Invictus Games 2025 Opening Ceremony – Live Review

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion with an unforgettable Opening Ceremony at BC Place on February 8th. With 40,000 fans packing the stadium, we knew this was a moment we couldn’t miss. The energy was electric as athletes, families, and supporters came together to celebrate resilience, strength, and the power of sport.

From the very start, it was clear this would be a day to remember. The Games, featuring over 550 competitors from 23 nations, made history this year by incorporating winter sports like skeleton, skiing, and wheelchair curling alongside classic events like swimming, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball. The presence of the Four Host First Nations—Lil’wat, Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh—set the tone for an event rooted in unity and shared healing.

We were thrilled that Invictus Games organizers kept ticket prices affordable, allowing us to grab floor tickets and be right in the middle of the action with the athletes and their families. There was no separation—just one big community celebrating the competitors who embody the Invictus spirit.

And what an entertainment lineup! The ceremony featured an incredible roster of performers, including Katy Perry, Roxane Bruneau, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. In a press conference ahead of the ceremony, event producer Patrick Roberge described it as the most “headliner stars” the Games had ever seen, and he wasn’t exaggerating. Chris Martin’s performance of his Invictus Games Anthem was a full-circle moment, tying back to the very first Games in London in 2014.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, took the stage to address the crowd, delivering a powerful speech that truly captured the essence of the Invictus Games. “In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity,” he said. He went on to encourage the athletes: “Show the world the grandeur in your attempt at victory. Show the world why you are Invictus.” His words were met with thunderous applause, setting the stage for the competition ahead.

Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, called it “the most poignant and relevant Opening Ceremony the Invictus Games has ever seen,” and we couldn’t agree more. The visuals were stunning—a breathtaking humpback whale and dolphins soared above the crowd as 28,000 blue mylar pom-poms turned the stadium into a shimmering ocean. Indigenous drummers, British Columbia-based pipers, and larger-than-life puppets brought an artistic and cultural richness that made the ceremony even more special.

And, of course, the action didn’t stop at the performances. The day wrapped up with fast-paced wheelchair basketball matches, featuring Germany vs. Canada and Israel vs. France. It was the perfect way to launch nine days of intense and inspiring competition.

The Invictus Games are more than just a sporting event—they are a testament to perseverance, courage, and camaraderie. We left BC Place feeling inspired, grateful, and ready to cheer on these incredible athletes in the days ahead. Let the Games begin!

Check out our favourite photos of the ceremony below or head to our Facebook Page for the full gallery!

All Photo Credit: Marquise Monno