The Competitive Sport of Face Contorting

Gurning is a centuries-old tradition where people contort their faces into bizarre expressions by pulling their bottom lip over their nose. This strange display is actually a serious sport with championship titles.

Originating in rural England, this peculiar practice requires participants to hook their lower jaw forward while covering their upper lip. The World Gurning Championship has been held annually since the 13th century at a local fair. Winners are often those who can hold the most grotesque or unrecognizable face for the longest duration. It serves as a fascinating example of how eccentric local customs can evolve into organized competitive events.