Purpose A summary of the economic impact resulting from the celebration of a sporting mega-event in the city of Cali, Colombia, is carried out in this article. Design/methodology/approach The impacts are estimated by means of the systematic effects produced by the activities of investment/expenditure of the identified agents and the consequent multiplying effects captured from an input-output model. Findings The World Games represented a new income flow to the city of Cali of $101.036 million pesos (≡US$53.4 mill.) and 9.598 jobs were created (≡7,711 full-time jobs). Additionally, 2,174 foreign tourists and 11,250 national tourists were attracted to the city. Originality/value The article contributes with innovative aspects methodologically speaking, useful for future studies of economic impact in cities with low tourism located in developing countries.