Top Ten Thursday – Weirdest Sports In The World

Are you a sporty type? Do you like participating in different sports, either to keep fit or to take it up competitively?

If you answered yes, check out the ten weirdest sports from around the world that people actually compete in.

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS:

Rock, paper, scissors is usually used to settle disputes or petty arguments, but did you know that there’s a World Championship as well? That’s right! People from across the world compete for bragging rights in pretty intense battles. Just check out this video of an actual rock, paper, scissors competitive game.
WATCH:

GURNING CONTEST:

Gurning – A verb meaning to pull a funny face. And that’s exactly what contestants are tasked with doing, pulling the most  grotesque facial expression. The sport has been around since 1267, and was granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III. There is also a world championship now.

CHESS BOXING:

It’s been described as a battle of brains and brawn. This sport consists of 111 rounds, with competitors alternating between chess and boxing. You can either win by knockout in the ring or by checkmate on the board.

FIERLJEPPEN:

If you like pole vaulting, you’ll love fierljeppen. The sport, which originated in Holland, is similar to pole vaulting, except that competitors don;t try to clear a height, they try to clear a distance. The sport involves jumping over a body of water, onto a bed of sand.

QUIDDITCH:

If you’re Harry Potter fan, you’ll know all about this wizard sport. And while it may have started as a fictional idea by JK Rowling, it’s now become a very real thing. The game follows the same premise as Quidditch, except that competitors don’t fly. There’s even a snitch, though it’s attached to a person who runs around the field with it.

MUSICAL CANINE FREESTYLE:

This adorable sport is what happens when you cross break dancing with dog training. Dogs and their owners perform together, dancing along to catchy tunes, with the dogs displaying numerous tricks and training to wow the judges. The sport is somewhat new, but has gained massive popularity.

TUNA TOSSING:

There’s something fishy about this Australian sport, but that could be because it literally involves fish. The winner is the person who can throw a 20-pound fish the furthest. Rubber fish are used for the sport, so there’s no need to panic about real fish being harmed.

WIFE CARRYING:

Think you could carry your wife on your back and complete an obstacle course? Well you could win a lot of money if you do. Winners receive the traditional prize of their wife’s weight in beer and five times her weight in cash. There’s also a world championship that takes place every year.

UNICYCLE HOCKEY:

If you thought normal hockey was hard, imagine playing it on unicycles. The sport requires high levels of skill and fitness to play, but those who have perfected it, make it look easy. Check it this funny video below.
WATCH:

COMPETITIVE WORM CHARMING:

We’ve saved the weirdest for last. This sport involves trying  to lure as many worms out of the ground as possible, withing a certain time frame. There are many variations to attract worms, but most involve creating a vibration on the surface of the ground. And in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a world championship as well.