Do not undervalue humanity’s knack to transform the absurd or the ordinary into a competitive pursuit. In our quest for diversion, we’ve unearthed some marvelously peculiar sports that not only reveal a glimpse into the identity of countries but also offer tourists a chance to meet quirky – and zealous – individuals.
So change that afternoon at the soccer match or night hockey game for something a tad more…distinctive, and snag tickets for any of these unusual sports internationally.
1. Sheep shearing, New Zealand
Competitive sheep shearing? You had better believe it. In reality, it holds significant importance in New Zealand, proudly hosting the annual Golden Shears International Championships – a lanolin-coated festivity dubbed as “the Wimbledon of sheep shearing.”
Since 1961, the War Memorial Stadium in Masterton has hosted this four-day event aiming to discover the globe’s quickest sheep shearer, while observers cheerfully wager on the results. The occasion offers a wonderful view into the local culture, but there’s more than just shearing; live bands add a festive air, and abundant food and drink are available. Unable to attend the Masterton event? Don’t worry. Shearing tournaments also occur across Europe, Australia, and the US.
2. Lawnmower racing, UK
Similar to all brilliant concepts, lawnmower racing emerged from a pub. It was 1973, Jackie Stewart claimed his third Formula One championship, while a collection of aspiring racers in West Sussex envisioned making motorsport – traditionally a domain for the affluent – accessible to everyone.
Over a few drinks, they came up with lawnmower racing, which today boasts its own governing entity – the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLRA) – and a tournament of 30 races from May to October. Most races blend into larger rural fairs, such as the Cranleigh Show in Surrey, where visitors can witness other idiosyncratic activities like ferret racing. The BLRA continues to resist commercialization, with all proceeds going to charity. Spectators are also encouraged to bring their own meals to the races.
3. Lucha libre, Mexico
Partially athletic and partially theatrical, lucha libre is a genre of freeform wrestling possessing an ardent following in its native Mexico. In Mexico City, you’ll find two exceptional Lucha Libre venues: Arena México, dubbed “The Cathedral of Lucha Libre,” and Arena Coliseo, considered one of the country’s oldest wrestling arenas. Both present exhilarating events for enthusiasts of Mexican wrestling.
Participants are famous for their decorative masks, which conceal their identities. Although until they lose a high-stakes bout, which usually obliges the vanquished to unveil their faces (other humiliating penalties include having their heads shaved).
It is undoubtedly fascinating to watch, and the tequila-fueled environment heightens the momentousness of the occurrence. Remember to carry spare coins: spectators toss money when astonished by a triumphant wrestler. The coins are subsequently gathered by the fighter and placed in a commemorative vase to commemorate the triumph.
4. Wife carrying, Finland
It is said that this odd sport honors the ancient practice of wife stealing, where supposed Finnish bandits raided villages and absconded with other men’s wives.
Thankfully, this sinister deed now rests solely in folktales. However, in an amusing inversion of this mythic misdemeanour, wife carrying persists, albeit with willing females who acrobatically affix themselves to male partners as they tackle a challenging course – overcoming sizable wooden barriers and plungingplunge headfirst into frigid ponds along the way. The fastest duo earns the spouse’s weight in ale. As anticipated, plenty of beer is enjoyed on the periphery too, especially in Sonkajärvi, Finland, known for hosting the original Wife Carrying Championships each July. Similar events are held in Australia, Estonia, Hong Kong, the US, and UK. And before you question it, no, the enrolled pairs aren’t necessarily wed.
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5. Kabaddi, India
A version of a schoolyard favorite, kabaddi resembles tag but comes with a complexity of rules and scoring that might leave a child bewildered. Essentially: seven-player teams face off within a rectangular field. A member of the attacking team, known as the “raider,” strides past the central line and aims to touch several opponents. Should the raider return safely to their side, their team earns a point for each tagged opponent. Nevertheless, the opposing side can physically halt the raider, gaining them no points if successful. A bonus point is also up for grabs if the raider reaches over the “bonus line.” Additionally, this entire operation must occur in a single breath. Easy enough, correct?
While recognized as a national pastime in Bangladesh, it is in India that one finds arguably the most competitive league. Known as Pro Kabaddi, it unfolds with thrilling action in arenas nationwide, where athletes duck, kick, twirl, and weave across the field, energized by roaring spectators filling the stands to capacity.
6. Chess boxing, international
Intellect and strength meet in this cerebral combat sport, harmonizing the seemingly unrelated disciplines of chess and boxing. Contests span 11 rounds – six with a chessboard, five in the ring – and participants (or “nerdletes”) aim to either deliver a knockout or to outsmart their foe over the board.
India (the presumed origin of chess) boasts a significant following for this sport, yet London is heralded as the optimal venue for witnessing a match, where one can relish the high-stakes excitement of a major bout blended with the quiet intensity of a chess game (plus an array of quirky, ringside spectacles between matches) that results in one of the city’s most unforgettable social experiences. Organized by Chess Boxing Nation, events occur throughout the calendar year.
7. Call of Duty Championship, US
Once merely a pastime while awaiting a turn on Mario Kart, observing others engage in video games has now emerged as a legitimate spectator event, with e-sport gatherings occurring globally (and additionally broadcasting to massive online audiences).
In the US, it holds significant appeal, where enthusiasts are willing to shell out over $50 to view professional gamers compete in the supreme action-packed showdown: Call of Duty. The first-person shooter franchise, a long-standing favorite among gaming communities, boasts its own World League Championship. Victors of the tournament take home a hefty $2.5 million. The disclosed Call of Duty League 2025 itinerary proposes five Majors over a span of seven months, with Major 1 slated for Barcelona from February 6-9 and the CDL Championship set in Toronto from June 26-29. Suggested hosts for the remaining Majors encompass Dallas, Florida, and Chicago, albeit dates and cities for Majors 2-4 remain unverified.
Regarding the viewing experience, anticipate a predominantly male millennial audience, diligently aligned in tidy formations, drinks in hand, as they keenly follow the unfolding spectacle on gigantic screens. And to think, your guardians once insisted video gaming led nowhere in life…
8. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, UK
Should youthink custom and history are unseen in these peculiar sports, take a peek at the cheese-rolling contest conducted at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester, England. The famed Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling occasion is scheduled for Monday, May 26, 2025, during the spring bank holiday, commencing at noon.
The most ancient documented mention of the event is from 1826, but scholars assume it to be far older. Participants dash after a 7-9lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill, an abrupt decline extending 200 yards, with the foremost individual reaching the end at the base of the hill being declared the victor and earning the cheese. The festivity attracts thousands of onlookers and sportsmen from every corner; champions have hailed from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, and the United States, among numerous others.
9. Sepak Takraw, Malaysia
Should we assess sports purely on their complexity, Sepak Takraw would rank prominently. Visualize volleyball employing solely your feet, knees, chest, and head, akin to soccer. Also referred to as kick volleyball, the game was formalized in Malaysia in 1960 and is now recognized as the national sport, though its influence extends beyond Asia.
Featuring an international alliance (known as the ISTAF) with 50 member nations, enthusiasts of Sepak Takraw wish to elevate it to an Olympic discipline by 2026. With its rapid tempo and astonishing acrobatic maneuvers each match, it’s evident why. Significant events encompass the ISTAF SuperSeries, the ISTAF World Cup, and Sepak Takraw as a medal discipline in the Asian Games.
10. World Chase Tag, international
Much like most individuals, you’ve probably engaged in tag as a child. What if you persevered? What if it could transform into a professional pursuit? Well, since 2012, that’s feasible. Initiated by Christian Devaux in the UK, World Chase Tag is a global competition blending competitive parkour with tag. Two teams confront each other across 16 individual rounds within a 12m x 12m area furnished with obstacles, striving to secure the most wins by either tagging the adversary within 20 seconds or, for the rival team, dodging the tagger for the designated span. Not only do these athletes receive substantial compensation for participating in tag—with elite players acquiring anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000 per contest influenced by sponsorships and achievements—but the tournaments are also broadcast on ESPN and Channel 4 in the UK. The exact remuneration varies, though numerous athletes can additionally procure extra earnings through brand collaborations and participation fees. No longer merely a pastime for children!
Continue arranging your next journey
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