Originating in Savonlinna, Finland, in 2000, the Mobile Phone Throwing Championships draw participants from all over to fling their phones across the Finnish countryside. The contest has even gained popularity in the United States as an annual global sport. While the event usually takes place in August in Finland, other countries schedule it to coincide with other festivities. For example, in Spain, the contest is part of the lively Carnival festivities in Tarragona, typically held in February or March. Competing is simple: throw your phone as far as you can using various techniques, such as traditional over-the-shoulder throws or innovative freestyle methods. Teams, consisting of a maximum of 3 members each compete. Additional points are awarded for inventive choreography, with the usual prizes including a new mobile phone and trips to the World Championships in Savonlinna. What sets this event apart extends beyond mere sports. The Mobile Phone Throwing Championships epitomize Finland’s unique culture, blending innovation with a playful spirit. In a nation recognized for its technological advancements, the act of discarding phones in favor of physical activity offers a refreshing departure from the digital realm.
