10 Sports You Didn’t Know Were Sports

Are you tired of the same old sports? Maybe it’s time to try something new! So today, we’ll be exploring the top ten sports you didn’t even know were sports. From the unusual to the downright bizarre, we’ll look at some of the most unique and exciting activities you can compete in. Get ready to expand your horizons and discover a new world of sports!

Related: Top 10 Rarest Feats In Sports

10 Toe Wrestling

Toe wrestling is a quirky and relatively obscure sport that originated in the UK. The rules of the game are simple: Two opponents lock their toes together and try to pin their opponent’s foot to the ground. The first person to successfully pin their opponent’s foot down for three seconds wins the match.

Despite its unusual premise, toe wrestling has gained a loyal following. There are even world championships held annually in the UK, where competitors from all over the world gather to compete for the title of world champion.

One of the reasons that toe wrestling has become so popular is that it’s a sport that anyone can participate in, regardless of age or skill level. It doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training, and it’s a fun way to exercise and socialize with others.

If you’re interested in trying toe wrestling for yourself, there are plenty of local clubs and events that you can join. Just be prepared to remove your shoes and get up close and personal with your opponent’s toes!

9 Fireball Soccer

Fireball soccer (football to our non-American friends) is a thrilling and unique version of the classic sport that has gained popularity. The game is played with a large ball set on fire, adding an element of danger and excitement to the already intense game.

Players wear protective gear and must be skilled in both soccer techniques and fire safety to participate. The objective is the same as traditional soccer: to score goals by kicking the ball into the opposing team’s net.

Fireball soccer is not only a sport but also an art form. The flames from the ball create a mesmerizing display as it’s kicked and passed around the field. The game requires quick reflexes, agility, and teamwork, making it a great way to build camaraderie and sportsmanship among players.

However, safety is always a top priority in fireball soccer. Trained professionals oversee the game, and strict safety guidelines are implemented to ensure no one gets hurt. The game is played in a controlled environment, and players must follow all safety protocols to participate.

8 Goanna Pulling

Have you ever heard of goanna pulling? It’s a traditional Australian sport in which two people face each other with a heavy leather strap joining them around their necks, then they pull each other in a version of tug-of-war. The participants first lay on their bellies then raise their upper bodies. The straps are then placed around their necks. The game gets it name from the position the participants seem to mimic: that of a goanna lizard.

Goanna pulling has its origins in the 19th century to honor the game’s namesake lizard. However, the world’s first Australian National Goanna Pulling Championships were held in 1984, in the town of Wooli, New South Wales, Australia.

Goanna pulling is not only about brute strength; it’s also about strategy and technique. Players need to know how to position their body and pull to exert maximum force on their opponent. The sport is not without risks, however. Players can suffer from injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, and sometimes even fractures. That’s why safety measures are taken to ensure that the sport is played in a safe environment.

7 Stick Horse Dressage

Stick horse dressage is a surprisingly popular equestrian discipline that is gaining traction. It involves using a stick horse—you know, the kid’s toy of an imaginary horse made out of a stick with a horse’s head attached to the top—to perform dressage movements.

Stick horse dressage is not only a fun and entertaining activity but also a great way to improve balance, coordination, and overall horsemanship skills. It’s an entertaining way to learn dressage without needing a real horse.

Stick horse dressage competitions have become increasingly popular, with riders of all ages and skill levels competing in national events. The riders are judged on their ability to perform dressage movements with their stick horse, including piaffe, passage, and pirouettes, just like in real dressage competitions. The competitions are often held in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, with riders and their stick horses dressed in colorful costumes.

6 Face Slapping

Face slapping, also known as the “Russian Slap Championship,” is a unique and unconventional sport. The sport involves two opponents standing across each other, taking turns delivering powerful slaps to each other’s faces. While it may seem bizarre to some, it has become a captivating spectacle for both participants and spectators alike.

In a face-slapping match, competitors display immense physical and mental resilience. The rules are simple: Each player takes turns slapping their opponent, and the one who withstands the slaps or delivers the most powerful and accurate strikes emerges victorious. Surprisingly, this sport demands brute strength, strategy, and endurance.

The sport’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its viral presence on social media, where jaw-dropping slaps and fierce rivalries have captured the attention of millions worldwide. Beyond the entertainment factor, face slapping celebrates human resilience and the capability to endure extreme challenges.

However, as with any sport, there are concerns about safety and potential risks associated with face slapping. Protective measures and regulations must be in place to ensure the well-being of participants.

5 Buzkashi

Buzkashi is a traditional and thrilling game played in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and other parts of the world. It is also known as Kokpar, Ulak Tartysh, and Oglak Tartis. The game is played on horseback, and the objective is to grab the headless carcass of a goat or calf—this traditional aspect is sometimes replaced with a ball to symbolically represent the animal—and carry it to the other end of the field while fending off other players.

The game is famous for its rough and dangerous nature, as players often collide with each other and fall off their horses. The game requires a lot of skill, physical strength, and courage, and only the best players can excel at it.

Buzkashi is not just a game but a cultural event that brings people together and celebrates their traditions. The game is often played during festivals and special occasions, and it is a source of pride and honor for the players and their communities.

Despite its violent nature, Buzkashi is a deeply respected and cherished game in the regions where it is played. It symbolizes the resilience and strength of the people who play it and their connection to their history and culture.

4 Hot Dog Eating

Hot Dog eating competitions have become popular in the United States, with many people tuning in to watch participants scarf down as many hot dogs as possible within a set time limit. While some may find the competition entertaining, others argue it promotes unhealthy eating habits and glorifies overindulgence.

The most famous of these competitions is the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held on July 4th in Coney Island, New York. The event draws thousands of spectators and has been broadcast on national television for decades. In recent years, the competition has seen fierce competition between reigning champion Joey Chestnut and his rivals.

Despite the criticism, hot dog eating competitions have been used for charitable purposes, with some events raising money for food banks and other nonprofit organizations. While hot dog eating contests may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they remain a unique and entertaining part of American culture.

3 Zorbing

Zorbing is a unique and exciting sport involving rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball. The ball is made of transparent plastic, which adds to the fun as you can see the world around you as you roll. Zorbing is a fun activity for all ages and is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Zorbing can be done solo or with friends, and there are different variations of the sport to try, including zorb soccer. Hydro zorb is the most common type of zorbing, which involves adding water to the ball to create a slippery ride. This is perfect for hot summer days and adds a new level of excitement to the experience.

Zorbing can also be done on snow, known as snow zorbing. This great winter activity provides a unique way to experience the snow-covered hills. The ball is specially designed for snow conditions and can reach high speeds.

Safety is a top priority in zorbing, and participants should always wear a harness and helmet. It is also important to zorb in designated areas and under the supervision of trained professionals.

2 Cycleball

Cycleball is a unique sport that combines elements of cycling and football. It is played on a basketball court-sized field with two teams of two riders each. The game’s objective is to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using only the bike’s wheels.

One of the most challenging aspects of cycleball is the need for precise control and balance. Players must be able to maneuver their bikes with agility while keeping their eyes on the ball and anticipating the movements of their opponents.

Cycleball is a highly competitive sport that demands quick reflexes, sharp spatial awareness, and the ability to think strategically. It requires a great deal of physical fitness and mental focus, making it a great way to stay in shape and improve cognitive skills.

1 Ferret Legging

Ferret legging is a sport in which participants race ferrets through various obstacles. The sport is said to have originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1900s, and it has since become popular in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.

In ferret legging, participants wear a pair of tights or leggings and then insert a ferret into each leg. The ferrets are then released and race to the finish line. The first participant to cross the finish line with both ferrets wins the race.

Ferret legging is a relatively safe sport, but it has some risks. For example, ferrets can bite or scratch participants, and they can also escape from their leggings and run away. Participants and ferrets can also be injured if the participant falls while running.