In the quaint southern German village of Bernbeuren, a tradition unlike any other took center stage. Regardless of the risk of dislocated fingers and muscle strains, over 150 stout-hearted Bavarian men assembled to demonstrate their display of strength in the Germay’s unique yet invigorating national championship of “Fingerhakeln” or, as it is more commonly known, finger wrestling.
Filled to the brim, a vast beer tent reverberated with the raw energy of around 1,000 spectators, who rallied behind the male-only contestants engaged in this peculiar sport. The air was electrified with the melodies of live Bavarian music, with the spirit of camaraderie shared over copious amounts of national beer and the world-renowned German sausages.
The traditions ran deep as men, clad in customary attire, caught hold of their respective challengers, attempting to pull them over a table in a display of sheer strength and tactics. The stakes were high for the competitors; the goal was singular- to pull their opponent over a marked line on the table.
Originating as a means of resolving disputes, Fingerhakeln finds its roots deeply buried in Germany’s Alpine region and neighboring Austria. In each round, competitors sat opposite each other, their middle fingers entwined in a petite leather loop. Every match began with a referee’s signal, setting off a heart-stopping few seconds of battle leading to, quite often, a dislocated digit. Yet the prize was worth the pain: advancing to the next round.
“This tradition has stood the test of time, finding favor in beer houses and pubs spread across the region,” acclaimed Marie-Therese Eierstock, the maven of the Fingerhakler Gau Auerberg association. Founded back in 1961, the association proudly upheld the tradition by organizing this year’s championship.
The competitors’ roster was as diverse as one could imagine, featuring participants ranging across all ages. The younger lot was represented by a spirited 15-year-old, while a 70-year-old seasoned sportsman held the mantle for the older end, proving that the pull of Fingerhakeln knows no age boundaries.
Amidst the buzzing atmosphere, new champions emerged from the grueling competition. Luis Koegel and Thomas Hipp rose triumphant, their victory echoing through the tent, as they reveled in the acclaim from the teeming crowd.
Meanwhile, with their middle fingers ensnared within the small leather loops, competitors would stretch and warm up before an impending match. In the crowd, many a head turned, drawn towards the attire donned by the attendees and participants mimicking traditional clothing of yore.
Against this backdrop of the Alpine heartland, as another bout concluded, young eyes watched keenly, entranced, hinting at the perpetuity of this exhilarating tradition. Unperturbed by the impending risk of physical struggle, these observers intently followed each move, possibly awaiting their turn to etch their names in the annals of Fingerhakeln history.
