The 2025 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games (GBRMG) will be officially opened in spectacular style tonight on the Cairns Esplanade, with around 2400 participants – over 70% from outside the region – ready to "Conquer the Tropics".
Now in its seventh edition, the biennial event continues to grow in popularity, bringing together masters-aged athletes from around Australia and the world.
Competitors will participate across 22 sports over four days, including exciting new additions like indoor rowing, wakeboarding, futsal, and pickleball, alongside traditional favourites such as netball, hockey and swimming.
A number of sports kicked off this morning, including basketball, baseball, swimming, golf, cricket, hockey and softball.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden welcomed participants, acknowledging the buzz of excitement in the air.
"These Games are about so much more than just medals – they're about community, camaraderie and celebrating what's possible at any age," Cr Eden said.
"It's truly inspiring to see competitors, who are mostly over 30, taking part in a range of sports, including a 94-year-old local who's still diving into the pool, and a 90-year-old visitor from Victoria who'll be taking to the track.
"The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are a huge win for our city – it brings in thousands of visitors, pumps over $4 million into the local economy, and best of all, people head home raving about our city and region," Cr Eden said.
Mayor Eden will be joined tonight at the officially opening on the Cairns Esplanade by Member for Barron River Bree James, and GBRMG Ambassador Ash Brazill, a former Australian netballer and Freemantle Football Club AFLW player.
"The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games is another great example of how we are on track to making Queensland and in particular, FNQ, the Events Capital of Australia," Ms James said.
"After the recent success of Crankworx Cairns last weekend, I am beyond excited to welcome another action-packed line-up of sporting events.
"This is great news for our tourism operators, hospitality businesses, and the entire Cairns community.
"Good luck to all the competitors and I encourage everyone to get out, visit one or more of the various venues and cheer on our talented masters."
Tonight's opening ceremony includes a march-past on the Esplanade from Fogarty Park to the Games Hub from 5pm, followed by formalities from 6pm, and the lighting of the games cauldron at 7pm.
The Games follow a strong month of Masters events in the region, including the Hockey Masters Trans-Tasman Challenge and the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships, further cementing Cairns as a premier sporting destination.
Presented by Cairns Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland with support from Team Elite.
For a schedule events, go to www.gbrmg.com.au.
