From the thrill of the Beijing Winter Olympics to the excitement of the World Cup in Qatar, 2022 was yet another unforgettable year in sports. Throughout the year, athletes and teams captured the attention of sports fans worldwide, both on and off the field.
Of course, it also caught the attention of punters who stake on MLB Picks. As part of its annual “Year of Search” report, Google revealed the top trending search categories of 2022, including the most searched-for athletes, teams, matches, and more.
These lists included individuals and events that generated the most buzz throughout the year, capturing the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts around the globe.
This article will examine some of the highlights of Google’s Sports Trends in 2022.
Most Searched Athletes
The list of top trending athletes of 2022 were controversial figures who made headlines for reasons both on and off the field. The former Tampa Bay wide receiver, Antonio Brown, took the top spot after his infamous exit from the game against the New York Jets, where he stripped his jersey and pads, did jumping jacks, and waved to fans as he left the field.
However, his antics did not stop there, and he remained in the news for other off-the-field incidents throughout the year.
Joining him on the list was Manti Te’o, whose catfishing scandal was the subject of a Netflix documentary that debuted in August. Brittney Griner, the basketball star, also made the list after being arrested and imprisoned in Russia for allegedly carrying cannabis oil in her luggage.
Additionally, Kamila Valieva, the Russian figure skater, was at the center of a doping scandal during the 2022 Winter Olympics, which led to her being stripped of her medals.
Most Searched Sports Teams
The popularity of the Philadelphia Phillies could be attributed to their impressive performance throughout the 2022 season, as they made it to the World Series before falling to the eventual champions. The team was led by star players such as Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, and their exciting brand of baseball captured the attention of sports fans nationwide.
Interestingly, only two of the top 10 teams on the list won championships in 2022, indicating that success on the field isn’t necessarily the only factor determining a team’s popularity. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Rams were the two teams that managed to win titles while being among the most searched for in the U.S.
It’s also worth noting that the NHL’s Calgary Flames managed to crack the top 10. However, the list was compiled solely from U.S. searches.
Most Searched Games and Matches
The world of sports has always been a hotbed of excitement, with thrilling games and unforgettable moments keeping fans on the edge of their seats. This was no different in 2022, as the NBA Finals emerged as the most searched matchup of the year, capturing the attention of fans across the globe.
The Golden State Warriors and the Celtics played six games in June, and Steph Curry led the Warriors to victory.
While the Rams may have fallen short in their bid for the Super Bowl, they still generated significant buzz, with their games being among the most searched online.
Despite not involving any major teams or sporting events, the highly publicized boxing match between Jake Paul and Anderson Silva made it to the list of top trending matches of the year, showcasing the growing popularity of combat sports.
The match generated significant buzz, marking Paul’s first bout against a professional mixed martial artist and Silva’s debut in the boxing ring. The match ended in a decision victory for Paul, who maintained his undefeated record in professional boxing.
These are some of the most searched trends on Google for 2022. While some were based on searches in the United States, many were also made in other countries.
From a boxing match that generated over 200,000 PPV buys to a disappointing run in the World Series, these searches made the highlights on social media and the internet at large. Google is collating results for 2023 trends, and it promises to live up to the expectations of sports fans worldwide.
