Competitions, a human tradition for centuries, often celebrate triumph and skill. However, among the myriad of contests, some stand out for their sheer oddity. Events like wife carrying and worm charming diverge from the norm, offering winners a mix of cash rewards, esteem, and sometimes, even quirky trophies.
These unique tournaments, though peculiar, underscore the diverse ways in which people seek challenge and amusement. Whether for the thrill of victory or the allure of participating in something unconventional, these bizarre competitions have their own charm. Would you be tempted to join in on the fun?
The Extreme Ironing World Championships
Location: All Over The World
Cost to Enter: Varies Based On Entry*
Prize: Bragging Rights
Extreme ironing stands out as a uniquely bizarre sport, perfectly blending the mundanity of domestic chores with the thrill of extreme sports. Originating in 1997 by Phill Shaw from Leicester, England, this sport takes ironing to new heights—literally.
Participants press their clothes while engaging in activities like skydiving or mountain repelling. By 2002, the sport gained enough traction to inaugurate the first Extreme Ironing World Championship in Valley, Bavaria. Competitors are evaluated on the daring nature of their ironing locations as well as the crispness of their pressed garments, making for a truly unusual yet captivating spectacle.
The Wife Carrying Race
Location: Finland
Cost to Enter: $57*
Prize: The Carried Partner’s Weight In Beer
In bygone eras, as a token of victory or benevolence, individuals might have been bestowed their weight in precious gold. In Sonkajarvi, Finland, home to one of the world’s quirkiest competitions—the Wife Carrying World Championships—organizers have ingeniously revived this tradition.
No longer confined to traditional male/female pairs, participants now navigate a grueling 250-yard course strewn with obstacles, both wet and dry, while carrying their partners, each weighing at least 108.27 pounds. Here’s where it gets interesting: the partner being carried on the winning team is placed on a teeter-totter and counterbalanced with an equivalent weight of beer, forming the team’s unique reward—a playful homage to antiquated customs in a modern sporting spectacle.
The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships
Location: England
Cost to Enter: $1.35*/ 3 attempts
Prize: Pride
Some rivalries persist through the ages, while others quietly fade away. The ancient conflict known as the War of the Roses, pitting Yorkshire against Lancashire, may have once been settled in bloodshed, but in the 1980s, a more lighthearted tradition emerged. Instead of swords and spears, black pudding became the weapon of choice.
Every 2nd Sunday of September, enthusiasts from across the globe converge at the Oaks pub for a unique contest: flinging black pudding 20 feet into the air with the aim of toppling Yorkshire puddings from atop a towering plinth. For a modest fee of $1.35, participants are granted three attempts, making this quirky tradition open to all who dare to join.
The Jungle Marathon
Location: Amazon Rainforest
Cost to Enter: $3,140*
Prize: Finishers Medal
For athletes seeking the ultimate test of endurance, the Jungle Marathon in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest presents a daunting challenge. Far removed from the familiar city streets of a standard marathon, this race pushes participants to their limits amidst temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the relentless diversity of the Amazon’s terrain.
With distances ranging from the standard 26.2 miles to staggering 79 and 158-mile options, competitors brave the dangers inherent in such a hostile environment. Aptly dubbed “The World’s Most Dangerous Race,” it lives up to its reputation, with racers sharing harrowing encounters of being pursued by jungle predators. To mitigate these risks, organizers deploy armed guards along the course, offering protection against the lurking threats of the wild.
The World Beard And Moustache Championships
Location: Various Locations Across USA and Europe
Cost to Enter: $20*
Prize: A Shiny Plaque & Bragging Rights
For millennia, men—and a few daring women—have dedicated themselves to cultivating and styling their facial hair in remarkable ways, yet their efforts often went unnoticed. However, in 1990, the inaugural World Beard and Moustache Championships, organized by the World Beard and Moustache Association, brought long-overdue recognition to these follicular feats.
Held in the quaint German village of Hofen an der Enz, the event showcases an array of category styles, from classic Musketeer to extravagant Full Beard Freestyle. With contestants representing 17 distinct stylistic groups, there’s a category to accommodate virtually every facial hair aficionado. However, a word of caution: competitors in natural categories face immediate disqualification if caught using gels or waxes, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
Cell Phone Throwing Wolrd Championships
Location: Finland
Cost to Enter: Cost of The Cell Phone Being Tossed
Prize: New Cell Phone
Emerging from humble beginnings in Savonlinna, Finland, in the year 2000, cell phone throwing has evolved into a global phenomenon and a cherished national sport in Finland. At the inaugural Cell Phone Throwing World Championships, participants converged, armed with their own mobile devices and a fierce throwing arm.
The competition, overseen by an official jury, assesses contestants based on both technique and the impressive distance of their throws. The coveted title and a brand-new cell phone await the victor, while others must reconcile themselves with the prospect of purchasing a replacement device. However, aspiring competitors should note the formidable challenge ahead: the current world record stands at just over 320 feet, a testament to the skill and strength required to excel in this unique sport.
Olympia Beauty Show
Location: Anywhere
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Trophy, Cash, and a Feature in Scratch Magazine
Born from the legacy of the Nail Olympics, Olympia made its debut in 2001 and has since captivated audiences for two decades. What sets this competition apart is the sheer creativity displayed in each unique entry, all meticulously crafted solely for the event.
Judged by fashion industry professionals with little knowledge of nail art but a penchant for enjoyment, Olympia offers a platform for global participation, welcoming submissions from every corner of the globe across 14 diverse categories. Beyond the coveted accolades, winners receive not only a prized addition to their collection but also the prestigious spotlight in Scratch, the definitive nail magazine, further solidifying their place in the annals of nail art history.
USA Rock Paper Scissors League
Location: Las Vegas
Cost to Enter: $20*
Prize: $50,000 in Cash*
Rock, paper, scissors has long served as a whimsical method for decision-making, its simplicity transcending generations. While theories abound regarding the psychology or science behind players’ choices, the truth remains: the odds are consistently balanced for both participants.
In the realm of competitive play, the United States of America Rock Paper Scissors League (USARPS) emerged over 15 years ago, culminating in the inaugural USARPS League Championship in 2006, a televised spectacle on A&E. With trained referees overseeing matches, the league sought to elevate the game to a professional level. However, despite its ambitions, the USARPS league met an untimely demise in 2014, perhaps suggesting that rock, paper, scissors is best left to its casual roots.
Bee Wearing Competition
Location: Shaoyang, China
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Unknown
In Shaoyang, China, a peculiar competition flips the typical reaction to encountering bees on its head. Instead of fleeing, contestants embrace the challenge by standing on a scale clad only in shorts, goggles, and essential nose plugs. Their goal? To attract as many bees as possible onto their person within a one-hour time frame.
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The key lies in carrying a small box containing the queen bee, securely strapped to their body. In 2011, the reigning champion, 42-year-old Wang Dalin, achieved a staggering feat, drawing over 52 pounds of bees to himself. With such a remarkable accomplishment, it’s safe to say that Wang Dalin must indeed possess a particularly alluring charm—quite literally a “sweet” guy in more ways than one.
U.S. Air Guitar Championship
Location: Various Locations Across the USA
Cost to Enter: $10*
Prize: Custom-Made Guitar
Since the inception of guitar music, enthusiasts have been mimicking the artistry of their favorite musicians. In the 1970s and 1980s, a youth movement emerged, with metal-heads brandishing cardboard cutouts of guitars at concerts, air-playing along with their idols. This playful imitation culminated in the establishment of the World Air Guitar Championships in Oulu, Finland, in 1996.
In recent years, the United States has hosted its own competition to select representatives for the global stage. Judges assess contestants based on three criteria: Technical Merit, Stage Presence, and the ineffable quality of “Airness,” capturing the essence of their performance. Thus, what began as a whimsical pastime has evolved into a spirited celebration of air guitar virtuosity on an international scale.
Cow Chip Throwing World Championship
Location: Beaver, Oklahoma
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Bragging Rights
Since 1969, on the third Saturday of April, a unique tradition unfolds in Beaver, Oklahoma: the Cow Chip Throwing World Championships. Participants from local farmers to celebrity throwers gather to showcase their dung-flinging prowess, aiming to hurl dried cow manure as far as possible.
Despite the less-than-fragrant material, the event draws around 100 contestants annually. Governed by an official rulebook, the championship mandates that each cow chip must measure at least 6 inches in diameter to be eligible for counting—so forget about using golf ball-sized chips for this competition. Thus, amid laughter and camaraderie, competitors strive to outdo each other in this quirky yet cherished tradition.
Cheese Rolling Championship
Location: Cooper’s Hill, England
Cost to Enter: Free
Prize: Cheese
The Cheese Rolling Championship has undoubtedly gained momentum over the years, drawing participants from across the globe to Cooper’s Hill, England, near Gloucester. Here, onlookers gather for the spectacle of individuals chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep incline.
As the 9-pound wheel of double Gloucester cheese is sent hurtling down the hill, competitors embark on their frantic 200-yard descent, vying to be the first to reach the finish line at the bottom. The prize for conquering this absurd yet thrilling race? None other than the coveted wheel of cheese itself, a fitting reward for those brave enough to partake in this unconventional tradition.
Pancake Flipping Championship
Location: England
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Trophy
According to some pancake historians, the origins of the pancake race can be traced back to 1445 when a baker, rushing to church, found himself without a free hand to carry his pancake-laden frying pan. Ingeniously, he flipped the pancake in the pan to prevent it from burning.
Thus, the tradition was born. Today, in Olney, this centuries-old custom continues with the world-famous pancake race. Teams compete in a relay, each member holding a pancake-filled frying pan and flipping the pancakes to one another at least four times. Penalties and disqualifications await those whose pancakes meet an unfortunate fate and fall to the ground, adding an element of challenge and excitement to this beloved annual event.
World Sauna Championships
Location: Heinola, Finland
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Pride
The World Sauna Championships, inaugurated in 1999, attracted participants from 20 different countries to Heinola, Finland, to test their endurance against extreme heat. Competitors braved sauna temperatures reaching a blistering 230 degrees Fahrenheit, with half a liter of water added to the stove every 30 seconds.
This event, undoubtedly a “participate at your own risk” endeavor, challenged contestants to outlast their rivals and emerge from the sauna unassisted to claim victory. However, the championship’s legacy was tragically marred by an incident following the 2010 Championships, leading to its permanent cancellation. Despite its abrupt end, the World Sauna Championships remain a testament to the limits of human endurance and the risks inherent in extreme competitions.
World Stone Skimming Championships
Location: Scotland
Cost to Enter: $6.75*
Prize: World Stone Skimming Cup
As children, many of us cherished the simple pleasure of skipping rocks across the surface of a lake. Decades ago, patrons at a Scottish pub playfully mused about hosting a stone skipping competition.
Today, that jest has evolved into the globally recognized World Stone Skimming Championship, broadcasted in several countries. Despite its humble origins, this event is taken seriously, boasting a plethora of rules and regulations. Stones exceeding a 3-inch diameter are prohibited, each contestant receives three attempts, and for a toss to be official, the stone must skip at least twice. Thus, what began as a lighthearted notion has transformed into a competitive arena, celebrating the timeless joy of skimming stones across the water’s surface.
World Gurning Championships
Location: Egremont Crab Fair, England
Cost to Enter: Dignity*
Prize: A Modest Prize To The Top 3 ‘Gurners’
“Gurning” is the peculiar art of contorting one’s face into an unflattering expression, often achieved by placing one’s head into a horse collar. In essence, the World Gurning Championship is a whimsical contest to determine who can make themselves appear the ugliest.
Believed to have originated around the same time as the Egremont Crab Fair—where the competition is held annually since its establishment in 1267—gurning has become a cherished tradition. Contestants, in their pursuit of victory, may even resort to snarling like beasts, adding a touch of theatricality to the proceedings. Despite its unconventional nature, the World Gurning Championship promises participants and spectators alike a delightfully entertaining spectacle.
Cherry Pit Spitting Contest
Location: Various Locations
Cost to Enter: Unknown*
Prize: $100
While cherry spitting contests may be found across the globe, the apex of pit-spitting prowess lies in the International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship, established in 1974 in Eau Claire, Michigan.
Despite its whimsical nature, this competition emphasizes safety, as cherry spitting carries a potential choking hazard. Participants must stand with their feet behind the disqualification line, armed with three attempts to spit their pits as far as possible. To ensure fairness, fresh cherries are provided to contestants just moments before their spit. Notably, the world record, as of 2020, stands at an impressive 100 feet—a testament to the skill and dedication of cherry spitting enthusiasts worldwide.
Chess Boxing
Location: 2019 Championship Was In Turkey
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: Championship Belt, Trophy, Prize Money
Whoever claimed that athletes couldn’t be nerds or vice versa clearly hadn’t heard of chess boxing. Contrary to its name, this sport doesn’t involve pugilists duking it out on a giant chessboard akin to Ron from Harry Potter.
Instead, competitors seamlessly alternate between rounds in the ring and moves on the chessboard. Just like in traditional chess or boxing matches, victory isn’t determined by a knockout or checkmate alone. Rather, after 11 intense rounds of physical and mental exertion, a decision is reached. Chess boxing has gained significant traction, boasting over 150 fighters hailing from 11 different countries, showcasing the harmonious blend of athleticism and intellect in this unique and captivating sport.
Nettle Eating Championships
Location: West Dorset, England
Cost to Enter: Unknown*
Prize: $166*
The Nettle Eating Championship traces its origins back to the 1980s, when two farmers, driven by idleness and a penchant for wagers, engaged in a peculiar bet. Their dispute revolved around the length of their stinging nettles, with the loser obligated to consume all nettles exceeding their longest specimen.
Stinging nettles, notorious for their thin green vines and prickly needles, hardly qualify as appetizing fare. Nevertheless, in a testament to the human penchant for spectacle, this quaint bet has evolved into a beloved annual event. Each year, hundreds of spectators flock to the quaint village of Marshwood to witness contestants vie for the title of Nettle Eating Champion. In 2018, Philip Thorne clinched victory by devouring an astounding 104 feet of nettles—an impressive feat that exemplifies the enduring allure of this quirky competition.
ClauWau
Location: Samnaun Winter Resort, Switzerland
Cost to Enter: $25*
Prize: $2,150* In Samnaun Vouchers
The Samnaun winter resort in Switzerland hosts a festive spectacle like no other: the annual ClauWau, or World Santa Championship, during its opening weekend. ClauWau represents the pinnacle of Santa competitions, offering a weekend filled with a delightful array of Santa-themed events and contests.
From the highly anticipated look-alike contest to the exhilarating sled races, participants and spectators alike are treated to a jubilant celebration of all things Santa. Since its inception in 2001, ClauWau has surpassed expectations, growing in popularity and gaining international renown. As the holiday season approaches, mark your calendars for November 26th, when the 20th ClauWau World Champion Team will be crowned, ensuring that no one misses out on the festive fun and merriment.
World Pea Shooting Championships
Location: England
Cost to Enter: $5*
Prize: Kudos and the John Tyson Shield
For nearly five decades, from 1971 until 2019, the quaint English village of Witcham played host to the esteemed World Pea Shooting Championships, drawing competitors from across the globe. At a distance of 12 feet, participants took aim at a 12-inch target using pea shooters no longer than 1 foot.
Amidst past controversies regarding the permissible technologies for propelling peas, recent amendments to the rule book clarified that any tech is acceptable, provided the propulsion is solely by the competitor’s breath. Each contestant is granted five shots, with the victor earning esteemed “kudos” for their precision and skill. Though the championships have since concluded, their legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring charm of this whimsical event.
World Worm Charming Championships
Location: Cheshire, England
Cost to Enter: $10-$15*
Prize: Trophy
The tradition of the World Worm Charming Championships traces its roots back to 1980, when students at Cheshire’s Willaston County Primary School would stomp on the ground in springtime to coax worms from the earth. Over four decades later, this charming spectacle has evolved into a global event, drawing participants from around the world to compete in the art of worm charming.
With just 30 minutes to work their magic, contestants employ a variety of techniques to entice worms from their subterranean dwellings. While the traditional ground stomp remains a popular method, competitors have explored alternative approaches such as playing the fiddle, grunting, and even interpretive dancing. In 2009, a record-breaking 567 worms emerged during the contest, but rest assured, after the event, the worms are released back into their natural habitat, ensuring their well-being.
World Slapping Championships
Location: Russia
Cost to Enter: Unknown
Prize: $700*
Among the pantheon of peculiar competitions, the World Slapping Championship undoubtedly ranks as one of the most bizarre. While strength contests like arm wrestling once dominated the realm of competitive sports, today’s contenders willingly subject themselves to repeated slaps in the pursuit of victory. The World Slapping Championships epitomize the ultimate slap bet. Stripped of head protection or gloves, competitors face off across a table, each granted five attempts to deliver a decisive blow to their opponent (with slaps alternated, naturally).
Should both contestants remain upright after the barrage, an official slap judge renders the final verdict, determining which competitor exhibited greater resilience in the face of punishment. It’s a unique test of endurance and fortitude, appealing to those brave enough to endure the sting of a well-placed slap. With rules as unconventional as the competition itself, the World Slapping Championships beckon to those daring enough to give it a try.
American Cornhole League Championships
Location: Various Locations Across America
Cost to Enter: $20*
Prize: $150,000
From casual carnival games to gym class pastimes, tossing a bean bag into a hole is a quintessential American experience. Yet, while bean bag tossing entertained at parties and in school, Cornhole emerged as the domain of serious competitors. The founding of the American Cornhole League in 2005 marked a turning point, granting Cornhole the recognition it deserved. Now, not even two decades later, the sport boasts thousands of participants spanning diverse age groups and skill levels.
The ACL stands as a testament to Cornhole’s meteoric rise, establishing itself as one of America’s fastest-growing sports leagues. Evidence of its popularity lies in the substantial prize awarded to the champion, who must demonstrate unrivaled skill in tossing sacks into corn holes. As Cornhole continues to captivate enthusiasts across the nation, its ascent underscores the enduring appeal of this simple yet thrilling pastime.
World Championship Death Diving
Location: Norway
Cost to Enter: Unknown*
Prize: Title and Bragging Rights
The World Championship of Death Diving, organized annually by the Norwegian-based International Døds Federation, is a competition that defies conventional logic. While the winners bask in the glory of their triumph, the losers are left nursing their bruised egos—and bellies. From dizzying heights exceeding 45 feet, contestants take the plunge off diving boards, executing absurd dives that range from creative cannonballs to last-second belly flop bailouts.
As they hurtle towards the swimming pool below, participants must summon their courage to tuck their bodies into the fetal position at the last possible moment before impact. It’s a spectacle that leaves spectators in awe and competitors in both admiration and trepidation. Despite the inherent risks and the inevitable sting of a belly flop, the World Championship of Death Diving showcases the daring spirit and boundless creativity of its participants, making it a truly unforgettable event.
Hot Water Bottle Blowing
Location: Various
Cost to Enter: Various
Prize: Various
Competitive hot water bottle blowing is certainly not for the faint of heart. Typically made from thick rubber to prevent scalding, hot water bottles are usually associated with warmth and comfort rather than competition. However, some individuals embrace the challenge of blowing up hot water bottles as part of various competitions, including strongman championships worldwide.
Participating in this unconventional sport requires significant effort and lung capacity. While the prospect of such a unique challenge may intrigue some, others may find the idea daunting or even risky. Ultimately, whether one would attempt competitive hot water bottle blowing depends on their personal inclinations and tolerance for such an unusual endeavor.
