Abstract: Purpose/Significance In recent years, Chinese universities have witnessed a growing number of internet public opinion events, and the analysis of the evolution of the internet public opinion in universities has contributed to the harmony and stability of universities. Design/Methodology Based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper studies the influence of opinion leaders, cybercitizens and universities on the evolution of internet public opinion events. By constructing the evolutionary game model for internet public opinion events in universities under the trilateral game of opinion leaders, cybercitizens and universities, the evolution strategy is analyzed in detail. Findings/Conclusions Universities can better guide and control the development of internet public opinion events if they prepare emergency plans in advance, timely release the truth about the event, tap the potential and cultivate opinion leaders, and properly educate and guide cybercitizens (especially university students), among other measures.