Birmingham has been awarded the honor of hosting the 2027 Invictus Games, surpassing Washington DC in a highly competitive bid.
The announcement marks the first time the prestigious event will return to the UK since its inaugural tournament was held in London in 2014, founded by Prince Harry.
The Invictus Games, staged every two years, provide a platform for injured military personnel and veterans from around the globe to compete in a range of sports.
The upcoming Birmingham games will be hosted at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), a venue well-suited to accommodate the scale of the event.
Prince Harry, who visited Birmingham to announce the decision, praised the city’s strong connection with the armed forces. “Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start,” Prince Harry stated.
He expressed confidence that Birmingham would demonstrate the respect and admiration owed to veterans and service members, showcasing the courage that unites and inspires people worldwide.
To commemorate the announcement, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at the NEC on Tuesday morning, featuring veterans minister Al Carns.
The £26 million bid, supported by the government, leveraged Birmingham’s deep-rooted associations with the military, including its Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
This facility played a crucial role during the Afghanistan conflict, treating severely injured military personnel evacuated from Helmand province.
Birmingham’s connection to the armed forces is further solidified by the presence of the Royal College of Defence Medicine and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, both of which are located in the Midlands region. The bid’s emphasis on these connections was pivotal in securing the event.
Stephen “Hoops” Hooper, Team UK captain for the 2025 Invictus Games, welcomed the news, highlighting Birmingham’s significance for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel.
“Birmingham is a special place for them, as they all come through here at some point. It’s fantastic to know the games are coming home in 2027,” Hooper remarked.
Prince Harry, who has served in Afghanistan, acknowledged the unique spirit each host city brings to the Invictus Games. He emphasized that every city contributes a distinct vision and energy, enhancing the experience for competitors, their families, and spectators.
Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid noted that the Birmingham Games would be smaller in scale compared to the Commonwealth Games held in the city two years prior.
The 2027 event is expected to feature around 600 competitors and will include new sports such as pickleball, laser run, and esports.
Reid emphasized the importance of participation over winning, describing the emotional impact of witnessing competitors receive standing ovations regardless of their finishing positions.
Helen Helliwell, chief executive of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, highlighted the commitment to creating a “cohesive, sustainable” event.
She assured that the games would benefit communities across the UK through various legacy programs, aiming to leave a lasting positive impact.
The Invictus Games have traveled to several cities globally since their inception, including Toronto, Orlando, and Sydney. The 2025 event will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, featuring approximately 550 competitors from up to 25 nations.
Birmingham’s selection for 2027 promises to bring renewed energy and dedication to celebrating the resilience and strength of military personnel and veterans.
