18+ photos of LGBTQ+ athletes enjoying the time of their lives at the Sin City Classic

The annual Sin City Classic returned to Las Vegas last weekend. One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sporting festivals, it routinely attracts around 10,000 participants.

The Sin City Classic started in 2008 as an LGBTQ+ softball tournament. However, it’s grown since then to include over a dozen other sports and games. This includes everything from tennis, swimming, and dodgeball to frisbee, bridge, and billiards. Softball probably remains its biggest event and attracts the greatest number of competitors.

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And the event doesn’t just involve competing. There are opening and closing parties and guest appearances. This year featured a closing concert starring LeAnn Rimes at the Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas.

“Coming to Vegas for something like Sin City Classic makes the city feel even more special,” she told Gayety ahead of the show. “There’s so much joy, pride, and community in the air. I love the energy here, it’s electric.”

“It’s not just about music,” Rimes continued. “It’s about chosen family, visibility, and showing up for one another. I’ve grown alongside my LGBTQ fans, and I’ve learned so much from their courage and authenticity.”

“An awesome tournament”

“Once again, the Sin City Classic provided an amazing experience to our festival goers and athletes. We are so proud of our committee and volunteers for their efforts,” said Dr. Jason Peplinski, Co-Executive Director of the event.

GayCities caught up with some of the attendees.

Steven Bracco (top center above) is a firefighter from San Francisco. He was part of the Twunks Attack dodgeball team. They took third place in the Lower Division, and even had one player on their team who’d never played before (“she was amazing.”) It highlights that you don’t have to be a pro to participate.

“I’ve participated in the Sin City Classic since 2012,” said Bracco. “For the past two years, I’ve played dodgeball after switching from softball. This year, we played at UNLV’s Student Rec Center, and the facility was fantastic.

“Dodgeball is a blast because of the positive energy on and off the court. It’s a thrill to be surrounded by our community while competing in a supportive environment. Thank you to WeHo Dodegball and Sin City Classic for organizing such an awesome tournament.”

Richard Vielma plays kickball with the NYC-based team, Bodega Catz (above). He lives in New Jersey.

“This was my sixth Sin City Classic, and every year it reminds me why this tournament means so much. It’s the largest LGBTQ+ sports event of the year, bringing together thousands of athletes across so many sports. The competition is intense, but what truly makes it special is the sense of belonging and community you feel the moment you arrive,“ he told GayCities.

“Can’t wait for next year!

Devin from Colorado attended as part of ‘The Hot Team’ dodgeball players (below).

“Sin City, like always, was an amazing weekend. This was my second year, but the first time attending for dodgeball. It’s always a great experience to not only travel to participate in a sport you love, but to be surrounded by community and meet so many great people who are just as passionate as you are.”

Jeremy Hartt is from Los Angeles and is another dodgeball player. His team is called The Hummingbirds (above). His first time at the Sin City Classic, he was blown away by the event and is already looking forward to the 2027 event.

“I had an incredible time. It was great meeting athletes from all over and getting to play against new people I haven’t met before. I love being part of a community like this and can’t wait for next year!”

The dates for next year’s event have not officially been announced yet. However, it traditionally takes place over Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, so it will likely be January 14 -18, 2027. Keep an eye on the website for Sin City Classic for more details.

Check out more photos below.

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