media coverage, robust youth pipelines, and ever-expanding divisions suggest that the sport will only continue to grow. As teams return home, they’ll carry stories of high-intensity battles, dazzling touchdowns, and friendships forged in Tampa’s sunshine. And those stories will spark even more interest—ensuring that next year’s championship will be bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.
The 2025 USA Flag World Championships embody everything that’s special about the sport: inclusivity, innovation, community spirit, and a hunger for competition. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or tuning in through CBS Sports, prepare yourself for a truly global spectacle of athleticism and heart. Flag football is here to stay—and Tampa is about to host one of its greatest showcases yet.
