The world is full of wacky people, and sometimes they can come up with some pretty bizzare, extreme, and amusing ways to stoke the competitive flame. Take a trip around the world with us to explore The World's 12 Strangest Sports.
1. The Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake - England
This small regional event in Gloucester, England has gained international notoriety for it's high speed, intensity, and number of injuries. The rules are simple: chase the round of cheese down the hill and the first person to the bottom wins.
2. Wife Carrying - Finland
This Finnish sport gives a whole other meaning to the term "the old ball and chain". In teams of 2 (male carries the female) competitors race to see who can finish (no pun intended) an obstacle course. Dropping wife is not recommended.
3. Bo-Taoshi - Japan
Think Jenga, Capture the Flag, and Battle Royale. This Japanese sport pits 2 teams of 75 players against one another in an epic fight to bring down the other team's pole.
4. Camel Jumping - Yemen
This ancient sport has seen a rebirth as the professional camel jumpers of the Zaraniq tribe in western Yemen use their speed, strength, and explosiveness to sail over as many camels as possible. This sport is still pending PETA approval.
5. Toe Wrestling - England
Just like it's sister (and less stinky) sport arm wrestling, toe wrestling involves two opponents locking their feet and attempting to pin the other's foot down. There's no surprise that this sport was started in a pub by 4 drinking buddies.
6. Chess Boxing - International
Take a game that involves lot's of thinking and combine it with a sport that often leads to head trauma; introducing Chess Boxing! Competitors fight in alternating rounds of chess and boxing.
7. Underwater Hockey - England
Participants hold their breath as they maneuver a puck along the bottom of a pool into the opposing team's goal.
8. Man VS. Horse Marathon - Wales
This annual 22 mile race pits man against beast; and yes the horse usually wins. But out of the 35 races ever held, 2 humans have managed to outrun their 4 legged competition.
9. Shin Kicking - England
In contributing 4 sports to this list, England has proven to be a hotbed for strange sports, and Shin Kicking is no exception. Just as the name suggests, competitors face off and proceed to kick the s*** out of one another's shins and force their opponent to the ground.
10. Buzkashi - Afghanistan
Literally translated to "goat dragging" this sport is not for the faint of heart. Teams of riders attempt to drag the carcass of a dead goat to a goal. Whips are added to make things a little more nasty.
11. Quidditch - Hogwarts
While riding broomsticks teams "fly" around attempting to throw balls into the other teams hoops. Wizardry and sorcery is optional.
12. Extreme Ironing - International
Because ironing your clothes like a normal person just won't do. Touted as "the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt." Extreme Ironing is all about pushing the envelope and and having a well ironed shirt.