The Olympics has been a reminder of just how many sports there are out there – but one that isn’t in Paris is toe wrestling.
Like any sport, it has its greats. Ben Woodroffe, also known as “Toe-tal Destruction,” is that man to the off-the-beaten-track combat discipline. He’s won the world title three times in a row and is hoping to make that four in the upcoming Toe Wrestling Championships on August 31 in Derby.
Now, people within the sport claim efforts are underway to try and get it to the Los Angeles games in 2028. But in the meantime, there’s a lot to do.
READ MORE: Why do Olympians bite their medals? The strange reason behind the tradition
READ MORE: Team GB star Keely Hodgkinson’s life away from the track – from Man Utd star to relationship
The foundation of this game, which was first played in 1974, is firm and contestants like Ben seemingly get hooked for life. He first played 20 years ago aged 14, and has fallen in love with it more and more ever since.
(Image: Supplied)
Founded in a pub in Derbyshire, it then moved to Fenny Bentley, where Ben lives. “I was only about seven years old when I witnessed my first match and was mesmerised!” he told the Daily Star.
He realised there was a future in it for him about 10 years ago. “When I fully recognised I was getting through to every single final, it clicked. I have a future in this. We have so many sports like this in the UK and we should be celebrating these – not only is it part of our heritage now but it’s really gripping to watch. We’re expecting a big turnout this year! As the reigning champ, I’ll be looking to retain my world title for a third year running.”
As the championships loom, Ben admits that his biggest idol is also his greatest rival, Nasty Nash, real name Alan.
(Image: Supplied)
Ben said he is “my main competition but I do admire his dedication and style. He’s a natural-born toe wrestler!
“That’s what’s amazing about this sport and this country, so many different characters. Nasty Nash has come out of retirement for this year’s event and has 17 championship title wins under his socks. I’m confident though – my toes feel seriously strong after a strict regime of fortifying oat drink foot baths and toe deadlifts.
“Nasty Nash shaves his body hair so he has more friction and grip on the stage – you have to admire that kind of prep! My secret weapon is I’ve had my big toenails surgically removed – which really helps aid my dexterity and toe stamina! And that’s why they call me Toe-tal Destruction.”
(Image: Supplied)
But amid his competition with Nasty Nash, the sport itself is in rude health. Ben reckons it has gained a cult following and has fans around the world.
“Outside the UK, where it all started, Toe Wrestling takes place across the globe. From Canada and America to Pakistan, India and China. I think it’s down to the media attention it has received over the years. In the UK, we have about 20 male and 10 female ‘professional’ toe wrestlers. Worldwide, you can double that number.
(Image: Supplied)
“This is actually the first year we’re doing two events. One at Wilderness Festival in Oxford and the official Toe Wrestling World Championship in Derbyshire, where it always has been. We get people from all over the world participating – Canada, France, China, Brazil and so on!”
You can watch the championships live at the Haig bar in Derbyshire on August 31 or on the World Toe Wrestling championship’s YouTube channel.