Wife Carrying World Championships Every year since 1992, the small town of Sonkajärvi, Finland, has hosted one of the world’s quirkiest and most entertaining competitions — the Wife Carrying World Championships. What started as a lighthearted local event has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting competitors from around the world eager to test their strength, strategy, and sense of humor.
The premise is simple but hilarious: male competitors race through an obstacle course while carrying a female teammate — traditionally their wife, but she can also be a friend or partner. The twist? The prize for the champion isn’t cash or medals, but the wife’s weight in beer. Yes, you read that right. The heavier she is, the bigger the reward.
The course is no walk in the park either. It stretches 253.5 meters and includes sand traps, water hazards, and various physical challenges. Couples must choose from several carrying styles, including the classic piggyback, the fireman’s lift, or the increasingly popular “Estonian carry,” where the wife hangs upside down on the husband’s back, legs over his shoulders and arms wrapped around his waist.
While the event is full of laughs and fun, it’s taken surprisingly seriously. Teams train year-round, and there are qualifying events in other countries like the United States, the UK, and Australia. Spectators come for the spectacle but stay for the joy, community spirit, and undeniable originality of the event.
The competition’s origin story adds to its charm. It’s loosely inspired by the 19th-century legend of local bandit Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen, who supposedly tested the strength of his gang by making them carry heavy sacks — or women — on their backs through forests.
In a world full of conventional sports, the Wife Carrying World Championships stand out as a celebration of love, laughter, and beer-fueled glory. So if you think you’ve got what it takes — strength, stamina, and a partner with a sense of humor — Sonkajärvi might just be your next sporting destination. Wife Carrying World Championships
