Liverpool has been ranked as the UK’s greatest sporting city for 2017.
A survey conducted by ESPN crowned the city ahead of London and Manchester on a number of key factors including history and community.
The third annual research project by the broadcaster with the University of Bath sought to discover the best place in the country to be a sports fan.
Liverpool placed sixth in the 2015 survey, and climbed to fourth last year, before claiming the top spot in this year’s research.
The city ranked strongly in several key factors, including Community (4th), Social (4th), Choice (2nd), Venues (3rd), and History (3rd).
Manchester took second place as the inaugural winners in 2015 and runner-up to Leicester last year.
Liverpool’s near neighbours also ranked first nationally in the Local Talent category, and takes second in three of the 12 factors; Transport, Social and Success.
Elsewhere in the North West, Wigan fell 21 places from 15th to 36th in the national rankings despite being named the best place in the UK for Community.
Bolton rose to third in the region and 26th overall after climbing 18 places while Blackburn and Preston both suffered a decline.
ESPN also divided the research into individual sports to reveal the best places to be a fan of football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league.
Liverpool claims the title of best city to be a football fan, and Leeds maintains its position as the best city for both cricket and rugby league fans.
Thomas Curran, assistant professor at the University of Bath, said: “We’re now in the third year of the research, and the 2017 rankings offer an interesting set of new results.
“Liverpool pipped Manchester to the title this year, and the gap between the top two was just half a point – the smallest winning margin we’ve seen.
“It’s a deserved victory for Liverpool after it placed fourth last year, and made the leap to top spot this year thanks to strong performances in a variety of factors.”
Brian Barwick, chair of Liverpool’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, added: “For Liverpool to be recognised as the UK’s number one sports city is fantastic news, not only for our Commonwealth Games bid but for our city.
“If we win the honour of staging the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the CGF and Government will know that it is bringing it to a city that is dynamic, sports mad and fun to be in.“
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Liverpool has a proud sporting history and to be recognised internationally for this is a great honour.
“Our vision for the Commonwealth Games is to make the entire UK proud of Liverpool, and it is special to know that fans up and down the country already respect our sporting prestige.
“Sport is a tool to change the lives of many, and we believe that Liverpool 2022 will do exactly this.
“The Games will help to fast-track up to a billion pounds of investment for the city, and we are working around the clock to persuade the Government that this bid is perfect to showcase Britain to the world.”
Peter Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Liverpool Football Club said: “It is no surprise that Liverpool has been named as the UK’s greatest sporting city in ESPN’s research.
“Liverpool is an incredible city with a rich sporting heritage and filled with the most passionate fans in the world.
“We at Liverpool Football Club celebrate our 125th anniversary this year – a significant milestone that we’re all immensely proud of.
“Although we are famous for being a great footballing city, our sporting prowess goes much wider – producing a host of successful athletes, boxers, cricketers, golfers, snooker players – the list is endless.
“The city of Liverpool is built on determination to succeed, unfaltering ambition and, most importantly, an incredible sense of community.
“The award is well-deserved recognition, not only for our city and its sporting heroes but for sports fans across the city.”