Sports… But Not As You Know Them

When you think of sports, soccer, basketball, or tennis might come to mind. But around the world, people have created some truly bizarre and wildly entertaining games. These activities may seem strange to outsiders, but for the people who play them, they’re serious business—or at least serious fun!

Let’s take a trip around the globe to explore some of the strangest sports played around the world that you might not believe actually exist.

1. Cheese Rolling (England)

Every spring, hundreds gather at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the annual Cheese Rolling event. The rules are simple: a round of Double Gloucester cheese is sent rolling down a steep hill, and competitors chase after it at breakneck speed. The first person to cross the finish line at the bottom wins the cheese. Injuries are common, but the thrill keeps people coming back year after year.

2. Underwater Hockey (Worldwide)

Also known as Octopush, underwater hockey is played at the bottom of a swimming pool. Two teams use small sticks to push a puck into the opposing goal—all while holding their breath and diving for the puck. The sport is surprisingly popular in countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa.

3. Wife Carrying (Finland/Worldwide)

Yes, you read that right. Originating in Finland, this incredibly popular sport involves male competitors carrying their female partners (who don’t necessarily have to be their wives!) through an obstacle course. The reward? The wife’s weight in beer! It’s a true test of strength, endurance, and, perhaps, the strength of a relationship. The World Championships are held annually in Sonkajärvi, Finland, attracting teams from all over.

4. Frog Jumping (USA)

In California, the Calaveras County Fair hosts a frog-jumping contest inspired by a Mark Twain story. Frogs are placed on a launch pad and encouraged to hop as far as they can. The current record? Over 21 feet in three jumps. That’s one mighty leap for a little frog.

5. Camel Wrestling (Turkey)

In Turkey, camels don’t just walk—they wrestle. Male camels are brought together during mating season when they’re naturally aggressive. The goal? To pin the opponent or make him retreat. There are rules to keep the animals safe, and the events are celebrated with music and food.

6. Toe Wrestling (England)

Forget arm wrestling. In this odd British sport, opponents lock toes and try to force each other’s foot to the ground. There’s even a World Toe Wrestling Championship. Hygiene checks are strict—you can imagine why.

7. Sepak Takraw (Southeast Asia)

Imagine volleyball, but with no hands allowed. Instead, players use their feet, head, and chest to keep a rattan ball in play. It’s incredibly fast-paced and requires martial arts-level agility. While popular in Thailand and Malaysia, it’s still little-known in the West.

8. Buzkashi (Afghanistan & Central Asia)

This intense and chaotic sport is like polo—except instead of a ball, players fight over a goat carcass. Yes, you read that correctly. Horse-mounted players wrestle and carry the carcass to a scoring zone. It’s deeply traditional and symbolic in Afghan culture.

Why Do These Sports Matter?

They may sound bizarre, but these sports celebrate creativity, culture, and community. They bring people together to have fun, challenge themselves, and keep traditions alive. And let’s be honest—they’re way more entertaining than a regular football match!

What Do You Think?

• Which of these strange sports surprised you the most?
• Would you try any of them yourself?
• Do you know of a weird sport we missed?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

“Want to discover more fun sports facts? Check out our BeClever app—available now on both iOS and Android.