We have no record from the earliest days of humanty, but we have a sneaking suspicion that competitive prowess in the strength, speed, and tree-climbing realms was measured since day one. Humans like to see how we stack up against others in pretty much any situation.
Speaking of “pretty much any situation,” we stumbled upon a pretty silly competition and just had to see what other zany fields people compete in. Sure, professional sports and the Olympics give us enough world-class sporting events to enjoy, but they weren’t enough for the highly creative (possibly inebriated) people who drummed up these challenges.
Here are 10 of the craziest competitions that push the limits of human endurance, skill, and courage (just in their own kooky ways).
1
The World Worm Charming Championships
Held since the 1980s, the annual event draws participants of all ages to Willaston County Primary School in Willaston, Cheshire for a day of charming earthworms out of the ground. In 2009, Sophie Smith, 10, set a record with 567 worms.
2
The European Seagull Screeching Competition in Belgium
Competitors dress in bird costumes and squawk to try and impress a panel of gull experts and marine biologists. Nine-year old Cooper from England won in 2024.
3
Bog Snorkeling
This swimming competition in a 120-yard trench cut through a peat bog or muddy marshland is said to have started with an argument in a bar in 1985. The annual world championship is held in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales.
4
Competitive Sleeping
Spain had its first National Siesta Championship in 2010 to crown the best (longest) napper, and it caught on in the U.S. when the Competitive Sleeping League (CSL) formed in 2018.
5
In a football field-sized rice paddy, half-naked bull guides hang onto the tail or a harness of 2 bulls, and skim through the muddy surface. Roughly 30 teams participate in the festival annually.
6
Giant Pumpkin Kayaking
Contestants first hollow out a 450 kg pumpkin, before competing in the regatta. Originating in Nova Scotia, Canada, races have also taken place in Maine, Oregon, and Vermont.
7
Toe Wrestling
Another sport that began with pals in a pub, toe wrestling was invented in 1974. The Annual World Toe Wrestling Championship is held in Derbyshire, England and includes players like the ‘Toeminator’!
8
Goanna Pulling
This sport originated in the 19th century to honor Australia’s giant lizard (the goanna). Contestants tie leather straps around their necks, replicate the lizard’s posture, and try pulling each other across the line like a tug of war.
9
The Wife-Carrying World Championship
Every year in Sonkajaervi, Finland, husbands race while carrying their wives along the track with various obstacles. It draws hundreds of contestants and spectators and has even expanded to the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, and India.
10
Extreme Ironing
It originated in the Yorkshire Dales in 1980 when an Englishman was inspired by his eccentric brother who ironed clothes on camping trips. What began as a stunt quickly gained interest with a documentary showing the first Extreme Ironing World Championships.
