Latest news with #FingerhaklerSchlierachgau
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wrestling of fingers: Germany's Fingerhakeln, where fingers fight fiercely
Image credits: AP In the quiet Bavarian town of Pang, tradition and raw strength come together each year in a sport that is as fierce as it is unusual: Fingerhakeln , or finger wrestling. On April 27, 2025, around 180 men, dressed in traditional Tracht, gathered for the 64th German Finger Wrestling Championship. The rules are simple but brutal. Two competitors hook a finger into a leather loop and attempt to pull each other across a table. Each bout lasts only a few seconds but often results in dislocated fingers, open wounds, and loud cheers, all in the name of pride and regional heritage. It's more than sport, it's a battle of pain, pride, and tradition. Origin of Fingerhakeln: The painful game that became a national sport Fingerhakeln dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have started in Bavarian and Austrian inns as a way to settle arguments. What began as an informal test of strength and pain tolerance has evolved into a well-regulated sport with clubs, categories, and loyal fans. The sport is especially popular in the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria, where it holds cultural and historical significance. It has transformed from pub pastime to a symbol of Alpine masculinity. Image credits: AP How is the game played Matches take place on standardised wooden tables fitted with leather straps and padded supports. Two men sit opposite each other, usually with their middle fingers ready, and insert a finger into the loop. At the referee's signal, the match begins. Each competitor tries to pull the other across the table. Special attendants stand by to catch anyone who loses grip and flies backwards, which happens often. It's a clash of wills where milliseconds can decide victory. Technique matters While strength is essential, finger wrestling also requires speed, form, and strategy. 'How you sit, how fast you transfer power, it all matters,' says Maximilian Woelfl, a seasoned competitor. Training involves finger-strengthening exercises such as pulling cables and hoisting blocks. Precision and pain tolerance can often outweigh brute force. In this sport, finesse can often beat out raw power. What do the participants wear Participants wear Tracht, traditional leather shorts and embroidered suspenders, which gives the event a festive and cultural charm. The championship was part of the Panger Folk Festival , combining competitive sport with community celebration. With divisions for different ages and weight classes, the event attracts everyone from teenagers to senior veterans of the sport. The attire connects athletes to centuries of mountain heritage. Image credits: AP Bloody but not dangerous Despite frequent injuries, from swelling to open wounds, organisers insist the sport is not truly dangerous. 'It looks worse than it is,' says Georg Hailer, head of Germany's largest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau. 'There's blood, yes, but it's part of the game.' Germany has nine clubs dedicated to the sport, and Austria has four more, showing the sport's lasting appeal. Fingerhakeln thrives on the edge of chaos — but within bounds. The tradition rumbles on — one finger at a time. Next Stop: Mittenwald Following the Pang event, the next major competition will be the Bavarian Finger Wrestling Championship in Mittenwald later this summer. There, athletes will again test their strength and resilience in a sport that reflects both their heritage and their grit.
Korea Herald
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Bloody fingers are just part of the game in this traditional German sport
PANG, Germany (AP) — Men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risked dislocated digits Sunday as they vied for the top prize at Germany's championship in the sport of "fingerhakeln," or finger wrestling. Around 180 competitors took part in Sunday's 64th German championship in Pang, about an hour's drive southwest of Munich. It's thought that finger wrestling, popular in Germany's Alpine region and neighboring Austria, originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century. Participants on Sunday wore the traditional Bavarian dress known as tracht. Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common. Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part. Today fingerhakeln is highly organized and follows strict rules starting with exactly defined measurements for both the table and the leather loop. In Sunday's championship, there were several winners in different weight and age categories. There are nine clubs in Germany and another four in neighboring Austria, says Georg Hailer, chairman of Germany's oldest and biggest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau. "It's not dangerous at all," Hailer said. "Of course, there will be open wounds and small injuries on the fingers from time to time. It looks worse than it really is, because there's blood." It's not just brute force but skill too, said Maximilian Woelfl, a wrestler from the Bavarian town of Laufach. "There are different techniques — how do I sit at the table?" he said. "How do I transfer my power as quickly as possible to the loop? And of course you need a well-trained finger." Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger. Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will once again demand all the strength that the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bloody Fingers Are Just Part of the Game in This Traditional German Sport
Men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risked dislocated digits Sunday as they vied for the top prize at Germany's championship in the sport of fingerhakeln, or finger wrestling. Around 180 competitors took part in Sunday's 64th German championship in Pang, about an hour's drive southwest of Munich. It's thought that finger wrestling, popular in Germany's Alpine region and neighboring Austria, originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century. Participants on Sunday wore the traditional Bavarian dress known as tracht. Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common. Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part. Today fingerhakeln is highly organized and follows strict rules starting with exactly defined measurements for both the table and the leather loop. In Sunday's championship, there were several winners in different weight and age categories. There are nine clubs in Germany and another four in neighboring Austria, says Georg Hailer, chairman of Germany's oldest and biggest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau. 'It's not dangerous at all,' Hailer said. 'Of course, there will be open wounds and small injuries on the fingers from time to time. It looks worse than it really is, because there's blood.' It's not just brute force but skill too, said Maximilian Woelfl, a wrestler from the Bavarian town of Laufach. 'There are different techniques — how do I sit at the table?' he said. 'How do I transfer my power as quickly as possible to the loop? And of course you need a well-trained finger.' Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger. Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will once again demand all the strength that the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bloody fingers are just part of the game in this traditional German sport
PANG, Germany (AP) — Men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risked dislocated digits Sunday as they vied for the top prize at Germany's championship in the sport of fingerhakeln, or finger wrestling. Around 180 competitors took part in Sunday's 64th German championship in Pang, about an hour's drive southwest of Munich. It's thought that finger wrestling, popular in Germany's Alpine region and neighboring Austria, originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century. Participants on Sunday wore the traditional Bavarian dress known as tracht. Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common. Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part. Today fingerhakeln is highly organized and follows strict rules starting with exactly defined measurements for both the table and the leather loop. In Sunday's championship, there were several winners in different weight and age categories. There are nine clubs in Germany and another four in neighboring Austria, says Georg Hailer, chairman of Germany's oldest and biggest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau. 'It's not dangerous at all," Hailer said. 'Of course, there will be open wounds and small injuries on the fingers from time to time. It looks worse than it really is, because there's blood.' It's not just brute force but skill too, said Maximilian Woelfl, a wrestler from the Bavarian town of Laufach. 'There are different techniques — how do I sit at the table?" he said. "How do I transfer my power as quickly as possible to the loop? And of course you need a well-trained finger.' Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger. Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will once again demand all the strength that the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin.
Winnipeg Free Press
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bloody fingers are just part of the game in this traditional German sport
PANG, Germany (AP) — Men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risked dislocated digits Sunday as they vied for the top prize at Germany's championship in the sport of fingerhakeln, or finger wrestling. Around 180 competitors took part in Sunday's 64th German championship in Pang, about an hour's drive southwest of Munich. It's thought that finger wrestling, popular in Germany's Alpine region and neighboring Austria, originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century. Participants on Sunday wore the traditional Bavarian dress known as tracht. Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common. Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part. Today fingerhakeln is highly organized and follows strict rules starting with exactly defined measurements for both the table and the leather loop. In Sunday's championship, there were several winners in different weight and age categories. There are nine clubs in Germany and another four in neighboring Austria, says Georg Hailer, chairman of Germany's oldest and biggest club, Fingerhakler Schlierachgau. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. 'It's not dangerous at all,' Hailer said. 'Of course, there will be open wounds and small injuries on the fingers from time to time. It looks worse than it really is, because there's blood.' It's not just brute force but skill too, said Maximilian Woelfl, a wrestler from the Bavarian town of Laufach. 'There are different techniques — how do I sit at the table?' he said. 'How do I transfer my power as quickly as possible to the loop? And of course you need a well-trained finger.' Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger. Later this summer, the Bavarian championships in Mittenwald will once again demand all the strength that the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin.
