The 2014 Wimbledon Championships are officially here! The annual tennis tournament began on June 23 and the excitement goes on until July 6. We’ve got everything you need to know this super-exciting sports event!

Move over, World Cup — another major tournament is here! For two weeks every summer, all eyes turn to All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to watch the world’s best tennis players compete. HollywoodLife.com has rounded up five key facts you need to know about Wimbledon!

1) These Are The Key Players You Need To Know

On the women’s front, Serena Lewis and Maria Sharapova are always major competitors. One of this year’s most buzzed about players is Simona Halep, a 2014 French Open finalist. Could the 22-year-old Romanian take the tournament?

On the men’s side, Roger Federer is a seven time champ. Andy Murray is the defending champ! Serbian player Novak Djokovic is off to a strong start that has people buzzing, too! 

2) Why’s Everyone Wearing All White? It’s Mandatory

The players don’t just wear white because it’s summertime. The tournament has a “prominently white clothing” rule that enforces players not wear a lot of neons, darker or super-bold colors. There’s also “Preference for the back of the shirt to be totally white” and “Preference for shorts and skirts to be totally white,” according to the official rules. 

3) No One’s Defending The Women’s Title This Year

French player Marion Bartoli was the women’s singles champion last year, but she has retired from the game! She won’t be back to defend her title. This hasn’t happened since Steffi Graf didn’t return in 1997! 

4) Celebs — And Royals — Love To Attend

The London, England based tournament has drawn celebs including Bradley Cooper, Jay-Z, Victoria Beckham and Robert Redford. Kate Middleton and Prince William have been spotted watching the biggest games, too!

5) Winning Means More Than Just Pride

If you win the world’s oldest tennis tournament, not only do you get to call yourself a Wimbledon champion — you also get a ton of money! The men’s and women’s singles champs of 2014 will EACH receive close to $2.9 million (upwards of 1.7 million pounds)! That’s some serious prize money.

Will YOU watch the Wimbledon tournament this year, HollywoodLifers? Let us know who you’re rooting for below!

– Megan Ross

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