World Toe Wrestling Championship

What to expect

In 2026 the championship moved into the Market Place in Ashbourne, with bouts held on a small stage known as the 'Toedium'. Two competitors sit facing each other, lock big toes and try to pin their opponent's foot, a little like arm wrestling for feet. Bouts are usually best of three, switching feet between rounds. The listing describes elite wrestlers competing for prize money, alongside first-timers, in a lively festival atmosphere. Expect commentary, cheering crowds and plenty of grimacing, along with food and drink in the town centre.

The story behind it

Toe wrestling was invented in the 1970s in the Staffordshire and Derbyshire area by regulars at a pub who wanted a sport that Britain could win. The idea stuck, and the championship has become one of the best-known quirky sporting events in the country, held for many years at a pub near Ashbourne before moving into the town itself. In 2026 the event celebrated more than 50 years of the sport, and some of its champions have become minor celebrities, with nicknames to match.

Getting there and home

Ashbourne has no railway station. Derby is the most practical rail gateway, with buses running on to Ashbourne; check the timetable for evening returns. Driving is easiest, with town centre car parks within walking distance of the Market Place, though they fill up on event days. Ashbourne has a good selection of pubs and B&Bs, and the surrounding Peak District villages offer more options.

Watching, taking part and tips

Spectators are welcome, and the event is open to competitors too, so you can watch or have a go. Feet are inspected before bouts, so make sure yours are clean and nails trimmed if you plan to enter. It is a light-hearted event that suits families. Arrive early for a good view of the stage, and bring sun cream or a waterproof depending on the weather. Ashbourne's cafés and shops make it easy to spend the whole day.

Where to watch

The rulebook gives you plenty to watch beyond the locked toes. Competitors must keep their hands flat and their non-competing foot raised; corner referees keep an eye on positions while the head referee runs the round. The round is won the moment a competing foot touches the upright stanchion. So a bout can turn in an instant, and what looks like a pause may be about position rather than exhaustion. Listen for the referee's start and for anyone conceding, and leave disputed finishes to the officials. Knowing where the pin happens also helps you pick a spot: find a clear view of the platform without leaning into the competitors' space. Explain the aim to children before the bout, then let the commentary and officials tell you what's actually happened.

Taking part

The competition page currently offers a contender questionnaire and a route to future championship applications. Think of it as an invitation to get in touch, not a sign you can stroll up and enter the next event on the day. Find out the next competition date, eligibility and how to apply before building plans around taking part. The full rulebook includes a check by the Toe Inspector, limits on tape and requirements for nails and skin condition, so read it before deciding to compete and ask the organisers about anything that might keep you out. Spectators need up-to-date information too: the page mentioning free entry is clearly headed as the 2026 championship. Treat that as last time's offer, separate from future arrangements, including where the viewing area will be and whether you need to book.

Make a day of it nearby

If you're staying in Ashbourne, Ilam Park and the Children's Country House at Sudbury are two attractions worth a look. The National Trust describes Ilam as a base for the White Peak, with walks, the River Manifold, an Italian Garden and a tea room. Sudbury is quite different: a historic hall, a Museum of Childhood and a garden, brought to life through activities and stories for all ages. Choose Ilam if your group wants to be outdoors, or Sudbury if the house and museum appeal. Check each property's opening calendar and booking information, as an event weekend doesn't mean everything's open. Both deserve proper time, so give one a good part of another day rather than squeezing a country house into a gap between bouts.

Accessibility and families

For a trip to Ilam or Dovedale, read the National Trust's access information alongside the map. It warns of uneven paths, steps and stiles, and points to designated parking and a RADAR-key Changing Place at Ilam Park. Those facilities don't make every route accessible, so work out which path and entrance suit your group. The Trust also asks drivers to keep roads and farm access clear, and notes that parking tickets can't be transferred between its Ilam and Dovedale car parks. Decide which one you're visiting before you set off, rather than hoping one car park will do for the other. If you're heading for a countryside walk after the championship, bring walking shoes as well as whatever you're wearing around town. Pick a route with an obvious turning point to keep the day manageable, especially with a journey home still ahead.

Questions people ask

Where it is

Map pin shows the approximate area where the event happens. Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Go straight to the source

Independent research. The organiser’s own information always wins — we have not visited or tested the journeys.

• Visit Peak District event listing ↗
• Wikipedia: Toe wrestling ↗
• Toe Wrestling Championship: official rules ↗
• Organiser: future competition applications ↗
• Organiser: explicitly past 2026 event ↗
• National Trust: Ilam Park and Dovedale ↗
• National Trust: Children’s Country House at Sudbury ↗