Columbus hosts more than 5,000 athletes for Gay Softball World Series

The largest LGBTQ athletic competition in the world has returned to Columbus for the first time since 2021.

Thousands of athletes have landed in Central Ohio to compete in the International Pride Softball’s Gay Softball World Series, which began August 30 and will conclude with the championships on September 5.

The 49th Annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) will see more than 250 teams and 5,000 athletes compete at the Lou Berliner Sports Park at 1300 Deckenbach Rd. 

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“Columbus has proven itself to be a fantastic host city for our event after welcoming us in 2010, 2015 and 2021. The support of our event by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the state of Ohio has been nothing short of exceptional,” iPride Softball Board Commissioner Jeff Sloan said. 

“No GSWS host city over the years has done it better than Columbus due to its tremendous planning team, the city’s welcoming nature, the convenience and walkability of the city core and the one-of-a-kind Lou Berliner Sports Park. iPride Softball is on a unique upward trajectory as an organization and so is Columbus making this partnership a home run for all involved.”

One of the tournament partners is Slammers Bar, which will host events throughout the week, including a charity bingo for Give Back Night. The proceeds will go to Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

Admission for the Gay Softball World Series is free all week long. See the full event schedule here.

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