The Super Bowl is competition at its finest. Finely-tuned athletic machines go all out in a winner-take-all showdown for the world's most prestigious sports title. While you may never play in a Super Bowl, there is still hope for some of us average Joes to become champions at something (other than a science fair). Here are some competitions you may be interested to know about:
Rock-Paper-Scissors - One of the most important games ever invented, rock-paper-scissors has numerous uses in American culture. It's a game seemingly based on luck, but is there any skill to it? Apparently somebody thinks so, because starting in 2002, the World Rock Paper Scissors Society (WRPS) standardized a set of rules and starting sponsoring competitions with monetary prizes. The USA Rock Paper Scissors League (USARPS) holds an annual tournament where the winner pockets $50,000.
Cheese Rolling - The Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake held annually in Gloucester, England, brings in enthusiasts from around the world to participate in this 200-year-old tradition. There are five rollings during the day of the event, where a round of cheese is rolled down from the top of Cooper's Hill. Participants will then race down the hill, where the first person to reach the bottom of the hill wins the cheese. Several ambulances are always on hand, as each year there are around a dozen casualties from falling down the hill (or from the rolling cheese, which can reach speeds of up to 70 mph).
Wife Carrying - This "sport," which originated in Finland, requires a male competitor to carry a female competitor either piggyback style, fireman's style (over the shoulder) or Estonian-style (see picture) through an obstacle course in the fastest time. According to the rules set by the International Wife Carrying Competition Rules Committee, the track must be 253.5 meters long and have two dry obstacles and a water obstacle. Couples are penalized by 15 seconds if the wife is dropped. Each year the world championship is in Finland, but there is an annual North American championship in Maine. Interesting note: Dennis Rodman participated in the 2005 Wife Carrying World Championship.
Shin Kicking - Kick your opponent in the shins until they can't stand up anymore. No elaboration necessary.
Extreme Ironing - The latest attraction in the "extreme" fad of the past few years, extreme ironing involves people ironing a few articles of clothing under extreme circumstances, such as on the cliff of a mountain, while riding in a canoe, while skiing or snowboarding, on top of a statue, in the middle of the street or even while parachuting.
Tug of War - Believe it or not, this used be an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1920. The contest would be between two teams of eight, with the winning team being the first one to pull the other team six feet. In fact, Constantin Henriquez de Zubiera, the first African to compete in and win an Olympic medal, was a member of France's 1900 tug of war team. The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) organizes World Championships for nation teams, for both indoor and outdoor contests, and a similar competition for club teams.
Guitar Hero National Championship - The ultimate procrastination tool, Guitar Hero has rocked the minds of video gamers since it was first introduced in 2005. Last year, Twin Galaxies and Too Many Games, two gaming companies, teamed up to host the first ever Guitar Hero National Championship. The tournament, held in Wyomissing, Penn., drew Guitar Hero players from across the country. Also in the past year, many smaller guitar hero tournaments have spawned at local bars and venues. In Baltimore, Guitar Hero competitions are held at various times throughout the year, such as at the Ottobar.
The World Series of Beer Pong - You've probably heard of the World Series and the World Series of Poker. And you've more than likely heard of beer pong. Now you can add the World Series of Beer Pong to the list. According to BPONG.com, the World Series of Beer Pong is the largest, longest-running organized beer pong (a.k.a. Beirut) tournament in the world. Last year's event drew nearly 600 participants from 39 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces, offering the largest payout in beer pong history of $50,000. Entrants can either buy into the tournament or enter by winning one of many satellite tournaments.
