The summer sports season is officially here! This week in London, Wimbledon is heating up as the annual British tennis tournament moves from qualifiers to the main event. Meanwhile, this year’s epic FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is in full swing. (And that’s not even mentioning the Tour de France, which starts on July 4.) Here’s Vogue’s roundup of the season’s most star-studded and stylish sports parties.
Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon Cocktail Party, Hosted in Partnership With the WTA and TikTok
On Wednesday, June 24, during a London heatwave—one of many in recent weeks—the tennis world’s elite headed to The Roof Gardens in Kensington to cool down with Centre Court Spritzes (made with rhubarb, ginger, and cherry shrub for a taste of British summer) and Match Point Palomas. The occasion? To toast world number six Amanda Anisimova ahead of this year’s Wimbledon Championships. The American tennis star was in great form, hoping to reach the finals again after last year’s match against reigning champion Iga Swiatek.
Set in one of The Roof Gardens’ spacious, leafy outdoor areas, 100 feet above the busy Kensington High Street, guests invited by the WTA and TikTok gathered along paths lined with alliums and delphiniums in the WTA’s signature “heritage purple.” Some stopped to admire a vintage tennis racket displayed on a podium, honoring the WTA Foundation’s “Women Change the Game” initiative, which tackles the global women’s health gap in partnership with organizations like the Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
While Anisimova was the star of the show—she arrived in a white chiffon mini dress by David Koma and was spotted chatting with the designer early in the evening—the crowd also included several of her fellow American women’s tennis players, like Jessica Pegula and Desirae Krawczyk. Game, set, and match. —Liam Hess
Gucci’s Pre-Wimbledon Dinner With Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner’s name is still on the scoreboard overlooking centre court at Wimbledon, ever since he defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-hour men’s final a year ago. The 24-year-old champion is surely hoping to make success at SW19 a tradition (his childhood idol, Roger Federer, won eight Wimbledon titles)—much like the intimate pre-tournament dinner Gucci now hosts in his honor in London each year.
On Monday night, Gucci-clad guests, including Salma Hayek Pinault, Lila Moss, and Kaytranada, gathered at Dante in Claridge’s for signature Negronis, followed by a summery dinner of cucumber gazpacho and grilled Dover sole. The dessert—lemon sorbet with candied lemon, strawberries, and mint—was a perfect nod to Wimbledon’s classic treats, but the real highlight came after: a roaming trolley serving made-to-order martinis.
If Sinner—who was just announced as the star of Gucci’s new Made in Italy campaign—feels any pressure as he prepares to return to SW19, there was no sign of it on Monday night. He chatted easily with actors Naomi Ackie and Fabien Frankel. Though he understands Wimbledon’s legacy—“you really feel the history and prestige of playing here,” he told Vogue before the championships—he approaches it like any other tournament. “I always say we don’t defend. We always try to go for it.” —Kerry McDermott
A Music-Filled World Cup Bash in the Hollywood Hills
On June 12, Canadian real estate executive Michael Braun kicked off the World Cup festivities with a lively party at his Los Angeles home, which doubled as a Velocity Black Residence pop-up for the evening. Located across the street from the iconic Chateau Marmont, Braun’s home buzzed with soccer fans and HollywoodThe guest list included both celebrities and industry insiders, such as Paris Hilton, Vas Morgan, Romeo Beckham, Dove Cameron, and Jordan Barrett. About two hours after the party started, guests made their way to a cozy outdoor area for a performance by model, actress, and new pop star Cara Delevingne. She sang tracks like “Looking For You,” among others.
“I just got back from Paris in time to see the USA win, so I’m really happy about that,” Delevingne told the crowd, referencing the team’s victory over Paraguay. “It’s so great to see all your beautiful faces. You’ve never heard these songs before, so thank you for spending your evening with me.”
Hilton, who came straight from the game, was excited to see Delevingne step into her music career. “We’ve been friends forever,” she told Vogue. “Cara has a beautiful voice and is so confident.”
After the mini concert, guests spread out across the property, gathering around a large outdoor fireplace and exploring the home’s stylish rooms. LALO kept tequila cocktails flowing all night, while Raising Cane’s served chicken tenders and fries—the perfect late-night snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the most talkedabout parties of the summer sports season from Wimbledon to World Cup warmups
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly is a summer sports season party
Its any social gatheringfrom a casual backyard barbecue to a VIP tentheld to celebrate or watch a major sporting event like Wimbledon the Tour de France or World Cup warmup matches
2 Why are these parties so popular
They combine two things people love sports and socializing They turn a regular game into a memorable event with food drinks and a lively atmosphere
3 Do I need to know a lot about the sport to have fun at these parties
Not at all Many people go for the vibe the food and the company You can enjoy the energy even if you dont know the rules
4 Whats the difference between a Wimbledon party and a World Cup warmup party
Wimbledon parties are often more elegant with strawberries and cream Pimms and a dress code World Cup warmup parties are usually more casual and rowdy with beer grills and face paint
5 Can I host my own summer sports party on a budget
Yes Pick one sport make a signature drink grill hot dogs or burgers and ask friends to bring a dish Use a TV or projector for the game
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What are the most talkedabout parties this summer
Major highlights include the Wimbledon Champions Dinner Henman Hill gatherings Tour de France VIP village parties and exclusive World Cup warmup match hospitality suites hosted by sponsors like Heineken or Budweiser
7 How do I get an invitation to an exclusive VIP sports party
They are usually inviteonly for sponsors athletes media or highpaying hospitality clients Your best bet is to buy a premium hospitality package directly from the event organizer
8 What are the biggest mistakes people make when attending these parties
Dress code violations Wearing jeans to a Wimbledon party or formal wear to a football tailgate
