The beginning
The very first Masters Games event was the 1985 World Masters Games in Canada, which attracted 8,305 competitors from 61 countries. With a rise in popularity of masters sport, national events began to surface in Australia and New Zealand. The first Australian Masters Games were held in Tasmania in 1987 and New Zealand Masters Games in Wanganui in 1989. Brisbane hosted the 1994 World Masters Games which attracted 24,000 competitors from 71 countries.
The evolution
Following the success of the World Masters Games in Brisbane, the inaugural Queensland Masters Games were held in 1995 in Townsville, before moving to the Gold Coast the following year. These Games evolved into the Asia Pacific Masters Games and then the Pan Pacific Masters Games from 2002, with increased interest from Asia, Japan, America, Oceania and New Zealand. The World Masters Games returned to Australia in 2009 with Sydney hosting over 27,000 competitors from 106 countries.
The now
The Pan Pacific Masters Games continues to thrive as one of the world’s premier masters multi-sport events. In 2024, over 15,000 passionate participants brought the Gold Coast to life once again, with thrilling competition, genuine sportsmanship, and a whole lot of fun both during the day and long into the night. PPMG proved once again why it’s a must-do event on the global sporting calendar.
Looking ahead, the 14th edition returns to the Gold Coast from 6–15 November 2026. With an even bigger program, more unforgettable moments, and the iconic Entertainment Hub lighting up the nights with live music and great vibes, it’s set to be the most exciting Games yet. Whether you’re chasing medals or memories, the Pan Pacific Masters Games is where legends come to play.