Discover the World's Most Unusual Sports and Where to Watch Them
Humanity's creativity shines in turning the absurd and everyday into thrilling competitions. These quirky sports reveal national quirks and offer travelers authentic encounters with passionate locals.
Skip the usual football or hockey—opt for these extraordinary spectator events worldwide and immerse yourself in unique cultural spectacles.
1. Lawnmower Racing, UK
Born in a pub in 1973, lawnmower racing democratized motorsport. Inspired by Jackie Stewart's Formula One success, West Sussex enthusiasts created this accessible thrill, now governed by the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLRA).
The 30-race championship runs May to October, often at rural events like Surrey's Cranleigh Show, featuring ferret racing too. Uncommercial and charitable, the BLRA suggests packed lunches for spectators.
2. Sheep Shearing, New Zealand
Competitive sheep shearing is huge in New Zealand, highlighted by the Golden Shears International Championships in Masterton each March—dubbed the 'Wimbledon of sheep shearing.'
This four-day event crowns the fastest shearer amid betting, live bands, food, and drinks. Similar competitions occur in Europe, Australia, and the US.
3. Wife Carrying, Finland
Rooted in folklore of wife-stealing raids, modern wife carrying features consenting pairs tackling obstacle courses with climbs and icy plunges. Winners claim the wife's weight in beer.
Sonkajärvi hosts the original July championships; events also span Australia, Estonia, Hong Kong, the US, and UK. Marital status isn't required.
4. Lucha Libre, Mexico
Mexico's lucha libre blends freestyle wrestling and theater, with masked wrestlers risking identity reveals or head shaves upon defeat. The electric, tequila-fueled crowds toss coins to victors, collected in commemorative vases.
5. Kabaddi, India
Kabaddi elevates playground tag to intense strategy: a 'raider' crosses midfield on one breath to tag opponents, scoring if returning safely amid tackles. Bonus points apply past the bonus line.
India's Pro Kabaddi League packs stadiums with dynamic plays and roaring fans. It's Bangladesh's national sport too.
6. Call of Duty Championship, US
eSports has exploded, with Call of Duty's World League Championship drawing $50+ crowds in August. Top teams vie for $2 million amid millennial fans sipping beers before massive screens.
7. Chess Boxing, Worldwide
Alternating chess and boxing over 11 rounds, competitors win by checkmate or knockout. Popular in chess's birthplace India, it's thrilling in London via London Chess Boxing events year-round, plus the December World Amateur Championships (2019 in Turkey).
Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.
