Florida Man Games

Last updated

Florida Man Games
Date(s)February 24, 2024
FrequencyAnnually
Location(s) St Augustine, Florida
FounderPete Melfi
Website thefloridamangames.com

The Florida Man Games is an athletic event which parodies the "Florida Man" internet phenomenon. Intended by its founder Pete Melfi to be a future annual event, the inaugural Florida Man Games took place on February 24, 2024 at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, gaining significant national media coverage.

Contents

Origin

The event is organized by Pete Melfi, who runs the local media outlet The 904 Now. [1] Melfi had already organized a half-kilometer beer run in 2023. [2] He has stated that he came up with the various events in the Games by "reverse-engineer[ing] years of ‘Florida man’ headlines." [3] He has also said that he was told to tone down some parts of the Florida Man idea in order to receive a permit for the event, stating that "the city frowned on it when I asked for drugs and nudity." [1]

2024 games

The inaugural 2024 Florida Man Games were first announced in October 2023, touted as "the most insane athletic showdown on Earth" by organizers. [4] Two former stars of American Gladiators, Dan "Nitro" Clark and Lori "Ice" Fetrick, agreed to serve as referees, [5] and organizers stated that athleticism was not required for competitors to enter. [4] Ripley's Believe It or Not! were initially billed to be sponsoring the games. [5]

The event took place on Saturday, February 24 at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, with spectators paying $45 [1] or $55 per ticket. [2] It was sponsored by Florida apparel company FloGrown, [1] as well as a car dealership and a gym. [2] It benefitted the Jimmy Jam Community Outreach nonprofit. [6]

Competitors formed sixteen teams in which they would compete, [5] each making up exaggerated personas to gain supporters. Team names included the Red Eyed Gator Huggers, the Cooter Commandos, and Hanky Spanky. [2] In the run-up to the event, teams posted on Facebook, including one team chugging Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and jogging in jean shorts and mirrored sunglasses. [1] The games were introduced with "The Star-Spangled Banner" played on an electric guitar. [1] Team Hanky Spanky received the championship belt for the 2024 Games, [6] as well as $5,000. [2]

Events

2025 games

Organizers accepted video applications for the 2025 Florida Man Games until September 2024. Requirements were added for teams, including the requirement of at least one woman per team. A "scouting combine" is to be held on 17 November 2024, hosted by wrestler Sam Shaw at Hatchet Pro Wrestling. [8]

Reception

Jeremy Clarkson compared the games to British game show It's a Knockout ., humorously proposing the Henley Man Games, Ascot Man Games, and Cheltenham Man Games Gold Cup. [9]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Bynum, Russ (February 24, 2024). "At the Florida Man Games, big crowds cheer competitors evading police and wrestling over beer". AP News. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Mazzei, Patricia (February 25, 2024). "In on the Joke at the First-Ever Florida Man Games". The New York Times. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Goddard, Jacqui (February 26, 2024). "What I saw at the Florida Man Games, where sanity is optional". The Times . Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Beer-belly wrestling and 'mud duel' to feature in first 'Florida man' games". Sky News. October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 Johnson, Arianna. "The 'Florida Man Games': Meme Comes To Life In New Competition". Forbes. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Crowley, Kinsey. "Florida Man Games: See photos of the wacky competitions inspired by the headlines". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  7. Wu, Daniel (November 2, 2023). "Which Florida Man best embodies the state's spirit? A new contest will decide". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  8. Norman, Lianna; Neely, Samantha. "Gator-throw competitors listen up! Florida Man Games 2025 having tryouts. Here's when, where". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  9. Clarkson, Jeremy (March 3, 2024). "Jeremy Clarkson: My Ascot Man Games will fall at the first fence". The Times . Retrieved November 16, 2024.