East Anglia: Thumb Wrestling Championships

Where: Norwich (see Helpful Hints), formerly at Beccles, Suffolk at The Locks Inn on Locks Lane at Geldeston, Beccles and Lowestoft)
When: Saturday in September (Formerly 1st Saturday in August)
Time: 12 noon

 

The noble art of Thumb Wrestling is a highlight in Suffolk’s calendar and attracts entrants from far and wide. Each round is fought between a pair of combatants who clasp their hands together and then try to pin down their opponents digit on the base of the ring long enough to recite ” 1-2-3-4 I-Win-a-Thumb-War!” with 3 tries per pair on a best of 3 basis. The victor of the round will then progress through further heats until the final. Thumb decoration is actively encouraged and competitors choose an appropriate name for the event. Thumb wrestling is believed to originate in the UK and as it requires no bulky specialist equipment it’s ideal for a pub setting. It’s a growing sport and great fun – and anyone can take part, with classes for ladies, children and men. Winners get a hamper of goodies as well as the coveted trophy and the honour of being champion.

Helpful Hints

The last competition was held in 2019- it was a week earlier than usual at the end of July and 2020 & 2021 were cancelled. In 2023 it should have been on Saturday 2nd September- location in Norwich and other details were yet to be announced by the due date so I’m assuming it didn’t go ahead (these announcements are made very near to the event date but usually in advance). Future location and dates are yet to be confirmed.

Participants must register before 12pm. The excellent event website (see link below) gives details of all the rules, history and more.

Click here for the event website: http://www.thumbwrestling.co.uk/

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WorldThumbWrestling/

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