Buzz
While many are familiar with quirky competitions like caber tossing, few have encountered the six most eccentric championships listed here. This is a fantastic chance to explore unique interests and perhaps even consider participating next year!
8. Pig Squealing Competition
Every year in Trie-sur-baise, France, a pig squealing competition takes place. Participants stand before a microphone and mimic the sounds of a pig. Alongside the squealing, awards are given for pigging out, with this year’s champion devouring nearly 4 feet of blood sausage in under five minutes. While I’d love to share a clip from the event, the uploader has restricted sharing, so you’ll need to visit YouTube to watch it.
7. Gumboot Throwing Festival
Every year, the quaint New Zealand town of Taihape hosts a gumboot throwing competition. The event aims to set a new world record for the longest gumboot throw. It’s a delightful family-friendly festival featuring additional contests such as the best-dressed gumboot and ‘shoot the loop’ with gumboots. Year-round, visitors can toss gumboots in the official throwing lane located in the ‘Outback’ behind the main shopping area. The festival occurs on “Gumboot Day,” and there’s even a kiwi folk tune dedicated to gumboots, aptly named The Gumboot Song, performed by New Zealand’s legendary Fred Dagg in the clip above.
6. Air Guitar Championships
The Air Guitar Championships began in Finland in 1996. Participants mimic playing electric guitar solos in this unique competition. The event consists of two rounds: in the first, contestants perform a 60-second edited version of their favorite song, while in the second, they must play a track selected by the organizers.
5. Extreme Ironing World Championships
The Extreme Ironing World Championships originated in Leicester, UK, in 1997. This thrilling and perilous sport challenges participants to iron laundry items in extreme locations, such as mountain climbs, icy terrains, or underwater. Open to competitors worldwide, it demands both skill and courage.
4. World Beard and Mustache Championships
The inaugural World Beard and Mustache Championships were held in Höfen-Enz, Germany, in 1991. Contestants showcase elaborately styled facial hair, including mustaches and beards. The most recent event took place in Brighton, England, in 2007, with the next scheduled for Alaska on May 23, 2009.
3. World Sauna Championships
The World Sauna Championship is held annually in Heinola, Finland, every August. Established in 1999, this event requires participants to endure a 110° sauna, with half a liter of water added every 30 seconds. Competitors must sit upright, keeping their thighs and buttocks on the seat, hands off any surface, and forearms upright on their knees. The last person remaining in the sauna is declared the winner.
Contributor: valli
2. World Pillow Fighting Championship
The World Pillow Fighting Championship occurs every July in Kenwood, California. Contestants grip a wet feather pillow and navigate a slippery pole suspended over a mud pit. Rules prohibit touching the pole with hands or using feet to dislodge opponents. Participants must swing their pillow every 30 seconds until they knock their rival into the mud.
1. Wife Carrying Championships
The Wife Carrying Championship takes place annually in Sonkajärvi, Finland, every July. Participants must bring a wife (not necessarily their own) who is at least 17 years old and weighs a minimum of 49 kilograms. If she weighs less, additional weights must be added to meet the requirement. Contestants must navigate sand, grass, and asphalt to reach the finish line, with a 15-point penalty for dropping their partner. The winner receives beer equivalent to their wife’s weight.
