And the winner is… Cleveland. Although, the competition was between three American cities. So if you’re a Gay Games 2014 hopeful, you would have been flying to the States regardless.

Facing off against Boston, Massachusetts and Washington D.C., Cleveland, Ohio had the winning bid at the The Federation of Gay Games meeting on Tuesday.

Having the games in the windy city is expected to bring 12,000 athletes from around the world, as well as thousands of supporters.

So why Cleveland for the event touted as the ‘Gay Olympics’? Well, transport in and out of the city is great, says the federation. And as a medium size city, it will be much more affordable for competitors, compared to cities that hosted the event in the past.

“Right now, we’re over the moon. This is the largest event that has ever come to our area as far as the number of people, economic impact and national exposure,” said Susan Hamo, Akron/Summit County Convention and Visitors Bureau President. The ASCVB along with City of Cleveland have committed $800,000 to the event.

Running for eight days and offering 30 kinds of competitive sport to compete in, the Gay Games has been been around since 1982.

Can’t wait for Cleveland in August 2014? Get your trainers on and head to Cologne, Germany – site of the games next year 2010.