What Does It Take to Win Toe Wrestling Championships?

What are you personally good at? Is it swimming, drawing, painting, or singing? Would you say you are good enough to be called a champion at something? There are plenty of people that can actually be referred to as champions. Although this is mostly related to sports, the title can be given to a variety of industries as well. This man shows you why. Meet Alan “Nasty” Nash, the man who is behind the first place in toe wrestling championships. Find out what it takes to become a champion!

What Is Toe Wrestling?

Toe wrestling is a sport similar in concept to arm wrestling, but it involves the use of feet rather than arms. Contestants stand on a specially constructed podium, often humorously referred to as a “toedium,” with walls on either side. The objective is simple: to push the opponent’s foot or toe against the wall, and the first to achieve this wins the round. Matches are typically the best of three.

This quirky sport had its beginnings in a pub in Wetton, Derbyshire, in 1974. The sport was born out of a desire to give the country a chance at success in sports. Additionally, they considered themselves inept in traditional athletics. Over a couple of pints, a group of individuals decided to start a local sport they might excel in, and thus, toe wrestling was born. The tradition continues with the World Toe Wrestling Championships. They have been a source of both amusement and serious competition for enthusiasts to this day.

Meet Alan “Nasty” Nash, the Toe Wrestling Champion

At the age of 14, Alan stumbled upon the peculiar world of toe wrestling, and from that moment, he knew he was destined to become world champion. However, it wasn’t an easy journey. It involved broken toes, blood, copious amounts of sweat, and even a few tears. Moreover, 21 years later, at the age of 35, his determination paid off as he managed to unseat the reigning 17-time champion and rightfully claim their spot at the top of the toe wrestling world. Ben Woodroffe is now the world No. 1 in toe wrestling after competing for 21 years and defeating his good friend Alan “Nasty” Nash, a 17-time winner. However, his achievement came after enduring years of hard work and perseverance in the sport.

What Did Alan “Nasty” Nash Do to Win?

Alan told the Guardian: “Being a toe wrestler does have its downsides. It can be very painful, toes can break, and you can get blisters and sore knees. As with any contact sport, you have to be careful of hygiene, too. There can be fungal infections, verrucas, or warts.”

“Four years ago, to get a competitive advantage, I got my big toenail surgically removed.”

Yes, you just read that right. Alan did in fact remove his two big toenails so that he could participate in toe wrestling championships with an advantage. He then added: “It would dig in when competing and was a hindrance, so it was time for it to go. Things were a lot easier after that. My friends call me ‘Toe-tal Destruction’.“

Would you be willing to give the toe wrestling a chance? Or are you better off only watching other people do it? Let us know in the comments below!

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