Music star Ayliva to open Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games

Home grown talent joins other big names for spectacular curtain-raiser in Duisburg on 16 July – first tickets available now.

In under 300 days, the Rhine-Ruhr region and Berlin will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events in 2025: the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. A stage this big needs star names to fill it and the headline acts for the Opening Ceremony in Duisburg on 16 July will not disappoint: singing sensation Ayliva, rapper Montez and the WDR Funkhausorchester are all sure to put on a show at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena Duisburg. Taking in a multitude of other top-class venues in Duisburg, Essen, Bochum, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Hagen and Berlin, the first tickets for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will go on sale at early bird prices until 15 November 2024.

“Everyone is all-in”

Ayliva is the rising star of the German music scene, with her two most recent albums both reaching No.1 in the charts and her 2024 Tour ‘In Liebe, Ayliva’ selling out large arenas across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Born in the northern Ruhr region town of Recklinghausen, only 50km from Duisburg, the 26-year-old knows she is a perfect fit for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. “I’m really looking forward to playing a musical part in the Opening Ceremony in my home region, and to bringing people together from all over the world,” Ayliva said.

As well as anyone, Ayliva encapsulates the motto of the FISU Games: “Alle spielen mit” (everyone is all-in). Because this will be an event for each and every person to enjoy, on one big playing field stretching from Duisburg on the Rhine, across the renowned Ruhr region, to Berlin. The support of all kinds of players will make the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games colourful, loud, and fun – an international sports event with a festival vibe.

Tickets on sale: attractive early bird offers

The first tickets for the FISU Games are now on sale, with reduced prices on offer to those fast enough out of the blocks over the coming weeks. Granting access to all events on every day of competition in each host city, the all-in-one Ground Pass is available at an early bird price of €59 (instead of €79) until 15 November. The Ground Pass also offers a 10% discount on tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Duisburg.

To see Ayliva, Montez and other artists live at Arena Duisburg on 16 July, tickets start at just €29. As an added bonus, every ticket holder can ride public transport free of charge on the day of an event. For more information, please visit

Top sports venues ensure unforgettable games

It is all set up for a summer spectacular in 2025. But don’t just take our word for it. Rhythmic gymnast Margarita Kolosov, who finished fourth in the women’s individual all-around competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has joined Team Rhine-Ruhr as one of a group of young athlete ambassadors for the FISU Games next summer. And for sure, the 20-year-old knows a world-class event when she sees one. “The concept is great and the venues are absolutely top quality,” Kolosov said. “I really hope to be there next year.”

On the Organising Committee itself, Sarah Voss – a two-time Olympian, also in gymnastics – is equally enthused. “The games will be of mega quality,” she said. “The short distances are ideal for athletes and fans, and this creates the perfect conditions for top sporting performances.”

Sina Diekmann, Chief Sports Officer of Rhine-Ruhr 2025, sums up the appeal for spectators: “The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games guarantee families two unforgettable weeks of summer holidays. With the high quality of the sport and the great concerts, we are creating a programme in which everyone can take part in these FISU Games. Because: everyone is all-in.”