United States leads top countries most engaged with Winter Olympics, study finds
The Winter Olympics continue to captivate audiences worldwide, with the most recent Games drawing over 2 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms. A study by digital entertainment platform JB analyzed countries’ engagement using a Winter Olympics Interest Score, based on Olympic medals, participation, hosting history, online searches, winter sport facilities per capita, and GDP per capita.
The study highlights which countries are most invested in the Winter Games and how infrastructure, culture, and economic factors contribute to public interest.
![The United States leads countries most engaged with Winter Olympics, according to JB study. [Photo by Nathan Cima from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/olympic-rings-in-paris-urban-scene-31376812/]](http://ourdailynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pexels-nathan-cima-46448332-31376812-scaled.jpg)
United States dominates, Switzerland and Norway follow
The United States ranked first with a score of 99. Hosting the Winter Olympics four times and winning 330 medals, the US sent 224 athletes to Beijing, the largest delegation. Online interest is strong, with 817.7K searches per month, reflecting widespread engagement.
Switzerland claimed second place with a score of 87. The nation has 167 Winter Olympic medals and has hosted twice. Its high GDP per capita of $104K and well-equipped facilities support its top-tier engagement.
Norway placed third, scoring 82, with the highest total of Olympic medals at 405, averaging 17 per Winter Games. With 213 winter sport facilities and ski resorts, the country combines infrastructure and tradition to maintain strong public interest.
Canada, Austria, and European nations round out top ten
Canada ranks fourth with a score of 63. Interest peaks online with 300.9K monthly searches, and the country fielded 215 athletes in Beijing. Austria takes fifth place, boasting 250 medals and hosting the Games twice, supported by 253 winter sports facilities.
Italy (sixth) leads Europe in Winter Olympics hosting, with three editions and 349 facilities, while Sweden (seventh) has 176 medals and nearly matched Italy in team size at Beijing. France (eighth) has 138 medals and 317 facilities, Finland (ninth) earned 175 medals with strong silver and bronze totals, and Great Britain (tenth) maintains long-standing commitment with consistent participation and 128.8K monthly searches.
A JB spokesperson commented:
“Countries like the United States, Switzerland, and Norway have deep connections with the Winter Olympics, built over decades of participation, tradition, and investment in winter sports infrastructure. Hosting events or showcasing athletes on the global stage allows nations to highlight their culture, infrastructure, and natural landscapes, creating both cultural pride and economic benefits.”
