16 sports. 57 fixtures. 24 hours. It can only be BUCS Big Wednesday!
The largest multi-sport event in the UK returns next week as students from across the UK travel to the University of Nottingham to compete in BUCS Big Wednesday.
In an action-packed 24 hours of competition that marks the culmination of the UK university sport season, BUCS Big Wednesday sees the best teams in the country battle it out for national glory.
A total of 57 national titles are won during the annual event that takes place next Wednesday (22nd), as teams from 16 different sports take their shot at becoming national champions.
With thousands of athletes and spectators in attendance, BUCS Big Wednesday is a true celebration of university sport and a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of student-athletes from all over the country.
What is BUCS Big Wednesday?
BUCS Big Wednesday is the culmination of the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship season.
The annual event is a showcase of the best university sports teams in the UK and an opportunity for students to showcase their talents on a national stage. Held at a single location and taking place over 24 hours, the unique event provides a thrilling and intense atmosphere as students push themselves to the limit in pursuit of national glory.
What is BUCS Big Wednesday?
BUCS Big Wednesday is the culmination of the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship season.
The annual event is a showcase of the best university sports teams in the UK and an opportunity for students to showcase their talents on a national stage. Held at a single location and taking place over 24 hours, the unique event provides a thrilling and intense atmosphere as students push themselves to the limit in pursuit of national glory.
2023 BUCS Big Wednesday Championship Final Previews
2023 BUCS Big Wednesday Championship Final Previews
In our three-part Big Wednesday preview series, we look at which national titles will be decided as well as preview each of the 25 Championship finals taking place across all 16 sports.
American Football
Prior to Wednesday’s action, American Football will once again kick this year’s event off in style as the four best teams in the country contest the Championship and Trophy finals.
In a rematch of last year’s Championship final, reigning National Champions UWE will take on Premier North winners Nottingham.
Despite trailing 8-24 with eight minutes remaining in their semi-final match with Leeds Beckett, UWE fought back and with a touchdown on the final play of the game, completed an unforgettable comeback to secure their place in the final. The Premier South champions now have a shot at winning back-to-back national titles.
American Football Finals
| Trophy | UWE vs. Nottingham 2:00PM – 5:30PM |
| Championship | Portsmouth vs. Loughborough 7:00PM – 9:30PM |
Badminton
Both Loughborough’s men’s and women’s teams are set to feature in this year’s Badminton Championship finals which will take place at the excellent facilities of the David Ross Sports Village.
After suffering defeat in last year’s final, Loughborough will take on Premier South champions Bath. Both sides secured their respective North and South divisions with undefeated seasons.
Loughborough’s women’s team were victorious in last year’s event and will look to retain their title against a division rival and the home side, Nottingham. With neither team having lost a single game all year long, both will be looking to end the season on a high note.
Badminton Finals
| Women’s Trophy | Strathclyde vs. Warwick 2 9:30AM – 11:30AM |
| Men’s Trophy | Exeter vs. Loughborough 2 12:00PM – 2:00PM |
| Women’s Championship | Nottingham vs. Loughborough 5:30PM – 7:30PM |
| Men’s Championship | Bath vs. Loughborough 8:00PM – 10:00PM |
Basketball
Four of the best UK university basketball teams in the country will be competing for a national title in the men’s and women’s Basketball Championship finals.
With only one defeat each this season, Premier North winners Loughborough will face off against Premier South winners UWE in the men’s Championship final for what is sure to be one of the highlight events at BUCS Big Wednesday.
Reigning National Champions, Essex will look to defend their title against Premier North winners Loughborough in this year’s Women’s Championship final. Having not lost a game since their season opener in October, Essex will look to secure back-to-back national titles.
Basketball Finals
| Women’s Trophy | Cardiff vs. Nottingham 9:30AM – 11:30AM |
| Men’s Trophy | UEL 2 vs. Loughborough 2 12:00PM – 2:00PM |
| Women’s Championship | Essex vs. Loughborough 5:30PM – 7:30PM |
| Men’s Championship | UWE vs. Loughborough 8:00PM – 10:00PM |
Fencing
Undefeated Durham return to the Men’s Fencing Championship final this year to defend their crown against Premier South champions Kings College.
After finishing the regular season 10-0 for the second year running, reigning champions Durham are looking to cap off another impressive campaign with another national title.
This year’s Women’s Championship final sees two teams from the Premier North who will meet for the third time this season.
Current national champions and Division winners, Edinburgh will defend their title against league runners-up Nottingham.
With the season series tied 1-1, the stage is set for an intense and highly competitive championship game.
Fencing Finals
| Women’s Trophy | Edinburgh 2 vs. Kings College 9:30AM – 11:30AM |
| Men’s Trophy | Exeter vs. Durham 2 12:00PM – 2:00PM |
| Women’s Championship | Edinburgh vs. Nottingham 5:30PM – 7:30PM |
| Men’s Championship | Kings College vs. Durham 8:00PM – 10:00PM |
Football
All four teams in this year’s men’s and women’s Football Championship Finals hail from the Premier North divisions.
Durham and Stirling will contest this year’s Men’s Championship final. League winners Stirling will look to do the double and despite finishing fourth in the league, Durham have enjoyed a fantastic cup run and are also one game away from national glory.
Last year’s Women’s Championship winners Loughborough will look to defend their title against the home side, Nottingham.
Both teams finished the regular season on the same amount of points and identical winning records (7-1) however, a superior goal difference allowed Loughborough to claim the Premier North division for the second year in a row.
Football Finals
| Women’s Trophy | Cambridge vs. Nottingham Trent 9:30AM – 11:30AM |
| Men’s Trophy | Edinburgh vs. Loughborough 2 12:00PM – 2:00PM |
| Women’s Championship | Nottingham vs. Loughborough 5:30PM – 7:30PM |
| Men’s Championship | Durham vs. Stirling 8:00PM – 10:00PM |
Look out for sports H-R coming soon!
Our BUCS Big Wednesday previews continue with the rest of the Championship final taking place at this year’s event.
Don’t miss out on any of the action as some of the best university sports teams from across the UK compete for glory in a range of different sports. Follow our social media channels below to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and updates for BUCS Big Wednesday.
