Melbourne the world's sporting capital
The study, by London consulting and research firm ArkSports, compared 20 top sporting cities that were selected based on their history of hosting events.
It measured factors such as events listed from 2002 to 2010, attendances and media coverage, the city's quality of life, facilities, transport and accommodation, government support, weather and tourism.
Fifty executives from the events industry, including major sponsors, were also polled.
As well as being overall winner, with 341.5 points - 29 points ahead of Paris and Sydney - Melbourne was tops for level of public interest in events, facilities, number of major events won and level of government support.
It came second in most other categories, including quality of life (behind Vancouver), accommodation (behind New York) and weather/tourism and legacy (behind Sydney).
It polled badly only for transport.
Berlin came fourth overall, and London fifth.
The coveted title is predicted to help boost tourism, bids for events, including soccer's World Cup and international opportunities for Melbourne's events planners and organisers.
The study said Melbourne had an "unparalleled track record reputation" for its sporting events, while industry heads praised its "versatility, stadia, city atmosphere and local passion for all sports".
The Top 10
1. Melbourne
2. Paris
3. Sydney
4. Berlin
5. London
6. Madrid
7. New York
8. Beijing
9. Tokyo
10. Cape Town
