12 unusual competitions that are actually held (13 photos)

How do you like the nettle eating championship? Or, for example, a bed racing competition? Yes, yes, these are real and very funny sports that will definitely not leave you indifferent.





Football, basketball, tennis and other sports are known to everyone. They are shown on TV, and some have been practicing in school since elementary school. But what do you know about non-standard sports that have become so popular that they have acquired international status?

Extreme Ironing Championship, England



The Extreme Ironing Championship is much more extreme than you might imagine. During the competition, teams have to iron things underwater, in the air while skydiving, or on a steep mountainside. The winner is the one who achieves the desired result using the most sophisticated method.

Wife Carrying Championships, USA, Europe





The Wife Carrying Championship is a very spectacular show! The couple has to overcome an obstacle course where they encounter steep hills, water and wooden obstacles on their way. The prize is also particularly expressive - the winner receives as much beer as his wife weighs.

Vertical Blue deep freediving competition, Bahamas



Deep freediving competitions involve diving athletes to great depths. The one who can dive deeper will win. In this case, a freediver can only rely on his own lungs. No equipment, much less scuba gear, is provided. The maximum diving depth was achieved by the absolute champion in this sport, Alexey Molchanov. The man was able to dive to a record 126 meters.

Nettle Eating Championship, England



The nettle eating championship is quite a test! Only people with strong nerves can even watch this sport. Competitors are given nettle branches 60 centimeters long. The one who manages to eat the most wins.

World Worm Spelling Championships, England



In Great Britain, casting worms is almost a national form of entertainment! Contestants show their ingenuity in luring ringed fish to the surface of the earth. However, they must not be touched or exposed to chemicals or anything harmful. At the end of the competition, all worms return unharmed to their natural habitat.

International Speed ​​Flying Competition, Finland



Speed ​​flying competitions were first held in 2003. Spectators liked this sport so much that the race began to be held annually. The route extends for as much as 5 kilometers. Poles made of fabric or paper painted in different colors are installed in the areas. The pilot who covers the distance most quickly and spectacularly receives the main prize.

International Black Pudding Throwing Competition, UK



The competition takes place in Ramsbottom every year. The task of the combatants is to knock down Yorkshire white pudding, made from batter, with a piece of black pudding, which is one of the variants of blood sausage.

Bed Racing Championships, North East England



Bed racing began in 1965 in North Yorkshire. Previously, only Marine Corps soldiers could take part in them. But a year later, anyone could try their hand at the crazy competition. The event has become a landmark of the town, attracting a huge number of tourists year after year. Over time, this unusual entertainment has taken root in many countries around the world.

Bee competition in China



The bee competition in China is a dangerous event, in which only rare daredevils can agree to participate. The point of the competition is to attract the largest number of bees. But how to count the exact number of insects that land on a person? Everything is very simple. The measurement takes place using scales. So, one of the participants was able to attract as many as 26 kilograms of bees and, of course, he won a well-deserved victory.

Burning Barrel Carrying Competition, UK



In this crazy competition, the winner is the one who carries the burning barrel the maximum distance. Anyone can participate in this competition. Small barrels are also prepared for children, which they will be able to lift.

Snorkeling in the marsh, England



Snorkeling is another very unusual sport. Participants are required to swim through a section of water in a swamp while wearing fins, a mask and a snorkel. The distance of a trench filled with water is 110 meters. The world record today is 1 minute and 18 seconds.

Volvo Ocean Race, England



Every three years, sailors embark on a journey full of challenges. They must cover 39 thousand nautical miles under sail in 39 weeks. The Volvo Ocean Race is considered one of the most dangerous and expensive competitions.